Agriculture

• The global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) seed coatings market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% through 2035. • Growth is driven by the adoption of precision agriculture and the use of PVA as a carrier for biological seed treatments. • This expansion benefits the agricultural market through the development of low-residue, bio-based coatings and controlled-release systems that synchronize with crop needs.

• The global artificial intelligence in agriculture market is projected to reach USD 24.55 billion by 2035, with the U.S. and Europe expected to hit $6.63 billion and $6.08 billion respectively. • The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, fueled by food security needs and government initiatives in India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. • China is a dominant force in the region, with government smart agriculture investments accounting for approximately 44.8% of Asia Pacific revenues.

• A lawsuit was filed accusing the Agriculture Secretary of religious coercion through workplace emails sent to staff members, raising federal civil rights concerns. • The complaint alleges improper use of official communications to promote religious viewpoints in violation of federal employment law and constitutional protections. • The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious expression boundaries within federal government workplaces.

• The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on March 5 in a 34-17 vote after a 20-hour markup session. • GOP-proposed cuts to SNAP nutrition programs sparked partisan disputes, with Rep. Angie Craig warning they 'jeopardize the path forward for this bill.' • The 802-page bill sets policy and funding for food, agriculture, and conservation programs over five years, but faces hurdles needing Democratic support in the Senate's 60-vote threshold.