As winter starts in the southern hemisphere, Australia projects a dream winter pulses harvest especially for two key legumes. Driving production will be lentils at 1.6 million tonnes yield estimate, even as chickpeas could reach 1.1 million tonnes. The gains in the two winter pulses stem from significant yearly acreage increases, at 5% for lentils and 80% for chickpeas. Chickpeas With an impressive 80%...
Vietnam’s coffee sector prepares for EU’s anti-deforestation law
Vietnam’s coffee stakeholders have begun tracking 0.5 million small-scale farmers, months before the industry-affecting EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) materializes. According to a June 1, 2024 report on The Star Malaysia, Vietnam cannot delay certifications as it exports 40% of its coffee to Europe. Luckily, the country has been promoting sustainable plantation agriculture since August 2023, which means that farmer traceability will be easy....
Uganda’s food inflation up -1.4% courtesy pricey tomatoes, vegetables
Uganda’s food inflation rose by negative 1.4% in May 2024 year-on-year, up from negative 2.4% in April 2024 year-on-year. Soaring tomato and fresh vegetables prices contributed to the increase. Despite being in the negative territory, the annual inflation had notable price impact on restaurant menu prices. Data shows that meal rates hiked from 6.3% to 8.1% between April and May 2024. Key exceptions were plantains,...
The 2024 abalone season underway in Fujian, China
The 2024 abalone season has kicked off early June on the southeastern seaboard of China in Fujian Province. Each early summer, the province turns into a hub of activity as fishermen ferry the valuable sea snails to processors. Abalone is a key summer delicacy which features in multiple Chinese dishes as a sauteé or stew dish. This season, harvesters pine after a repeat...
Trump 2.0 promises 10% worldwide import tariffs including on agriculture
If reelected, former U.S. President Donald Trump intends to impose 10% worldwide import tariffs in a hard-hitting “Trump 2.0.”-styled term. But first he promises to continue where he stopped in 2020 by slamming 60% or more tariffs on imports from China. These levies will land on the usual suspects like soybeans, pork, vegetable oils, among other agricultural imports. Below is a look at...
Philippines cannot grow golden rice, court rules
Commercial cultivation of “golden rice” in the Philippines has ended after a court revoked a 2021 government permit over biodiversity concerns. The visually colorful bio-engineered strain is rich in proVitamin A building compounds unlike organic white palay rice. The court of Appeal had first ended the commercial permit on April 17 in favor of small-scale rice growers and environmentalists. In 2021, the Philippines became...
Bountiful Thai durian harvest brings 40% price cuts across mainland Asia
The May peak of eastern Thailand’s durian harvest has created a glut in mainland Asia and occasioned a 40% slump in prices. Leading in affordability is China’s import market which receives its supplies during three south-east Asia countries’ concurrent durian seasons. For instance, Monthong durian cost 40-48 Yuan ($5.52-6.62) in late May, below the 64 Yuan ($8.83) per kg of April 2024. A...
Costo’s shelled lobster sparks curiosity even as Canada’s lobster prices dip
Retailer Costo’s “naked lobster” has belatedly attracted attention for its curious look as the North American summer shellfish season dawns. At the same time, Canada’s lobster scene is swarming with unsold lobster, attracting a price fall. Regarding Costo’s shelled lobster, it comes in a butter-padded shelled pack with two whole 6.5 oz lobsters at U$39.99. The retailer’s ad for the seafood pack...
Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab numbers at manageable levels
Maryland’s and Virginia’s blue crab numbers on Chesapeake Bay in winter 2024 were at stable albeit lower levels than 2023’s. There were an estimated winter 2024 population of 317 million blue crabs, according to a May 22, 2024 survey report. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) alongside Virginia Institute of Marine Science have been conducting the Winter Dredge Survey since 1990....
World’s food commodity futures show mixed results end May 2024
The world’s food commodity futures revealed strengths and weaknesses in London, New York and Chicago exchanges in end May, 2024. Grain, live cattle, coffee and cocoa all performed differently in these futures markets, which usually impact retail food prices. Grain Markets Rise and Fall Setting the trend was corn which sold at 461.00 US¢ per bushel on May 2023 in...