European farmers already worried | Key stumbling blocks are likely to be genetic modification and geographical indications
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters) — Genetically modified crops, chlorine-washed chicken, beef quotas and a fight over who can call Greek-style cheese “feta” all block the way toward the world’s largest free trade deal. U.S. and European Union negotiators were expected to determine a list of sticking points last week in Washington during their third round of […] Read moreNews
Tough talks expected to reach U.S.-EU trade deal
Weaker loonie, lower costs boost Buhler profits despite reduced international sales
Buhler Industries posted record profit on slightly lower revenue last year. The Winnipeg company saw sales drop to $344 million from the record $361 million set in the previous year. Profit rose to $19.89 million from $16.36 million the previous year, helped by a more favourable ex-change rate on the Canadian dollar, improved margins and […] Read more
AG Notes
Advance Payment rebate Eligible producers in Saskatchewan’s Livestock Loan Guarantee Program can apply for a portion of the interest paid on their advance to be rebated through the federal Advance Payments Program. Participants must be members of feeder cattle or bison associations and be eligible for a feeder advance. LLG members must apply for the […] Read more
Fatal pig virus now affects 22 U.S. states: USDA
(Reuters) — California and Wyoming are the latest U.S. states to report confirmed cases of a deadly pig virus, bringing the number of states affected to 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Thursday. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), which causes diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration in hogs, has spread quickly across the U.S. […] Read more
More U.S. corn exports switched from China to Japan, South Korea: USDA
(Reuters) — More U.S. corn initially sold to China has been diverted to neighbouring Asian markets, according to U.S. government data on Thursday, as Beijing continues to stringently test for an unapproved genetically modified strain that has already triggered numerous rejections. Beijing has rejected at least 600,000 tonnes of U.S. corn and corn products since […] Read more
Agrium plans to restructure into two business units
(Reuters) — Canadian fertilizer company Agrium Inc. said on Wednesday it will restructure its three divisions into two business units, wholesale and retail, in the first quarter of 2014 as it moves to become more efficient. Following a recently completed strategic review of its Agrium Advanced Technologies business unit, Agrium said it decided to transfer […] Read more
Cargill second quarter earnings rise on big U.S. harvest
CHICAGO (Reuters) — U.S. agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. on Thursday reported a 36 percent rise in quarterly profits, supported by a bigger U.S. crop harvest in 2013 that led to lower grain prices and improved meat margins. Minneapolis-based Cargill, a top global commodities trader, reported net earnings of $556 million for the second quarter ended […] Read more
Global food prices steady in December, down in 2013: FAO
(Reuters) – Global food prices rose slightly in December after staying flat the month before, but prices on average declined 1.6 percent in 2013 versus the previous year, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s price index, which measures monthly price changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy, […] Read more
Food, beverage companies slash calories in obesity fight
NEW YORK (Reuters) — A voluntary effort by the world’s largest food and beverage companies to remove billions of calories from the products they sell in the United States to help combat the nation’s obesity epidemic has far exceeded its five-year goal, according to an independent evaluation released on Thursday. In May 2010, 16 of […] Read more
US soy, corn premiums spike on winter shipping delays
CHICAGO, Jan 8 (Reuters) – Cash premiums for spot shipments of corn and soybeans to processors around the U.S. Midwest rose to four-month peaks on Wednesday as buyers scrambled for supplies after stormy and frigid winter weather slowed deliveries. Basis bids for barge loads of soybeans delivered to export elevators at the Gulf Coast also […] Read more
