University of Minnesota, United States, researchers say crop yields are far below targets for 2050, after analyzing 2.5 million agricultural statistics. Looking at maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans, they found yield improvement grew between 0.9% to 1.6%, far slower than the 2.4% necessary to meet calorie demands. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/20/crop-yeilds-world-population Report — http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0066428
NE China Barn Fire Engulfs 1,000 Tonnes of Grain
A large scale fire burned through a grain storage center in northeastern China, destroying 1,000 tonnes of grain. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-06/03/c_132427509.htm
Scientists Urge Action After Crop Losses
The drought in the United States continues on and now threatens the hard, red winter wheat crop. Warmer temperatures may cause faster maturation, putting the crops at risk if temperatures do eventually drop to colder levels typical of winter months. Scientists from Iowa, a top grain growing state, said the drought demonstrates the strong need […]
Workshop on Post-Harvest Losses by The ADM Institute
The ADM Institute presented at the “Workshop on Post-Harvest Losses” hosted by Empraba in Brazil in late October. The event brought together researchers from Brazil and the United States who are working on reducing losses in the soybean supply chain. Attendees developed working groups focusing on four main areas: loss harvesting, transportation, storage, and public […]
UNDP and EAC Launch Initiative to Boost Food Production, Opportunities in Agriculture Value Chains
The United Nations Development Program and the East Africa Community have joined forces to “boost food production, pursuit and income opportunities for farmers by advancing cultivation value bondage in East Africa.” Sorghum, soy and dairy are of particular focus. Infrastructure challenges increases commodity prices. http://www.africanews.it/english/undp-and-eac-launch-initiative-to-boost-food-production-opportunities-in-agriculture-value-chains/
Venture Fund Folds Roundtable for SMEs in Northern Region
In Ghana, the government’s Venture Capital Trust Fund is funding projects on the production of soy, sorghum, and yellow corn, as well as building facilities to add value to crops and reduce PHL. The VCTF typically works with entrepreneurs of small- and medium-sized enterprises by aiding in the creation of business plans and providing funding […]
U.S. Cash Grains-Bids Steady, Slow Farmer Sales
Both the United States and Canada have experienced unsatisfying harvests due to weather and transportation issues, and have, as a result, one of the smallest and lowest-grade crops on record. In the US, warmer weather limited access to on-farm storage bins and slowed down crop delivery. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/markets-grain-cash-idAFL2E8DM4UD20120222
Record Wheat Stocks Offset South American Drought
Despite the severe drought in South America, world wheat stocks have grown to record amounts this year, corn stocks are larger than expected, and India will also have a record rice crop. Brazil and Argentina both have lowered soybean harvest forecasts, both 2 million tonnes lower than the January estimate, thus bolstering US sales. http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/news/record-wheat-stocks-offset-south-american-drought/1000894325/
La Nina Seen Near Peak as Dryness Parches Argentine Corn
The tropical storm that has brought dry weather to Argentina and increased rainfall in SE Asia is drawing to a close. The storm has caused dryness damage to corn and soybeans in South America, and flooded rubber and palm plantations in Malaysia and Thailand. Argentina’s corn output was expected to hit 29 million tons, but due […]
Food Security and the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership
This article is an overview on USAID programs in Indonesia, including market and support activities, support for research centers, US exchange programs, and improving trade flows between the US and Indonesia. The following article also provides an overview on Feed the Future initiatives for Northern Ghana. Of particular focus are bringing in women’s groups as […]