GAI Insight: Malaysia’s Push For Sustainable Palm Oil Success
By Shahnaz Mahmud In the 1960s the Malaysian government took strides to help those deemed “landless” and “jobless” to obtain loans to acquire two hectares of land each to work in their own oil palm field. It is known as a smallholder scheme under the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA). In 2013, these “FELDA settl
Read moreSLC Agricola Highlights Brazil’s Switch To Soy
In a move that reflects Brazil’s overall trend in crop sowing, one of the country’s biggest farm operators, SLC Agricola, announced plans to increase its soybean acreage for 2014/15 by 20,000 hectares to 363,754 hectares – an increase of 24%, and equal to an area larger than Washington DC. At the same time, SLC Agricola plans to decrease
Read moreComeback for Russian Wheat into Export Market
On October 2nd Global AgInvesting discussed the sudden exit of Russia from global wheat markets due to the rapid population increase the country experienced through the annexation of Crimea and the spike in domestic demand after the country banned imports from Western countries putting upward pressure on prices and leaving Russian wheat unable
Read moreU.S., Mexico Sign Deal to End Sugar Spat, Avert Import Duties
Mexico and the U.S. reached a mutual agreement solving a long-fought dispute within hours of the U.S. imposing penalties on import of Mexican sugar. The deal calls for Mexican sugar imports to not be concentrated at certain times of the year, sets limits on the amount of refined sugar that may enter into the U.S. market, and establishes a mi
Read moreGrowing Seafood Appetite an Opportunity for Australia: Rabobank
A new report, “Smooth Sailing for Australian Seafood” issued by Rabobank, states that although Australia accounts for a small percentage of total global seafood production and trade, its reputation for high quality, sustainable production and its geographical location put Australia in prime position to take advantage of the growth in globa
Read moreBunge Fans Fears of Brazil Farmers Hoarding Crops
Bunge posted lower than expected earnings for the July – September quarter reflecting a 43% drop to $186 million in operating profits originating from its agribusiness arm which accounts for more than 70% of the group’s revenue. The group is flagging very slow farmer selling in South America as being behind the slump. Argentinian farme
Read moreGAI Insight: The United Nations Ushers In Principles for Food Security and Sustainability
The United Nations Ushers In Principles for Food Security and Sustainability By Shahnaz Mahmud A landmark signing this month set forth much needed principles for food security and sustainability. Created by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and approved by governments around the world, it’s the
Read moreEbola Outbreak Seen Boosting Ecuador and Colombia Cocoa
Global cocoa prices have increased 7.9% so far this year in part because of concern that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa will spread to Ivory Coast and Ghana which combined produce 60% of the world’s cocoa. Ecuador’s cocoa production is forecast to reach a record 240,000 tons this year and is on pace to continue the trend into 2015 wit
Read moreChina to Gain a Taste for Coffee Exports
Global coffee giants such as Volcafe and Nestle are watching the Chinese coffee industry carefully and Volcafe, one of the world’s top three coffee traders with volumes over 12 million bags annually, has established a joint venture with China’s Simao Arabicasm Coffee Company to source and ship Chinese-produced coffee beans. Currently Chi
Read moreCrop Price Falls Take Toll on UK Farmland Market
As top quality UK arable farmland has reached a record value of £9,750 per acre, weak grain prices are causing buyers to become more hesitant to pay for prime farmland according to Savills. British farmland values increased 3.1% for the July – September quarter bringing value gains for 2014 so far to 9.1% and year on year gains to 14.2% d
Read more
