**University of California, Davis researchers have discovered genes in strawberries that may help ward off a deadly soilborne disease.

The soil fungus Fusarium wilt has long been a concern for growers in California, where the state’s annual 1.8-billion-pound crop supplies nearly 90% of America’s strawberries.

UC Davis scientists, who screened thousands of strawberry plants, identified a gene that is resistant to the fungus, which means, breeders can introduce the gene into future strawberry varieties.

**The all-items Consumer Price Index increased 1.4% from May to June, 9.1% higher than June of last year.

USDA once again raised its consumer food price inflation forecast from 8.5% to 9.5% for 2022, the biggest increase since 1979’s 11%.

Next year’s forecast is down to 2.5 to 3.5%, more in line with the 20-year historical average of 2.4%.

**Legislation called the Next Generation Fuels Act was introduced last week in both the House and Senate that aims to leverage higher-octane fuels to improve engine efficiency and performance.

Some of the nation’s largest ag groups applauded the move.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the legislation supports usage of higher-level blends of ethanol, something NFU has long supported.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “It’s a clear roadmap for delivering cleaner, more affordable options to American drivers.”

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