Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said on Thursday his government expects lengthy tariff negotiations with the United States, and suggested they would include trade discussions involving sugar and ethanol.

Brazil sees prolonged US tariff talks, minister says, linking ethanol and sugar

Trump trade war favors Brazil’s agribusiness, grain company SLC says
China looking to Brazil as it seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. agricultural goods
The trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which led countries including China to retaliate against tariffs implemented by his administration, is favorable to Brazil, the CEO of agribusiness firm SLC Agricola said on Thursday.

Cold plasma shows promise as seed treatment
Fourth state of matter showed to slow growth of fall armyworm, boost plant development
A University of Arkansas study showed cold plasma shows promise as a seed treatment against fall armyworm and promoted rice plant development.

American farmers put plans, investments on hold under Trump USDA spending freeze
Farmers and food organizations across the country are cutting staff, halting investments and missing key funding amid a USDA freeze on a broad swath of grants, more than two dozen farmers and agricultural support groups in seven states told Reuters.

India faces warmer February, winter crops at risk
India is set to see above-average temperatures in February after a warmer than normal January, the weather office said on Friday, posing a risk to key winter-sown crops such as wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas.

USDA announces new interim rule for biofuel guidelines
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new interim rule on Jan. 15, 2025 to aid production of biofuel feedstock crops as well as promote climate-smart agriculture.

Idemitsu to begin trial of non-edible oilseed crop for aviation fuel
Idemitsu Kosan will begin a trial plantation of the non-edible oilseed tree crop Pongamia in Australia from mid-January to assess its potential as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the Japanese crude oil refiner said on Thursday.

In first, Cuba leases farmland to foreign firm
Cuba said on Wednesday it had leased farmland to a Vietnamese company to grow rice, a first since the 1959 revolution which kicked all foreign landowners out.

China plans decade-long drive to boost cereal grain consumption
China on Tuesday launched a decade-long plan to boost consumption of cereal grains and develop the industry through higher production standards, research and international cooperation as part of efforts to enhance food security.

Why have cocoa futures hit record highs this year?
Futures markets have seen a record-breaking run in cocoa prices in 2024, a surge exacerbated by the hedge funds that provide much of their liquidity heading for the exit.