Farm ministry OKs 35th U.S. meatpacker. Japan's agriculture ministry said Tuesday it has authorized a meatpacker in California to resume beef exports to Japan, the last on the list of 35 U.S. beef processors approved for exports to Japan. [News Source]

Voting with their forks. The cost of industrialized food is too high, both literally and environmentally, and the thought is sinking in. [News Source]

Mad cow disease no longer a priority (NZZ) The Federal Veterinary Office says it will reduce its BSE unit from 20 people to 12 by the end of 2006 and shift its focus to the entire food production chain. [News Source]