Page 769 of articles about news

The Government of Canada is investing in cutting-edge research to grow market opportunities and maintain a bright future for the Canadian organic industry. An investment of $6.5 million will bring together scientific expertise from academia, industry and government to develop more efficient and profitable processes for organic farmers.

Russian pork imports during the first half of 2010 jumped 15% year-on-year, to 308,900 tonnes swt, driven by a recover in demand and tighter local production.

Net farm income is forecast to be $77.1 billion in 2010, up $14.9 billion (24 percent) from 2009. The 2010 forecast is $12.3 billion above the average of $64.8 billion in net farm income earned annually in the previous 10 years and is the fourth largest amount of income earned in U.S. farming. Cash receipts are expected to increase 6.5 percent, due mainly to higher livestock receipts.

In a report drafted by José Bové (Greens/EFA, FR) and approved by a show of hands, MEPs suggest ways to tackle abuse of dominant positions, unfair commercial and contractual practices and late payments, and to improve producers' position in the food market. The report, a response a Commission communication, sets out MEPs' ideas on to improve the functioning of the food supply chain for the benefit of producers and citizens.

After negotiations with the EU that allowed for a long transition period, Switzerland will ban the use of swill in pig feed as of the mid-2011. The EU, given the connection between the use of swill in pig feed and the appearance of epizootic diseases, banned their use in 2002.

The Blue ear disease that has hit 13 provinces in Vietnam has resulted in a huge loss for farmers.

Pham Duc Binh, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed Association, said Vietnam will import 1.25 million tonnes, the same as last year.

Corn futures in Chicago generated record trading Sept. 3 as signs that U.S. farmers won’t harvest as large a crop as once expected fueled buying from speculators.

The detection of links between animal production systems around the world, climate change and the epidemiological evolution of animal diseases was the focus of a meeting organised by the OIE with experts from several continents.

Last week the Manitoba government announced a new provincial Farm Building Code will take effect November 1'st. The introduction of a new Manitoba Farm Building Code us expected to enhance safety on the farm and help reduce losses due to fire.

China’s trade deficit of livestock products was US$2.5 billion in the first half of 2010, up 110 percent from a year earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture said in an online statement.

The Netherlands has extended its focus and increased the export of live pigs and piglets. With respect to live animals in particular, the Netherlands has a strong(er) competitive position to maintain, but is not so important with respect to pork.

As of to date, nearly 1 mln tonne of grains is blocked in the Ukrainian ports, announced the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA).

The Danish Minister and the Chinese Vice Minister met in Shanghai to discuss the possibility of a greater opening of the Chinese market to foreign pork. Pork is one of Denmark’s biggest exports and an agreement will increase Danish export opportunities to China. Furthermore, the Danish, Chinese and Finnish Ministers opened a conference in Shanghai focusing on food safety.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the first edition of a program handbook designed for those who own, manage, or certify organic operations. Prepared by the National Organic Program (NOP), the handbook provides guidance about the national organic standards and instructions that outline best program practices. It is intended to serve as a resource for the organic industry that will help participants comply with federal regulations.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday abruptly extended the grain export ban by at least several months from the end of this year because farmers and wholesalers sent grain prices up by holding the latest harvest.