In 2014 the export sale of corn and corn products in the U.S. generated $74.7 billion. The total rises to $82 billion when expanded to include all feed grain products, says a new report by Informa Economics. Overall, corn exports increased the U.S. GDP by $29.8 billion, compared to what would have occurred without these exports. Full-time jobs related directly … Read More
Corn Production and Demand Expected to Set Records
The latest USDA report says the nation may see an all time high in production of corn in 2016, possibly reaching 14.1 billion bushels. Production is following demand, which is being driven by feed, ethanol and exports. “NCGA is pleased to see continuing demand increases in the ethanol, feed and export sectors in the report, but this report shows us … Read More
Turkish Investigation Disputed by NCC
Turkey is the second largest export market for U.S. cotton, but now that is being threatened by what the National Cotton Council (NCC) maintains are false allegations. The government of Turkey has claimed the United States dumped cotton into the Turkish market, injuring their domestic prices. They have now released their final decision, based on their investigation of the incident. … Read More
ASTA Addressing Part 340 Biotech Concerns
American Seed Trade Association is currently working with the USDA on a revision of the biotechnology regulations, known as Part 340. Last week at the Commodity Classic in New Orleans ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne addressed the work they are doing to make sure key goals are included in this revision. “One of the key concerns that we have … Read More
US Ag Equipment Exports Decline 16 Percent
The first half of 2015 showed a drop of 16 % in the exports of U.S.-made agricultural equipment as compared to 2014. In total $4 billion were shipped to global markets. Exports to Europe dropped 31% and South America was down 30%. Markets in Asia grew by 19% and sales were up in Central America as well. The second quarter of … Read More
EU Approves 17 Biotech Traits for Import
After the European Commission had just proposed to let European Union (EU) states opt out of the import of food and feed containing biotechnology traits, the body seems to have reversed course a bit and approved 17 biotechnology traits for import. The news was met with guarded optimism from the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) First Vice President Richard Wilkins, a … Read More
Soybean Growers Ask EU to Approve Biotech Traits
Soybean growers in the U.S. are calling on the European Union to approve 13 new biotechnology products for importation. This news release from the American Soybean Association (ASA) says the group, along with other U.S. farm organizations, sent a letter to European Health & Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, urging the EU to approve the products, including soybeans, corn, canola … Read More
Syngenta Gets Approval for Agrisure Viptera® in China
It’s official now. Syngenta announced today that it has received approval for the Agrisure Viptera® trait (event MIR162) from China’s regulatory authorities, formally granting import approval. The approval covers corn grain and processing byproducts, such as dried distillers grains (DDGs), for food and feed use. The Agrisure Viptera® trait is a key component of Syngenta’s insect control solutions, offering growers … Read More
Sustainably Grown USSEC Markets
National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk led me to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) booth where I talked with Laura Foell. She is chairman of the USSEC, member of the United Soybean Board and an Iowa farmer. USSEC is comprised of United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association, state soybean associations and industry members. As a non-profit the council’s … Read More
Biotechnology a Focus at Export Exchange
Dr. Howard Minigh, president and chief executive officer of CropLife International, was one of the presenters at the 2014 Export Exchange in Seattle this week. The event is co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Speaking to nearly 500 attendees representing over 40 countries, Minigh talked about how biotechnology benefits farmers and consumers worldwide, and … Read More