WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The House Ag Committee is unveiling its approach to a long-term farm and food bill that would reduce spending by some $3.5 billion a year, almost half of that coming from cuts in the federal food stamps program. 

The legislative draft put forward Thursday envisions reducing current food stamps spending projections by $1.6 billion a year, four times the amount of cuts incorporated in the farm bill passed by the Senate last month. It also differs from the Senate bill in creating new federal programs to protect farmers from natural and financial disasters. The committee votes on the bill this week.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — Purdue University agricultural experts say the drought that’s hitting much of the Midwest this summer will hit consumers in the pocketbook by next year.

Economist Chris Hurt said food prices tend to go up whenever production decreases in a major farm state like Indiana, which he said the drought has hit hardest. Hurt said hot, dry weather is likely to affect other breadbasket states as well.

He said the USDA projects food prices will rise by as much as 3.5 percent overall, starting late this year and into 2013. Beef prices could rise as much as 10 percent. Experts say everything from meat and milk to cereal and cooking oil will likely be affected. Hurt said the increase will hurt consumers because incomes aren’t rising.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The federal government has approved financial support for Michigan fruit growers whose crops were hammered by bad spring weather.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow said last week the USDA has designated 72 counties as disaster areas. A spokesman said farmers in contiguous counties are also eligible for help, which means the declaration covers virtually the entire state.

The support consists of low-interest loans. Growers will have eight months to apply. They should contact their local Farm Service Agency for more information.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) — Two southern Illinois businesses have agreed to forfeit $50,000 to the federal government after they admitted harboring illegal immigrants.

Behrmann Meat Processing and Behrmann Yorkshire Farm pled guilty last week in federal court in East St. Louis. Owner Dennis Behrmann admitted he knew the workers were in the country illegally and continued to employ them. Clifford Behrmann admitted he rented a house on the farm’s property to one of the workers.

As part of their guilty pleas, the companies also agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. Additionally, the owners agreed to allow employment compliance inspections and to participate in compliance training.

BRIDGETON, N.J. (AP) — A southern New Jersey-based meat company has recalled more than 324,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to a possible bacteria contamination.

Bridgeton-based Buona Vita announced the recall Saturday of some of its nationally distributed meat items including meatballs, dinner loafs and burger patties with the production dates of May 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9.

According to the USDA, the bacteria were discovered through microbiological testing at the company’s plant in Ohio. But the agency’s release did not include a list of specific states included in the recall. The affected brands include Silver Lake Brand, Argentina Pride, Dirusso, Buona Vita and Mama Isabella.

There have been no reports of people sickened or hospitalized.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced an order specifying conditions under which wild-appearing hogs are to be transported in the state.

The order was issued in support of legislation passed this year by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Bill Haslam, making it illegal to transport and release wild-appearing hogs without proper documentation. The new law went into effect July 1.

“Wild hogs have the propensity to reproduce in great numbers, carry diseases, destroy crops and cause serious ecological damage,” State Veterinarian Charles Hatcher said.

Movement authorization numbers can be obtained by calling 615-837-5120. Numbers will be good for specific transportation activities for up to 30 days.