The RegenCircle Newscast 9.2

From seed-oil-free certification becoming the new industry norm, to the launch of Cropin, an AI tool for potato farming, and the mounting impact of mass deportations on agriculture, here’s what’s happening.

September 02, 2025

Start Listening: Updates on RegenCircle Newscast 🎙️

This week on the newscast, we’re breaking down biggest stories from the past two weeks, covering must-know updates on new technology, investment, consumer products, policy and human interest stories. From investments to human interest pieces, politics to events you won't want to miss it.

This Week’s Investment News

General Mills Invests $54 Million to Expand Innnovation Center, Signaling a Shift in Strategy

Photo Credit: Business Wire

General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced a $54 million investment to expand its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Center, a key hub for the company’s innovation, technology and quality capabilities. This expansion will add a new 35,000-square-foot, two-story pilot plant wing, increasing pilot plant space by more than 20 percent and providing state-of-the-art facilities for its research and development teams. While many large multinationals are experiencing a squeeze effect driven by rising tariff costs affecting their sourcing models, inflation affecting consumer demand and purchasing choices, and a change in eating patterns driven by GLP-1 drugs, General Mills appears to be focusing on the future and how they will innovate in a new food order.

Painterland Sisters Experiences Explosive Growth as the Fastest Growing Dairy Brand, Closes Seed Funding Round

Photo Credit: Perishable News

Painterland Sisters, a dairy brand founded by fourth-generation farmers Stephanie and Hayley Painter, closed a seed funding round with investors including The Angel Group, Supernatural Ventures, and Spacestation Investments. The brand, known for its organic skyr yogurt, has seen rapid growth, selling over 5.7 million cups in 2024 and expanding to over 5,000 stores nationwide making them the fastest growing dairy brand. The funding will support operations and innovation following a national Whole Foods launch. Notable investors include Olympic athletes and lifestyle entrepreneurs, supporting the brand's mission in organic regenerative agriculture.

Political + Policy News

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Draft MAHA Strategy Fails to Stand Up to Industrial Food Complex

The draft MAHA strategy, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faces criticism for being too industry-friendly and lacking firm commitments on reducing pesticides and ultraprocessed foods. The USDA announced a $750 million facility to combat the New World screwworm in Texas, while House Agriculture Committee leaders discuss a potential "skinny" farm bill. USDA also proposes changes to data collection for SNAP, reflecting a shift from Biden-era policies. Despite these developments, some MAHA supporters remain hopeful for stronger future actions.

Photo Credit: Pharma Phorum

CDC Exodus Includes Lead Official Tracking Food Safety and Animal Agriculture

The White House attempted to fire CDC Director Susan Monarez, leading to the resignation of four key CDC leaders, including Daniel Jernigan of the NCEZID. This center, crucial in tracking foodborne illnesses and zoonotic diseases, now faces operational challenges amid leadership losses. The CDC, underfunded and understaffed, is criticized for its slow response to outbreaks like bird flu. The firings raise concerns about weakened public health responses and transparency. The CDC has lost about 3,000 employees since Trump's presidency, prompting calls for action to restore its capacity.

REPORTS WORTH READING

Photo Credit: Supply Side FBJ

Seed Oil Free Certification: A New Standard For Industry

The "Seed Oil Free Certification" is revolutionizing food manufacturing by establishing a new standard for transparency and quality as consumers increasingly seek seed oil-free products. Seed oils, which now comprise 20% to 30% of American diets, are linked to health concerns like excess omega-6 intake and oxidative instability. A significant challenge has been the lack of trust, with studies showing nearly 70% of retail avocado oils were adulterated with cheaper seed oils, despite "made with" claims increasing by over 800%. The Seed Oil Free Alliance addresses this by offering third-party verification through ingredient audits and lab testing, providing a trustworthy seal for products. Currently, more than 50 brands and 300 products carry the Seed Oil Free Certified mark, demonstrating triple-digit year-over-year sales growth among certified products. This movement offers a significant opportunity for product developers to align with consumer demand for healthier, more stable oils.

Photo Credit: Morning Ag Clips

An Open Door, the Temple Grandin Film, is now Streaming Worldwide

Temple Grandin, a pioneer in humane cattle handling and autism advocacy, is the subject of the documentary "An Open Door," now streaming globally. The film highlights Grandin's impact on the beef industry, neurodiversity awareness, and education, showcasing her role as a CSU professor. Directed by John Barnhardt and involving CSU students, the documentary emphasizes Grandin's belief in teaching useful skills to children with autism. Her life story, including her experiences with equine therapy, demonstrates her influence in animal welfare and autism communities, advocating for diverse thinking in solving global challenges.

HUMAN INTEREST STORIES

Photo By Serenity Kids

Nutrient Dense Baby Food is Having a BIG Moment

Both Serenity Kids and White Leaf Provisions have been recognized on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. The companies ,both focused on elevating children's nutrition, have sold 100’s of millions of pouches of nutrient-dense baby food in the last decade. As someone who buys both brands for my toddler I appreciate the low sugar approach of Serenity Kids along with their focus on incorporating animal proteins and fats into their pouches and I love the focus on regenerative agriculture and nutrient density that White Leaf provisions brings. In terms of Kids choice, my daughter prefers White Leaf provisions, likely because they have more of a focus on sweet versus savory flavor profiles. A huge thanks to both of these companies for bringing convenient, nutrient dense food to families and congratulations on the big growth! 

Photo Credit: WWD

Citizens of Humanity and Moda Operandi's Latest Collection Finds Inspiration from Farm Life

A couple of our favorite brands Citizens of Humanity and Moda Operandi created collections using regenerative cotton and Eco-Indigo dyes inspired by a 300 year old farm in Pennsylvania named the Bloom farm. The collection comprises 13 pieces designed to embody the farm's regenerative philosophy through chic, everyday wear. Creative Director Marianne Gallagher McDonald emphasizes the importance of creating beautiful, sustainable items with the soil's best interest in mind, promoting a lifestyle that values slowing down and intentional living. The collection includes denim tableware and accessories, such as cocktail coasters and napkins in various indigo shades, and a denim apron. Key clothing items like overalls, denim skirts, and jeans are crafted from Citizens of Humanity's regenerative cotton and dyed with Eco-Indigo, highlighting their commitment to sustainability. Earthy tones like chestnut brown feature in utility jackets and polo shirts, reinforcing the Earth-first ethos. The collection launched on August 19 on Moda Operandi and Citizens of Humanity's websites.

TECH

Photo Credit: Cropin

Cropin Bags Strategic AI Regenerative Program to Scale Regenerative Potato Farming in Europe

Cropin, an AI platform for agriculture, secured a €700,000 contract under EIT Food’s Impact Funding Framework to scale regenerative potato farming in Europe. The initiative, FIRST Potato, integrates AI to optimize farming practices, aiming for a 5% yield increase, 15% pesticide reduction, and improved soil health. Collaborating with Aarhus University, Cropin will pilot the initiative in Denmark, Germany, and the UK. In the podcast this week we cover THREE different players working to quantify soil carbon and each play key roles in the measurement, verification, reporting and underwriting of regenerative products. Take a listen to the podcast for a full landscape overview of the space.

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Photo Credit: Amazon (Fat of The Land)

Crunch Time: Indiana Snack Brand Introduces Two New Tallow-Cooked Chip Varieties

Fat of the Land, an Indiana-based snack brand, has introduced two new flavors, Back Porch BBQ and Salt & Vinegar, to its tallow-cooked potato chip lineup, which originally featured Simple Sea Salt. These chips are cooked in 100% premium beef tallow, known for its high smoke point and nutritional benefits, and are free from processed seed oils and artificial ingredients. Founded by nurse and father Donald Ridings, the brand aims to provide clean, seed-oil-free snacks that align with traditional cooking fats and ancestral nutrition. Since its launch on May 1st, Fat of the Land has gained momentum and support from nutrition-focused communities and consumers seeking healthier snack options. The company is now seeking retail and distribution partners to expand its reach to butcher counters, natural grocers, specialty stores, and wellness retailers nationwide. Fat of the Land emphasizes the importance of real food and traditional fats in modern diets.

World News

Photo Credit: CropWatch

American Soybean Farmers Plead For a New Trade Deal, Tariffs Hurt Business

The American Soybean Association (ASA) has urged President Trump to negotiate a deal with China to remove retaliatory tariffs that have significantly impacted U.S. soybean exports. These tariffs have increased China's duty rate on U.S. soybeans to 34% by 2025, leading China to favor Brazilian soybeans. The ASA highlights the financial strain on U.S. farmers due to falling soybean prices. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's use of tariffs as geopolitical leverage has been criticized for its lack of coherence. The Consumer Brands Association notes some progress in U.S.-EU trade talks but emphasizes the need for clarity on tariff exemptions for unavailable natural resources.

Photo Credit: Civil Eats

“Mass Deportations Are Starting to Hurt Agriculture.” Analysis Says

A new analysis by Economic Insights and Research Consulting highlights the economic impact of increased deportations under the Trump administration, with 1.2 million foreign-born workers leaving the U.S. labor force from January to July 2025. The report warns of negative consequences for agriculture, hospitality, and construction sectors, noting a 6.5% drop in agricultural employment. Unauthorized workers constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce. The administration claims this creates jobs for U.S.-born individuals, but evidence is lacking. The analysis suggests rising food prices may be linked to these immigration policies.

JOB BOARD RECAP

  • University Partnership Manager, Plant Futures: Click Here

  • Graduate Intern, The CCOF Foundation: Click Here

  • Agriculture Science Manager, General Mills: Click Here

  • Content Creator, Moon Valley Farm: Click Here

  • Regenerative Agriculture Co-Pilot, Nestle: Click Here

  • Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytic, Win Rock: Click Here

  •  Farm to Program Consultant, State of Michigan: Click Here

  • Associate, Parallel Sustainability: Click Here

  • Entry Level Sustainability Reporting Analysis, Ferguson: Click Here

  • Sustainability Analyst, M&G: Click Here

  • Part-Time Program Associate, Nutrient Density Alliance: Click Here

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Women in Agribusiness Summit 2025

  • Dates: September 22nd-24th

    Click Here

    The Women in Agribusiness Summit 2025 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando and includes 3 days of Networking, Expert Insights, and more.

  • Organic Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day

  • Dates: September 11th

    Click Here

    The Organic Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day in Fillmore, N.Y., offers hands-on learning with insights from local farmers and experts, focusing on cover crops' impact on soil and farm resilience. Key presenters include Rod Porter, Jerry Stewart, Dale Bartholomew, Micheal Glos, and Andrea Martinez. Pre-registration is required by September 5th.

  • Dickinson Research Extension Center Soil Health Workshop

    Date: September 17th

    Click Here
    The event, featuring expert presentations and field demonstrations, is organized by NDSU, Dickinson State University, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Attendees can earn CEUs and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

  • FREE EVENT: Regenerative Agriculture Workshop: Row Crop Soil Health

    Date: September 9th

    Click Here
    The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is hosting a free workshop series with Understanding Ag, LLC, focusing on regenerative agriculture and soil health for farmers. The workshop on September 9, 2025, at D'Arcy Farms, Kingston, MI, includes classroom and hands-on training, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning.

This is a community-run platform. If you have an organization supporting the regenerative agriculture movement and would like to see your news shared on our platform, send an email to [email protected].

Inquisitive Media. Inspiring Emergence.