Agribusiness Update for Monday 09/30/13

McDonald's is bowing to pressure and will start offering healthier options instead of fries with value meals. The world's largest restaurant chain will allow customers to choose from fruit, salads and vegetables as a side dish. They did not specify the type of vegetables available.

As a part of its commitment, McDonald's also will only advertise water, milk and juice for its kids' Happy Meals.

Two brothers who owned and operated a cantaloupe farm directly linked to a listeria outbreak that killed 33 people plead not guilty Thursday to misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from the incidents. They could each face up to six years in prison and up to $1.5 million in fines if they are convicted of all six counts. The FDA found that the packing and storage facilities likely helped spread the listeria and directly contributed to the outbreak.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced grants to support small, socially disadvantaged agriculture producers. The USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. The announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Vilsack said: "These grants will help socially-disadvantaged business owners get the tools they need to succeed and expand markets across the nation."

That's today's Agribusiness Update from the Ag Information Network.