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TOP HEADLINES
Local farmers support SQ 777:
Pfeiffer said this will protect her right to use agriculture technology, such as genomic testing and feed additives. She said this technology will help them produce more product that can also keep prices at the grocery store down [KOCO].
Event to address SQ 777:
The event is an informational session for the public to learn more about State Question 777, about the “right to farm,” which will be on the November statewide ballot [The Oklahoman].
FEDERAL
Monsanto, Bayer officials defend $66 billion merger:
Top officials for Monsanto and Bayer defended their proposed $66 billion merger before skeptical senators on Tuesday, insisting that the deal would lead to greater investments in technology that could help American farmers [AP].
Antibiotic ire: Groups petition FDA to limit antibiotic use in food animals:
NRDC and six other advocacy groups have petitioned FDA, requesting the withdrawal of approvals for several medically important antibiotics in livestock and poultry [National Law Review].
TPP agreement key to ag future, trade official says:
U.S. produce suppliers risk being left behind in key emerging markets if Congress fails to approve the Trans Pacific Partnership, a leading trade official told industry leaders [The Packer].
ELECTIONS
Clinton and Trump: Where they stand on ag:
It’s been a long election season all across the country, and as presidential candidates have answered questions from voters and media, very few of those questions have centered on the food supply [Farm Futures].
Oil executive on Trump’s short list for Interior Secretary:
An oil industry executive who has spoken out against animal rights is a leading contender for Interior secretary should Donald Trump win the White House, two sources familiar with the campaign’s deliberations told POLITICO on Monday — a prospect that drew immediate condemnation from environmental activists [Politico].
MISCELLANEOUS
Bayer considers letting go of the Monsanto name:
Monsanto’s name could be lost as the company merges with Bayer. The latter’s $66 billion acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of next year, and Bloomberg reports that the company is considering getting rid of the infamous Monsanto name [Fortune].
Kissing chickens is bad for your health, CDC warns:
The backyard chicken trend that has taken hold of America has a lot going for it, occasional neighborly disputes notwithstanding. The eggs are fresh, it’s clear where they came from, and raising fowl is educational for children. But it’s also causing an “emerging public health trend” in the form of increasing salmonella outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday [Washington Post].
