Ben Lilliston
@benlilliston.bsky.social
Tracking the intersection of trade, climate and farm policy. @iatp.bsky.social
Will be interesting to see if anything comes of this - including whether they take any action against top inauguration donor (and frequent lawbreaker) JBS. Particularly after Trump Admin's SEC just approved JBS for NYSE, positioning the company for new investors.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/b...
As Beef Prices Remain High, Trump Calls for Inquiry Into Meatpackers
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Will be interesting to see if anything comes of this - including whether they take any action against top inauguration donor (and frequent lawbreaker) JBS. Particularly after Trump Admin's SEC just approved JBS for NYSE, positioning the company for new investors.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/b...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
V pleased to have hosted the Family Farm Defender's podcast: Feeding the World? Or just the world's CAFOs? The State of Agricultural Trade conversation with Karen Hansen-Kuhn & Jim Goodman
Family Farm Defenders Podcast | Family Farm Defenders
The purpose of our podcast series is to uplift the voices of our members and allies who are on the front lines of the struggles for a fair, just, and resilient agriculture system rooted in food…
familyfarmers.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
V pleased to have hosted the Family Farm Defender's podcast: Feeding the World? Or just the world's CAFOs? The State of Agricultural Trade conversation with Karen Hansen-Kuhn & Jim Goodman
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
The Senate’s deal to reopen the government has a number of problems that will hurt farmers and rural communities. The Senate attaches a 12-month Farm Bill extension to the deal, setting up the possibility for more chaos a year from now. 🧵
If I’m reading the senate deal correctly, they’re planning to get rid of payment limits on USDA conservation programs like EQIP.
When thousands of farmers get turned away from EQIP each year, this change would funnel even more federal money to the biggest farms while turning away small farms.
When thousands of farmers get turned away from EQIP each year, this change would funnel even more federal money to the biggest farms while turning away small farms.
November 10, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The Senate’s deal to reopen the government has a number of problems that will hurt farmers and rural communities. The Senate attaches a 12-month Farm Bill extension to the deal, setting up the possibility for more chaos a year from now. 🧵
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Brazilian meat giant JBS just settled a false advertising lawsuit with the NYAG for a million dollars. It's a small win, but it shines a light on the pervasiveness of greenwashing by the meat industry, which will only get worse at COP30.
My latest @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
My latest @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
The Meat Advertising Case That Should Be Talked About at COP30
JBS’s false advertising settlement comes as Big Ag prepares to spread propaganda at the U.N. climate conference.
newrepublic.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Brazilian meat giant JBS just settled a false advertising lawsuit with the NYAG for a million dollars. It's a small win, but it shines a light on the pervasiveness of greenwashing by the meat industry, which will only get worse at COP30.
My latest @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
My latest @newrepublic.com
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
Trump cut a deal w China, trade aid bailout coming, maybe tariffs come down - so the ag economy will be ok?
Here, I write about how the ag econ was already broken. A return to normal means the loss of more farmers, more bailouts, agbiz control & export vulnerability.
www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
Here, I write about how the ag econ was already broken. A return to normal means the loss of more farmers, more bailouts, agbiz control & export vulnerability.
www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
Beyond soybeans and China, the U.S. farm economy is broken
The plight of U.S. soybean farmers and lost exports to China has splashed across headlines this fall. Trump administration trade chaos has exposed deeper problems with an export-focused agriculture ec...
www.iatp.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Trump cut a deal w China, trade aid bailout coming, maybe tariffs come down - so the ag economy will be ok?
Here, I write about how the ag econ was already broken. A return to normal means the loss of more farmers, more bailouts, agbiz control & export vulnerability.
www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
Here, I write about how the ag econ was already broken. A return to normal means the loss of more farmers, more bailouts, agbiz control & export vulnerability.
www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
Important to understand re Trump's claims on China deal. The ag portion specifics on purchase promises have yet to be confirmed by China. They still have a 13% tariff on US soybeans. Brazil soybeans are cheaper. So, they will still be buying from Brazil.
1/ Today's Farm Policy News Summary covers how "#China will suspend retaliatory #tariffs on U.S. imports, including duties on farm goods ... Beijing confirmed on Wednesday, but imports of U.S. #soybeans still face a 13% tariff."
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
China Buys Brazil Soy as US Crop Still Faces 13% Tariff - Farm Policy News
China will suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including duties on farm goods, after last week's meeting of the two countries' leaders, Beijing confirmed on Wednesday, but imports of U.S. soy...
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu
November 5, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Important to understand re Trump's claims on China deal. The ag portion specifics on purchase promises have yet to be confirmed by China. They still have a 13% tariff on US soybeans. Brazil soybeans are cheaper. So, they will still be buying from Brazil.
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
"Through a self-inflicted, perfect storm of damaging actions, the Trump administration has exposed the vulnerabilities of a fragile agriculture economy, highly dependent on exports of a few crops and reliant on immigrant labor." Our latest from @benlilliston.bsky.social: www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
Beyond soybeans and China, the U.S. farm economy is broken
The plight of U.S. soybean farmers and lost exports to China has splashed across headlines this fall. Trump administration trade chaos has exposed deeper problems with an export-focused agriculture ec...
www.iatp.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 PM
"Through a self-inflicted, perfect storm of damaging actions, the Trump administration has exposed the vulnerabilities of a fragile agriculture economy, highly dependent on exports of a few crops and reliant on immigrant labor." Our latest from @benlilliston.bsky.social: www.iatp.org/beyond-soybe...
The shutdown, combined with loss of USDA staff under Sec Rollins, is making it hard for farmers to plan for next year. Tariff and trade uncertainty + no Farm Bill making it even harder.
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard | The Daily Yonder
For Wendy Johnson, a livestock and organic grain farmer in Charles City, Iowa, October is usually the time she visits her local Natural Resources
dailyyonder.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The shutdown, combined with loss of USDA staff under Sec Rollins, is making it hard for farmers to plan for next year. Tariff and trade uncertainty + no Farm Bill making it even harder.
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
“We have this whole farm policy system that is built on overproduction of just a few crops. That system that depends so much on exports is really fragile... It has very little resilience built in.”
civileats.com/2025/11/04/f...
civileats.com/2025/11/04/f...
Farmers Struggle With Tariffs, Despite China Deal to Buy US Soybeans
While the Supreme Court considers the legality of Trump’s tariffs, the economy in farm country is faltering.
civileats.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:36 PM
“We have this whole farm policy system that is built on overproduction of just a few crops. That system that depends so much on exports is really fragile... It has very little resilience built in.”
civileats.com/2025/11/04/f...
civileats.com/2025/11/04/f...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Farmers face shaky markets, not knowing when or to what extent other countries might retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, the trade war has raised the overall cost of farming. buff.ly/mvbPhNT
November 5, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Farmers face shaky markets, not knowing when or to what extent other countries might retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, the trade war has raised the overall cost of farming. buff.ly/mvbPhNT
Good news from the NY AG. Global meat giant JBS settled a case involving their net zero claims, agreeing to pay $1.1 million and stop claiming they will reach net zero by 2040 without a plan. Corporate accountability can take time - 🧵 ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
Attorney General James Secures $1.1 Million for Climate-Smart Agriculture from World’s Largest Beef Producer
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a $1.1 million settlement with JBS USA Food Company and JBS USA Food Company Holdings (JBS
ag.ny.gov
November 4, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Good news from the NY AG. Global meat giant JBS settled a case involving their net zero claims, agreeing to pay $1.1 million and stop claiming they will reach net zero by 2040 without a plan. Corporate accountability can take time - 🧵 ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Some good news for once! JBS, the world's biggest meat company and one of agriculture's biggest methane emitters, has settled a false advertising lawsuit for $1.1 million from @newyorkstateag.bsky.social for making false claims about producing "net zero" beef.
ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
Attorney General James Secures $1.1 Million for Climate-Smart Agriculture from World’s Largest Beef Producer
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a $1.1 million settlement with JBS USA Food Company and JBS USA Food Company Holdings (JBS
ag.ny.gov
November 3, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Some good news for once! JBS, the world's biggest meat company and one of agriculture's biggest methane emitters, has settled a false advertising lawsuit for $1.1 million from @newyorkstateag.bsky.social for making false claims about producing "net zero" beef.
ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
ag.ny.gov/press-releas...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Carbon markets are a false solution. Read the statement by 55 Latin American and Caribbean movements and groups, denouncing 80+ examples of land deals used to produce carbon credits, fuelling land grabs and the destruction of local food systems. grain.org/e/7322 @mst.org.br @gfc-forest.bsky.social
Latin American and Caribbean social organisations denounce carbon markets ahead of COP30
The groups say carbon markets are part of a larger carbon colonialism in which war is one of the main contemporary factors deepening the climate, ecological and social crises.
grain.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Carbon markets are a false solution. Read the statement by 55 Latin American and Caribbean movements and groups, denouncing 80+ examples of land deals used to produce carbon credits, fuelling land grabs and the destruction of local food systems. grain.org/e/7322 @mst.org.br @gfc-forest.bsky.social
“Ten percent is not nothing and it’s effectively made China 10 percent cheaper for all of our customers.”
The incompetence out in the open. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/b...
The incompetence out in the open. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/b...
Will Trump’s Tariff Deal Tilt the Playing Field Back Toward China?
www.nytimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:34 PM
“Ten percent is not nothing and it’s effectively made China 10 percent cheaper for all of our customers.”
The incompetence out in the open. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/b...
The incompetence out in the open. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/b...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
NEW: Federal food aid has lapsed for the first time in the program’s history.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
Nearly 42 million Americans lose their food stamp benefits
The lapse in benefits could be temporary if the Trump administration complies with a recent court order requiring them to use emergency money to fund SNAP.
www.politico.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:14 PM
NEW: Federal food aid has lapsed for the first time in the program’s history.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
And it’s not just SNAP, other federal programs that help low-income families put food on the table are also running out of funds as the government shutdown drags on.
With Grace Yarrow for
@politico.com.
Impressive. Heard Taco Johns is doing the same. Wonder how Wal-Mart is stepping up. www.startribune.com/these-restau...
These restaurants are offering free food with SNAP benefits in limbo
Local businesses fill the gap as thousands of Minnesotans are set to lose access to benefits.
www.startribune.com
November 1, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Impressive. Heard Taco Johns is doing the same. Wonder how Wal-Mart is stepping up. www.startribune.com/these-restau...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is currently under review, opening an opportunity to improve the trade agreement to increase fairness and transparency. IATP, WORC & @familyfarmco.bsky.social submitted joint comments to USTR with three broad recommendations: www.iatp.org/calling-for-...
Calling for changes in USMCA to build fair and resilient rural economies
In the midst of a lot of chaotic pronouncements about trade and tariffs, it has been hard to know how to weigh in on the trade policies we need. The current review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement ...
www.iatp.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is currently under review, opening an opportunity to improve the trade agreement to increase fairness and transparency. IATP, WORC & @familyfarmco.bsky.social submitted joint comments to USTR with three broad recommendations: www.iatp.org/calling-for-...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
not at all -- SNAP is used by voters of both parties.
In districts that voted primarily Kamala in 2024, an average of 13% of households had used SNAP the prior year. For Republican districts, it was 11%.
my story from the summer:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
In districts that voted primarily Kamala in 2024, an average of 13% of households had used SNAP the prior year. For Republican districts, it was 11%.
my story from the summer:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
October 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
not at all -- SNAP is used by voters of both parties.
In districts that voted primarily Kamala in 2024, an average of 13% of households had used SNAP the prior year. For Republican districts, it was 11%.
my story from the summer:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
In districts that voted primarily Kamala in 2024, an average of 13% of households had used SNAP the prior year. For Republican districts, it was 11%.
my story from the summer:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Roasting the Planet, a new Foodrise/Greenpeace/IATP/Friends of the Earth collab on meat + GHGs is packed with indictments, principally against JBS. Must read. foodrise.org.uk/wp-content/u...
foodrise.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Roasting the Planet, a new Foodrise/Greenpeace/IATP/Friends of the Earth collab on meat + GHGs is packed with indictments, principally against JBS. Must read. foodrise.org.uk/wp-content/u...
USDA took $ from the Commodity Credit Corporation to create trade aid slush fund, leaving less $ available for the Conservation Reserve Program and Dairy farmers. Apparently, they can do what they want - as Republican Ag Cmte Chairs stand by. www.govexec.com/management/2...
USDA transfers $13B into ‘slush fund’ for future tariff relief
The move has left the department incapable of delivering some mandatory farmer aid programs, and is raising concerns in Congress.
www.govexec.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:54 PM
USDA took $ from the Commodity Credit Corporation to create trade aid slush fund, leaving less $ available for the Conservation Reserve Program and Dairy farmers. Apparently, they can do what they want - as Republican Ag Cmte Chairs stand by. www.govexec.com/management/2...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
12 million tons of #soybeans from US soybean #farmers is not enough to repair the broken market. China has been buying soybeans all along - just not from us. During the trade war, they have been buying soybeans from Brazil & Argentina.
Announcements where there are promises to purchase are always dubious, particularly if China still has tariffs in place that make Brazil soy cheaper. Even if China meets 25 million tons of soy annually import promise, that's less than last year - www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Bessent Says China to Buy 12 Million Tons of Soybeans This Year
China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, providing some relief to US farmers who have anxiously awaited the resumption of exports to...
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
China Agrees To Purchase 11 U.S. Soybeans
China Agrees To Purchase 11 U.S. Soybeans
SEOUL—In a historic trade agreement that President Donald Trump touted as a major win for an American farmer, China reportedly agreed Thursday to purchase 11 U.S. soybeans. “I am extremely honored tha...
theonion.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
China Agrees To Purchase 11 U.S. Soybeans
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Two years past the current Farm Bill's original expiration date, the future of the next Farm Bill is still unclear. In a new Q&A, IATP's Michael Happ explains what we know, what we don't, and what might be coming next: www.iatp.org/farm-bill-qa...
Q&A: What's next for the Farm Bill?
On top of trade turmoil and a U.S. government shutdown, Congress has still not passed a new Farm Bill, the primary legislation that sets a majority of U.S. food and farm policy and funding. The future...
www.iatp.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Two years past the current Farm Bill's original expiration date, the future of the next Farm Bill is still unclear. In a new Q&A, IATP's Michael Happ explains what we know, what we don't, and what might be coming next: www.iatp.org/farm-bill-qa...
California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard gives credits for biogas projects at large factory farms around the country. The credits subsidize some of the largest dairy and hog operations, incentivizing expansion. New map shows which farms are tapping CA credits. www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2025/10/28/n...
New Map Catalogues Nationwide CA-Funded Factory Farm Gas Network
Lawsuit challenges key California climate program incentivizing factory farm pollution nationwide
www.foodandwaterwatch.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:25 PM
California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard gives credits for biogas projects at large factory farms around the country. The credits subsidize some of the largest dairy and hog operations, incentivizing expansion. New map shows which farms are tapping CA credits. www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2025/10/28/n...