(Reuters) — Dow AgroSciences’ decision to severely restrict U.S. introduction of Enlist came after extensive talks with grain leaders who fear roiling trade with China, said a company executive. The deep involvement of the grain industry in defining a genetically modified crop launch and the controls on that launch underscore the lengths U.S. companies are […] Read more
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Limited launch for new GM crop is unique, says Dow official
Disputes arise from ignorance on grading changes
Canadian grain quality standards haven’t changed, but a new type of grading might be surprising buyers who aren’t aware of the changes, the Canadian Grain Commission acknowledges. “I’m not sure that all of the countries are fully aware of the difference between composite and incremental (grading), so I think there’s some education that needs to […] Read more
Battles over ‘settled’ GMO science spur new study
(Reuters) — Global biotech crop developers are spreading the word that science is solidly on their side when it comes to the safety of their genetically modified grain. The message of “settled” science has become the rallying cry for defenders of genetic modification as they push back against consumers, environmentalists and lawmakers who want the […] Read more
Australian tycoon, Chinese partner to create dairy farm
Infant formula market | Chinese demand for quality dairy products was up 70 percent in the first half of the year
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) — Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart plans to invest $494 million and partner with a major Chinese firm to create one of Australia’s biggest dairy farms. The goal is to capitalize on rapidly growing demand in China for premium infant formula. The joint venture, Hope Dairies Ltd., aims to begin exports in the […] Read moreWildrose Party seeks property rights protection
Rural Albertans’ concerns about property rights were among the key reasons the Wildrose Party won most rural constituencies in the last provincial election. The party now wants property rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. On Nov. 24, Wildrose MLA Rod Fox plans to introduce Bill 501 in the provincial legislature in […] Read more
Cervus profit down
Cervus Equipment posted better revenue but weaker profit in the third quarter. The farm equipment retailer had a profit of $7.7 million on revenue of $286.2 million. The profit was down 11.8 percent from last year, and revenue was up 14.8 percent. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 2.1 percent to $17.6 million. […] Read more
U.S. railroad puts moratorium on new oil tank cars
Oil shippers not happy | BNSF says it hopes to reduce complaints from other sectors about oil cars causing rail congestion and delays
NEW YORK/CALGARY (Reuters) — BNSF Railroad has told some customers that they cannot add new oil tank cars to its system until next year, according to two people familiar with the matter. Oil shippers seeking to add as many as a dozen new crude oil trains to BNSF’s lines, which is more than 1,000 tank […] Read moreFair Food label to indicate high ethical standards
TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) — A new Fair Food label to help shoppers identify tomatoes grown under ethical working conditions is expected to debut soon at Whole Foods Market. The initiative is a result of efforts to ensure Florida farm workers’ rights to water, shade and fair wages. The label, featuring a worker hoisting a brimming […] Read more
Australian farmers hold back wheat
SINGAPORE (Reuters) — Australian farmers are holding back wheat crop sales as dryness in parts of the country’s eastern grain belt cuts yields. It’s raising the likelihood of a boost to global prices, which have dropped 13 percent this year. Farmers in the world’s fourth biggest wheat exporter have sold only a quarter of this […] Read more
EU considers allowing countries to ban GM crops
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters) — European Union politicians have backed a plan to allow member countries to ban genetically modified crops on their soil, even if the crops are approved in the trading bloc. The decision increases the chance that their use will remain limited on the continent. GM crops have divided opinion in Europe. Opposition […] Read more
