Agriculture
AgricultureUK scientists decode wheat genome; vital to help feed growing population
British scientists have released draft sequences of the wheat genome, which they think could make a vital contribution to securing global food supplies. The researchers say their efforts could help British farmers to develop new strains with greater yields.
With strong farm sector recovery Paraguay economy forecasted to grow 9%
Paraguay raised its 2010 economic growth forecast to 9% from 6% on an improved agricultural production outlook, the central bank said this week. This would be the Paraguayan economy largest annual expansion in almost three decades.
Russia admits crop loss of 38%; self sufficient in 2010 but no reserves for 2011
Russia has enough grain to cover its domestic needs after harvesting this year 38% less than the previous crop, a senior official said Monday. However markets believe Russia could be forced to import several million tons to ensure grain reserves until the following 2011 harvest
More government land to Cuban small farmers to help boost food production
The Cuban government has awarded in usufruct over a million hectares to small farmers one of the main reforms promoted by President Raúl Castro to help the country’s economy recover from its deep recession and cut the huge imported food bill that conditions Cuban international reserves.
Wheat futures advance as Ukraine follows Russia and imposes export quota
Wheat futures advanced for the first time in four sessions in Chicago trading after Ukraine, the second-largest exporter in the former Soviet Union last year, said it will probably limit overseas sales, following Russia’s restrictions on trade.
Argentine wheat farmers slash land sown to a 111 year low, says FT
British newspaper “The Financial Times” has run a story focusing on Argentina's wheat production, explaining that due to export limits and taxes, “farmers have slashed the land sown with wheat to a 111-year low” and cereal exports “have been halved over the past five years.”
Brazil ready to confirm another record crop: 147.1 million tons
Brazil is poised to confirm its largest crop ever, 147.1 million tons in 2009/2010, which is 9% higher that the 135.1 million of 2008/09 according to the latest survey from Conab, the country’s National Supply Agency. The latest record was in 2007/08 with 146 million tons.
Wheat futures soar as drought-stricken Russia halts grain exports
Wheat futures soared on Thursday after the world’s number three exporter the Russian Federation said it would temporarily halt grain shipments. The worst drought on record have devastated crops in parts of Russia and caused international grain prices to spike as markets anticipate a drop in global supplies.
Japan rice stockpiles to reach the highest in eight years in 2011
Japan’s food rice stockpiles may reach the highest level in eight years at the end of June 2011, leading to a price drop and planting curbs by growers next year. Private and government inventories are forecast to climb 2.5% to 3.24 million metric tons from 3.16 million tons a year earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a report Wednesday.
Mining and agriculture disputing scarce water resources in northern Chile
With the mining industry increasing its presence in northern Chile, problems over resources are arising between the mining and agricultural industries, especially over water.
