Ag News: Pandemic-related Eating Habits and USTR Talks with China

**Some pandemic-related changes in eating habits have begun to ease, and others appear to have endured, according to a new survey.

The International Food Information Council says its annual survey shows a decrease from last year in the proportion of Americans cooking at home more than usual.

But a trend toward increased online food shopping appears to have continued, especially among younger shoppers, African Americans and parents.

**U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and the Chinese Vice Premier held their first phone call last week, discussing the importance of the trade relationship between the two countries.

According to the National Pork Producers Council, Ambassador Tai discussed the guiding principles of the Administration’s worker-centered trade policy and her ongoing review of the U.S.-China trade relationship.

The Biden administration is conducting a comprehensive review of U.S.-China trade policy.

NPPC continues to advocate for the removal of punitive duties on U.S. pork in China.

**Along California’s North Coast, farmers face what one calls a “bleak” situation, with low water levels in the Russian River watershed.

With supplies from the river likely to be curtailed, some farmers have tried to diversify by acquiring recycled water from the city of Ukiah. Others have to fallow land or grow crops without irrigation.

Ranchers must haul water to cattle and sheep after springs and reservoirs dried.