(Cia.gov)

China to let market decide its corn prices

Beijing | Reuters — China will let the market decide its domestic state corn prices to help cap the country’s rising imports and record-high level of state reserves, a senior official was cited by state media as saying on Monday. “The direction of corn reform is… to let the market decide prices, and (state support) […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Philippines rush new GMO rules to avert import disruption

Manila | Reuters — The Philippines is set to issue new rules next month on GMO imports, seeking to avert food supply disruptions when a court-ordered stoppage kicks in as import permits for livestock feed expire this year, government officials said. In a landmark ruling in December, the country’s Supreme Court struck down a 2002 government […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. grains: Corn, wheat post small gains

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Board of Trade corn futures inched higher in end-of-week consolidation trade on Friday, supported by some fresh global supply concerns and stronger-than-expected export data, traders said. Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat also firmed slightly, with mild short-covering lending support. Ample global supplies but weak demand for U.S. […] Read more



(CaseIH.com)

Feds scrap ‘conditional’ pesticide approvals

Federal crop chemical regulators this summer will stop granting “conditional” registrations for new pesticides — a practice already largely on the way out, they note. Health Canada, which oversees the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), said Tuesday it plans to stop granting new conditional registrations starting June 1, describing the move as an “important […] Read more


(PortMetroVancouver.com)

New Zealand to host TPP signing Feb. 4

New Zealand plans to host the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact by its 12 member nations on Feb. 4. The country’s trade minister, Todd McClay, confirmed in a statement Thursday that New Zealand has issued invitations to TPP ministers to sign the agreement in Auckland, marking the end of negotiations. Signing the deal […] Read more



(Keith Weller photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

U.S. grains: Soybeans set back on profit taking

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures dropped 1.1 per cent on Wednesday as investors locked in profits a day after the market’s rally to a four-week high, traders said. Wheat futures also fell, pressured by weak overseas demand for U.S. supplies. But corn closed slightly higher, with a surprise export sale triggering a mild […] Read more

(Country Guide file photo)

Currency analysts watch for interest rate decision

CNS Canada — The likelihood of the Bank of Canada cutting interest rates on Wednesday is already priced into the loonie, according to one analyst — but if the bank instead decides to hold rates steady, the beleaguered currency could move higher. The Canadian dollar was trading around US69 cents (US$1=C$1.45) near midday Tuesday, which […] Read more