Ben Lilliston
@benlilliston.bsky.social
Tracking the intersection of trade, climate and farm policy. @iatp.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
The new Land Gap Report was released this week, with a chapter by IATP Executive Director Sophia Murphy.
Here, Sophia gives insights into the project, and some proposals for what trade reforms must be made to close the gap between climate pledges and real progress.
www.iatp.org/land-gap-cli...
Here, Sophia gives insights into the project, and some proposals for what trade reforms must be made to close the gap between climate pledges and real progress.
www.iatp.org/land-gap-cli...
The Land Gap: Climate pledges favor unrealistic land-based carbon removal, ignoring our forests
This week, the University of Melbourne launched the second edition of The Land Gap Report, which looks closely at countries’ climate commitments and their implications for how land is to be used — and...
www.iatp.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The new Land Gap Report was released this week, with a chapter by IATP Executive Director Sophia Murphy.
Here, Sophia gives insights into the project, and some proposals for what trade reforms must be made to close the gap between climate pledges and real progress.
www.iatp.org/land-gap-cli...
Here, Sophia gives insights into the project, and some proposals for what trade reforms must be made to close the gap between climate pledges and real progress.
www.iatp.org/land-gap-cli...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Can always count on @grocerynerd.bsky.social to tell it like it is! A great breakdown of the past 5 years of food price hikes, why profiteering is a driver of these price increases, and policies that would help ensure food is a human right
www.forbes.com/sites/errols...
www.forbes.com/sites/errols...
Why High Food Prices Will Make Public Groceries Inevitable
Grocery prices have jumped 25% in just 4 years while consumption volumes have plummeted. Public sector solutions may be the key to bring back affordability.
www.forbes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Can always count on @grocerynerd.bsky.social to tell it like it is! A great breakdown of the past 5 years of food price hikes, why profiteering is a driver of these price increases, and policies that would help ensure food is a human right
www.forbes.com/sites/errols...
www.forbes.com/sites/errols...
A good deal for the big meatpackers Trump Admin says it is investigating. Argentina opens up imports of live US cattle (amidst a declining US cattle herd). US lowers tariffs on imported & unlabeled beef from Argentina to help manage prices paid to US ranchers. www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
Joint Statement on Framework for a United States-Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment
President Donald J. Trump and President Javier Milei reaffirm the strategic alliance between the United States of America (United States, or U.S.) and the
www.whitehouse.gov
November 14, 2025 at 5:10 PM
A good deal for the big meatpackers Trump Admin says it is investigating. Argentina opens up imports of live US cattle (amidst a declining US cattle herd). US lowers tariffs on imported & unlabeled beef from Argentina to help manage prices paid to US ranchers. www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
Earlier this year, FarmSTAND helped us fight to restore our USDA RFSP grant after it was abruptly terminated by the Trump administration. Now, they’re exposing just how carelessly our grant and many others were cancelled. farmstand.org/case/deep-di...
November 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Earlier this year, FarmSTAND helped us fight to restore our USDA RFSP grant after it was abruptly terminated by the Trump administration. Now, they’re exposing just how carelessly our grant and many others were cancelled. farmstand.org/case/deep-di...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
America's largest meat company, Tyson Foods, was an early adopter of Palantir, establishing a blueprint for how large food corporations can leverage the surveillance technology. @greymoran.bsky.social reports:
How America’s Largest Meat Company Leverages Palantir's Surveillance Tech
Palantir’s controversial software platform is capable of integrating vast amounts of data — but at what risk?
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM
America's largest meat company, Tyson Foods, was an early adopter of Palantir, establishing a blueprint for how large food corporations can leverage the surveillance technology. @greymoran.bsky.social reports:
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
FarmSTAND, @earthjustice.org, & Farmers Justice Center obtained docs from the USDA that prove how carelessly the Trump admin canceled grant funding. All they did was compile a list of words—like “diversity,” “equity,” “environmental justice”—& put the grants that included them on the chopping block.
November 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
FarmSTAND, @earthjustice.org, & Farmers Justice Center obtained docs from the USDA that prove how carelessly the Trump admin canceled grant funding. All they did was compile a list of words—like “diversity,” “equity,” “environmental justice”—& put the grants that included them on the chopping block.
Me quoted here on JBS and other agbiz players on the inside at #COP30: "this is the exact opposite way to really deal with food systems and climate change. These companies have too much at stake, too much of a direct conflict.”
The world’s biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts to engage in climate talks.
At COP30, Brazilian Meat Giant JBS Recommends Climate Policy
The world's biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts in global climate talks.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Me quoted here on JBS and other agbiz players on the inside at #COP30: "this is the exact opposite way to really deal with food systems and climate change. These companies have too much at stake, too much of a direct conflict.”
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
NEW: As COP30 unfolds in Brazil and deadlines for mandatory climate reporting rules loom, major meat and dairy companies are still falling short on transparent and reliable reporting of their climate risk and GHG emissions. www.iatp.org/introducing-...
Major meat and dairy companies fall short in reporting their climate emissions
With COP30 underway in Belém, Brazil, global attention is turned toward national climate action. Few sectors of the economy sit more squarely at the crossroads of vulnerability and responsibility than...
www.iatp.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 PM
NEW: As COP30 unfolds in Brazil and deadlines for mandatory climate reporting rules loom, major meat and dairy companies are still falling short on transparent and reliable reporting of their climate risk and GHG emissions. www.iatp.org/introducing-...
Missouri ranchers not happy with Trump actions on beef imports - app.publicnewsservice.org/story/missou...
Missouri ranchers disappointed by feds' plan to lower beef prices
Many Missouri farmers and ranchers are frustrated by plans to lower beef prices.President Donald Trump proposed buying 80,000 metric tons of beef from Argentina as a short-term way to lower
app.publicnewsservice.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Missouri ranchers not happy with Trump actions on beef imports - app.publicnewsservice.org/story/missou...
With all that's going on, taking away peoples' THC drinks seems dicey - www.startribune.com/federal-shut...
Federal shutdown deal could kill Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC market
A spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate would essentially ban hemp-based THC products nationwide.
www.startribune.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:12 PM
With all that's going on, taking away peoples' THC drinks seems dicey - www.startribune.com/federal-shut...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
1/ Today's Farm Policy News Summary covers how "#China’s purchases of American #soybeans appear to have stalled, less than two weeks after the US touted a wide-ranging trade truce that signaled thawing relations between the world’s two biggest economies."
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
China Buys More Brazil Soybeans as US Purchases Stall - Farm Policy News
China’s purchases of American soybeans appear to have stalled, less than two weeks after the US touted a wide-ranging trade truce that signaled thawing relations between the world’s two biggest econom...
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu
November 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
1/ Today's Farm Policy News Summary covers how "#China’s purchases of American #soybeans appear to have stalled, less than two weeks after the US touted a wide-ranging trade truce that signaled thawing relations between the world’s two biggest economies."
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/11/chin...
Good analysis by @nsac-sustainableag.bsky.social on the #Farmbill & Senate deal. The elimination of payment limits on EQIP and CSP, combined w USDA staffing cuts, mean the largest farms will get more conservation $s. Less $ to help farmers lower costs sustainableagriculture.net/blog/release...
Release: Farm Bill Extension, USDA Funding Bill Underwhelm
Congress’s newly unveiled one-year Farm Bill extension and FY2026 agriculture appropriations bill maintain funding for several key programs but cut nearly $100 million from conservation technical assi...
sustainableagriculture.net
November 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Good analysis by @nsac-sustainableag.bsky.social on the #Farmbill & Senate deal. The elimination of payment limits on EQIP and CSP, combined w USDA staffing cuts, mean the largest farms will get more conservation $s. Less $ to help farmers lower costs sustainableagriculture.net/blog/release...
Reposted by Ben Lilliston
🔴 NEW 🔴
Mapped: Big Food’s Routes to Influence at COP30
Interactive map shows the food & farming corporations, trade groups and initiatives at COP30 in Brazil and how these are set to navigate the summit
📝 @rachelsherrington.bsky.social & Gil Alessi👇
www.desmog.com/2025/11/10/m...
Mapped: Big Food’s Routes to Influence at COP30
Interactive map shows the food & farming corporations, trade groups and initiatives at COP30 in Brazil and how these are set to navigate the summit
📝 @rachelsherrington.bsky.social & Gil Alessi👇
www.desmog.com/2025/11/10/m...
Mapped: Big Food’s Routes to Influence at COP30
In the city of Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has kicked off the COP30 climate conference, a summit framed as a pivotal moment to reduce emissions and keep the Paris Agreement al...
www.desmog.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:30 AM
🔴 NEW 🔴
Mapped: Big Food’s Routes to Influence at COP30
Interactive map shows the food & farming corporations, trade groups and initiatives at COP30 in Brazil and how these are set to navigate the summit
📝 @rachelsherrington.bsky.social & Gil Alessi👇
www.desmog.com/2025/11/10/m...
Mapped: Big Food’s Routes to Influence at COP30
Interactive map shows the food & farming corporations, trade groups and initiatives at COP30 in Brazil and how these are set to navigate the summit
📝 @rachelsherrington.bsky.social & Gil Alessi👇
www.desmog.com/2025/11/10/m...
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...