Chicago | Reuters — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Friday that a Mexican plan to ban imports of genetically modified (GMO) corn would apply to grain used for human food products, not livestock feed, based on recent talks he had with Mexican Agriculture Secretary Victor Villalobos Arambula. Vilsack said limiting the ban to […] Read more

Mexico’s ban on GMO corn imports won’t apply to feed, U.S. says

German cabinet approves legislation to ban glyphosate from 2024
Law would still need parliamentary approval
Berlin | Reuters — Farmers in Germany will have to gradually reduce their use of glyphosate and stop using it completely from 2024 in order to preserve clean habitats for insects, under draft legislation passed by the country’s cabinet on Wednesday. “The exit from glyphosate is coming. Conservationists have been working toward this for a […] Read more

South Africa’s barley growers face bleak outlook on alcohol ban
Ban reinstated against COVID-19 surge
Johannesburg | Reuters — South African barley farmers are bracing for a tough market ahead as demand for the grain used to make beer falls and stockpiles grow after a ban on the sale of alcohol was reinstated as the country battles a surge in COVID-19 cases. The government in December enforced its third ban […] Read more

Thailand’s ban on two ag chemicals troubles farmers, industries
Paraquat, chlorpyrifos added to 'Type 4' list
Bangkok | Reuters — Thailand enforced a ban on Monday on two agricultural chemicals widely regarded as toxic to humans, prompting claims from farmers they will face losses, while environmental campaigners welcomed a step toward sustainability. Many countries have already prohibited paraquat, a broad-spectrum herbicide, and chlorpyrifos, an insecticide. Some 10 million farming households in […] Read more

Corteva to stop making Lorsban
Chicago | Reuters — Corteva will stop producing the agricultural pesticide chlorpyrifos by the end of the year, the company said on Thursday, removing the world’s largest manufacturer of a chemical that has been linked to low birth weight, reduced IQ and attention disorders in children. Corteva, spun off last year after a merger of […] Read more