by Steve Sonka, Research Professor, ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss Much of what I know about farming was learned growing up on a small Iowa farm. My parents devoted considerable attention to producing our crops and livestock. However, considerable attention also was focused on the decisions of how much to sell and […]
Authorities Target Rice Millers Over Paddy Grading, Prices
Farmers in Venezuela dispute with a milling company over pricing, saying millers paid farmers well under and below market prices. Venezuelan rice market regulations require millers to pay farmers in appropriate time frames, but now face the challenge of curbing unfair grading and pricing practices. http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/08/23/authorities-target-rice-millers-over-paddy-grading-prices/
ROC Assists with Guatemalan Grain Program
A Tawainese-funded project to update and improve the country’s grain storage facilities was inaugurated on July 3rd. Having fallen into disrepair in recent decades, improvements to storage will increase availability of the domestic maize supply. http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=207025&ctNode=445
IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
New Postharvest Storage Technologies for Latin America
The 2nd Latin American Convention on Airtight Storage was held in March in Guatemala, and showcased latest technologies that prevent losses of grain during storage and transport phases. Participants CIMMYT, FAO, and convention sponsor GrainPro, Inc, featured new technologies and provided evaluations and reviews of current programs. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=10194
Appraisal of Haiti Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Program
The International Cooperation and Development Fund of Taiwan published an “Appraisal of Haiti Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Program” (PDF). The report is mostly in English, with some Mandarin. http://www.icdf.org.tw/public/Data/25189552471.pdf
Mercy Corps Helps Rebuild Haitian Economy Two Years After Quake
Two years after the earthquake, Mercy Corps continues to work with the rebuilding of Haiti and its economy. Of particular focus is educating farmers on business skills and how to reduce significant PHL. The organization’s two-year report can be found here. http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/mercy-corps-helps-rebuild-haitian-economy-two-years-after-quake
African, Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) Discuss Enhanced Cooperation
The Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for African, Caribbean & Pacific Development discussed the impact of joint efforts and future needs at the 10th meeting of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October. A postharvest knowledge system supported by postgraduate research in terms of food security, economic potential, and wealth creation was a specific […]
US Embargo Caused Over US$104 Billion Direct Economic Damages to Cuba
The UN General Assembly Resolution 65/6 finds that the U.S. blockade on Cuban products has severely limited the development of agriculture on the island, as well as prevented the improvement of logistics activities such as collection, postharvest treatment, and distribution. This blockade has caused Cuba to heavily rely on imports from the US., which it […]
Unified Effort to Tackle Rising Food Prices
Postharvest losses seen as factor in increase in food prices. Recommendation coming out of FAO Regional Consultation on Policy and Programmatic Actions to Address High Food Prices in the Caribbean has called for a Regional Technical Working Group on Monitoring and Managing Food Prices, with responsibilities for monitoring global and domestic prices and policies, recommending policy […]