What small businesses need to know about the 2021 disaster loan program

In an effort to avoid the chaos and confusion that took place during the last round of grants, the Small Business Administration will only consider businesses located in low-income areas that can demonstrate “a reduction of more than $ 30. % of their earnings for an 8-week period on March 2, 2020 or later. “The SBA also announced it would prioritize companies that have applied for the latest COVID-19 loan cycle in the event of an economic disaster, but received nothing or only part of the grant. Fast company reports.

After 10 months of minimal monitoring, Biden orders OSHA to get to work

As part of several key executive orders to stop the spread of COVID-19, President Biden ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to enforce increased workplace safety measures and create temporary standards that will hold employers accountable. Essential food workers have been hit hardest in many states by COVID-19; in California, the death rate is 40% higher in this group. OSHA came under fire last year for failing to keep workers safe, even after hundreds of farm workers and meat-packing plants died. Learn more about The counter.

Pandemic reveals racial gaps in access to school meals

New research on school lunch programs shows that school lunch pickup sites during COVID-19 shutdowns have been better located for white families. And while this placement was probably unintentional on the part of school staff, experts agree that it is still the result of the long and rich history of resources following white communities to the detriment of blacks. Eater has history.

There is an alarming amount of microplastics in farm soil – and our food supply

Microplastics. Are. All over. While most studies of microplastics focus on ocean pollution, new studies show that they are also present in mass in the soil of our farms. This is important because microplastics alter the physical and biological properties of the soil in such a way as to damage plant roots and reduce nutrients in the resulting fruits and vegetables. Get the depressing details at Civilian food.

Soaring grain prices fuel surprise farm recovery

After six long years, prices for soybeans, corn and wheat are skyrocketing; this is largely due to increased exports to China. In 2020, U.S. farm incomes hit near record highs despite widespread chaos in the food supply chain, and many farmers are now buying new equipment, making repairs, and investing in more expensive inputs. Unfortunately for shoppers, this means food manufacturers could start raising retail prices (again). Head toward The Wall Street Journal for the rest.