Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 7/12/18

Major food companies Danone, Mars, Nestle and Unilever are joining forces to form a new trade association: the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, with an immediate plan to focus on nutritional labeling and carbon emissions. Specifically, members will lobby for government agencies to define what is "healthy" based on "strong, science-based regulations on how these terms can be used on food packages and in marketing. The updates will help consumers make better choices for themselves and their families," according to a joint statement from the companies.

Advocating for environmental policies will also be a priority, such as ensuring that the final version of the farm bill addresses water and soil quality and expanding renewable energy. The coalition will also support offering financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, both domestically and abroad, through the Clean Power Plan and the Paris Climate Accord.

Food companies "can and should be doing more to lead and drive policy action," the group said. "With so many pressing food policy opportunities on the horizon, now is the time to help steer America's food policy and our food system on a better path for long-term success."

GMA dropouts: There's been buzz for months about the new coalition as the food industry speculated who would be in or out. They're all former members of the powerful lobbying group the Grocery Manufacturers Association, but cut ties due to a deep divide over nutrition issues, GMO labeling and voluntary sodium reduction.