Russian grain crop not at risk despite flooding – agri minister
Russia expects to record its second largest grain harvest on record in 2024, following the record 147 million metric tons harvested in 2023, easing fears that the heavy flooding in several regions would result in the destruction of crops.
‘Milking process’ suspected of spreading bird flu to cattle
Newly released research has found that the milking process could be a factor in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza to dairy cows in the US.
Chocolate prices expected to continue rising as cocoa crisis deepens
A perfect storm of widespread illegal gold mining, climate change, mismanagement of the industry, and rapidly spreading disease are contributing to a potentially disastrous cocoa bean harvest in West Africa this season.
Plight of female agricultural workers in the spotlight
Statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicate that about 38% of all workers in global agricultural supply chains are female.
Farmers celebrate protected status for Irish grass-fed beef
Irish grass-fed beef has been awarded an EU all-Ireland Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). According to FarmingUK, this was a protection similar to that given to champagne in France, and Irish whiskey.
Illegal orchards under scrutiny in US-Mexico avocado trade
Environmental and legal uncertainty is threatening the integrity of the international avocado market, amid rising concerns about illegal avocado orchards in Mexico.
Massive crop losses for Canadian fruit farmers after ‘deep freeze’
Fruit farmers in British Columbia in Canada are calling for government assistance to survive after entire crops of fruit such as peaches, plums, cherries and nectarines were wiped out.
Brazil may lose top maize exporter spot due to drought
The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor in the US has indicated that agricultural economists agree Brazil will remain the world’s top exporter of soya bean in the 2023/24 season.
Why farmers across Europe are up in arms
Across Europe, tens of thousands of farmers have been coming out in force to air their grievances, ranging from the cost-of-living crisis to the EU’s sustainability policies, and the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Californians suing state over contaminated groundwater
Some farming communities in California in the US have long been plagued by contaminated drinking water due to nitrates and other contaminants in the groundwater that feed wells in their communities.
Farmer protest heaps further pressure on German government
Following fears that the week-long protest by about 10 000 farmers in Berlin, Germany, could turn violent, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner had a more conciliatory tone when he took to the stage to address a crowd on Monday, 15 January.
Marked slowdown in global food prices during 2023 – FAO
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) overall Food Price Index for 2023 showed a 13,7% overall decline year-on-year, according to a FAO report released on 5 January.
