Pesticide Application Improvements & Consumers Expect to Pay More

**The EPA announced a proposed rule to improve and modernize the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements.

The revised standard includes a new provision requiring ag employers to keep workers and others out of what’s called the Application Exclusion Zone.

A 2020 rule change limited the zones to 25 feet, but the new rule would change that to 100 feet for FINE sprays.

**A new survey finds consumers expect to pay more for groceries this year.

Progressive Grocer reports the 2023 KPMG Winter Consumer Pulse Survey shows consumers anticipate increased prices, but are looking for ways to save money.

The Survey shows consumers expect a 15% increase in grocery spending this year.

Consumers cite inflation, an increased tendency to eat at home, larger household sizes and dietary changes as reasons for spending changes.

**The USDA announced a $59 million investment to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity.

The funding also seeks to expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas.

The investment is part of an Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.

The funding will help build new processing plants, create hundreds of jobs, give local producers and entrepreneurs more options and business opportunities, and give consumers more options.