5@5: Small businesses struggle with PPP loan forgiveness | EPA extends dicamba approval

PPP loans were supposed to be forgiven. So far, that hasn’t happened

Small businesses nationwide took advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program to keep themselves afloat throughout the pandemic. But new reports that the process of applying for forgiveness is intentionally confusing and drawn out have many entrepreneurs hesitant to spend the money they had once assumed was basically a grant. Vox has the details.

Following ban, EPA approves dicamba for 5 more years

Despite an appeals court having revoked the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of dicamba back in July, EPA announced this week it will approve new formulations of the herbicide that contain drift-reducing additives. Stakeholder groups including the National Cotton Council likely pushed for the approval of the new dicamba formulation so as to not render their dicamba-resistant seeds useless. Get the scoop at Modern Famer ...

US consumers preparing for second wave of stockpiling

A majority of U.S. shoppers are ready to replenish their COVID-19 food supply, with the upcoming winter season and rising COVID-19 cases cited as main drivers for this second wave of stockpiling behavior. Consumers say that they plan on buying up more frozen dinners, pasta and snacks this time around. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are obviously also top of everyone's lists. Head to Supermarket News for more.

Smucker selling Crisco to Green Giant owner for $550M

J.M. Smucker Co. is selling its Crisco brand to B&G Foods Inc. in line with its efforts to leave the baking category and focus on pet food, snacks and coffee. The transaction is expected to close in the company's third quarter. Read about the move at Akron Beacon Journal ...

Could the food system face a new COVID-19 wave?

Food processing plants are on high alert for spikes in COVID-19 cases among employees; depending on the severity of these outbreaks, the domestic and global food supply chain could be rocked even harder than it was early on in the pandemic. Testing hasn't been readily available and encouraged, however; some institutions have even been charging employees up to $100 per test. The Fern explains why cooler weather could have an accelerating effect on the spread of the virus.