UK: Notes on 'Most Favoured Nation tariff schedule'

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. The Department for International Trade is preparing the UK’s first independent tariff policy in almost fifty years. This…

Spain

Murcia loses 144,000 hectares devoted to agriculture in the last decade

In the last decade, the Region of Murcia's agricultural acreage has been reduced by 144,000 hectares, which at the time were used for rainfed crops, but which have been…

“I am prepared for the worst, but I hope for the best”

Brexit: who will bear the cost?

The United Kingdom imports numerous Spanish vegetables: spinach, lettuce, broccoli, tomato, celery, cauliflower, and many more. It also purchases all kinds of fruit, mostly citrus, stone fruit, etc. “Spanish fruit and vegetable products have a good reputation in the United Kingdom, and it is worth noting that this is also a…

Duplicate Australia and Indonesia Free Trade Agreement in force

The free trade agreement between Indonesia and Australia, the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) is effective as of 6 February.…

Spain

Freshuelva demands more control in the EU on berries from third countries

The Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries and Red Fruits from Huelva (Freshuelva) has asked the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, through the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (Fepex),…

Argentina makes progress on the procedures to export plums to China

The Government of the Argentine province of Mendoza stated that progress was being made in the procedures for the admission of fresh plums in the Chinese market. The Ministry…

South Africa

Land Bank appoints Ayanda Kanana as new CEO

The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa has appointed Ayanda Kanana as its new CEO - this after ratings agency Moody's flagged the lack of a permanent CEO…

Organic farmers in Africa struggle to get certified

An inordinate amount of red tape, coupled with limited access to finance is holding back organic agriculture in Africa and may hinder the continent's ability to feed itself.…

PACA vs CISG: which prevails, domestic or international law?

The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, or PACA, was first implemented in 1930 with the purpose of promoting fair trade in the US produce industry. The law establishes and enforces a code for conducting fair business practices and helps companies resolve business disputes. Since the implementation…

President Trump proposes USDA budget cuts

President Trump submitted his budget proposal to Congress this week, in which he calls for cuts to key agricultural programs including an 8% reduction in funding for the…

FEPEX

"The crisis is caused by the globalization of the community market and the imbalance of supply"

The Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Associations (FEPEX) stated at a meeting held on Thursday, February 13 by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, with representatives of the fruit and vegetable sector that the current crisis in this sector, which represents…

Australia extends working holiday visas for bushfire rebuilding work

Australian officials have stated that the government will allow backpackers and others staying in the country under a working holiday visa program to extend their visas if they assist with rebuilding and recovery efforts following the summer's devastating bushfires. Those seeking the extensions need to…

Carrefour, Sistème and Intermarché will have to pay 4.28 M€

3 French supermarket chains fined for not respecting farmer prices

The Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Suppression (DGCCRF) of France has reported that three supermarket chains have been fined and will have to pay…

USDA estimates over $161 billion of food goes uneaten annually

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that annually, over $161 billion of food at the retail and consumer stage of the supply chain goes uneaten. Food loss also occurs on farms and in the pre-retail distribution channels—the Food and Agricultural Organization estimated 30 percent of losses in…

Cargo through mixed border crossings in China still limited

Changing vegetable import rules may hit Russian border regions

The authorities of Primorye intend to initiate a working meeting of the Rosselkhoznadzor with the quarantine service of China to resume the supply of fruits and vegetables…

Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association first female president - Kylie Faulkner

"New Zealand growers want a fair deal"

Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association's (PVGA) first female president, Kylie Faulkner, has gotten off to a running start. Since taking over the reins at PVGA, Faulkner has…

USDA restricts twelve new PACA violators

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the Department of…

Chilean exporters: Trade ties with China solid and based on long-term growth

According to Chile's exports authorities, Chile's trade ties with China remain solid and based on long-term growth despite the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. China is not…

The German Government stands against the imposition of fruit prices by large retailers

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Federal Minister of Agriculture, Julia Klöckner, have accused two German supermarket chains of exercising "unfair competition" and harming agricultural producers because of their decision to lower the price of the fruits and vegetables they sell at the end of 2019.…

Disruption of UK fruit and veg supply after EU import controls almost inescapable

The UK retail sector has warned about disruption to the supply of fruit and vegetables after Britain confirmed it will introduce import controls on EU goods from January. These controls will come into force after the end of the current Brexit transition period, during which EU rules continue to apply.…

Growers worry that Florida Bill will exacerbate labor scarcity problems

Paul J. DiMare, one of the country's leading producers of fresh tomatoes, is among a group of businessmen trying to stifle a Florida bill that would require private companies to verify each new hire's eligibility to work in the US through a screening process called E-Verify. DiMare says that could reduce…

'Ramaphosa needs to elaborate on his plans for South Africa'

In his state of the nation address last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa identified three labour-intensive sectors for targeted growth: agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.…

Photo report: 16th International Berlin Potato Evening

"We need to regain trust and talk to people proactively"

Almost 500 guests from more than 15 countries and around 200 companies and institutions took part in the 16th edition of the International Berlin Potato Evening. In addition to the regular regular guests, many new and especially young participants found their way to the ballroom of the Hilton Berlin to enjoy…

First New Zealand company to be granted Key Trademark Protection Status

Zespri wins crucial legal battle in China

Zespri has become the first New Zealand company to be granted Key Trademark Protection Status in China, ensuring greater protections against copyright infringements. The recognition,…

Avocado's water consumption is proportional to its nutritional value

The avocado has become the superfood of the twenty-first century. Technical improvements in the avocado harvest within recent years have allowed substantial reduction in its water footprint. Present in all types of diets, no other food offers the same nutritional value for the per-liter amount of water…

UK senior Cabinet minister Michael Gove:

"Import controls will begin as soon Brexit transition ends"

UK Cabinet minister Michael Gove has warned that goods coming to Britain from the EU will face import controls from January 1 next year. Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of…

Newly founded Fresh Solutions LLC controls the Rewe business from 1 March

Greenyard announces its new organisational structure for the German market

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Rewe Group, which marks the first step towards an integrated partnership, Greenyard is now splitting its German…

India

State of Kerala strives for self-sufficiency in vegetables

The Kerala state government is working on a scheme involving the Agriculture, Health, and Local Self-Government Departments to make the state self-sufficient in vegetables in 470 days. Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar said the measures taken to increase vegetable cultivation had started paying…

FTAs raise stakes for exportable farm goods

Former agriculture trade negotiator Segfredo R. Serrano is calling for a shift to high-value crop exports and data-based negotiations as the Philippines enters into more trade…

Hawke's Bay slavery case: High Court at Napier hears workers

In New Zealand, a Samoan chief charged with slavery and trafficking treated many of his horticultural workers "like chattels". Joseph Matamata, also known as Viliamu Samu, the…

Foreign economic representative Jacob Moatshe:

"South African companies must seize trade opportunities with Germany"

Late last week, South Africa’s foreign economic representative in Germany, Jacob Moatshe, stated that his nation’s companies must seize the opportunities resulting from increased bilateral trade talks with Germany. He was speaking during the official opening of the South African Pavilion at the Fruit…

GlobalGAP updates Integrated Farm Assurance standard

For GlobalGAP, 2020, is a year for major revisions to its flagship Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard. A world-wide series of outreach events called the World Consultation Tour will gather input and feedback for the new version from farming communities in several countries. Simplification for…

Indonesia ratifies long-awaited free trade deal with Australia

The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) has officially been ratified, marking a new chapter of cooperation between those nations. At least 374 House of Representative members agreed to the bilateral pact during a plenary session on Thursday. “This agreement should…

Many associated companies also in receivership

Major Hawke’s Bay fruit company opted for voluntary administration

A large fruit company based in Hawke’s Bay has opted for voluntary administration and many of its associated companies are also in receivership. According to the New Zealand…

Freshfel Europe

The fruit and veg sector could become the leading industry in Europe's ecological transition

Over the next five years and until 2030, business and commerce in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector will be shaped by the new geopolitical priorities of the European…

Demystifying preconceived ideas in the export of bananas from Ecuador

The Ecuadorian banana industry, which is currently facing new challenges, also has to fight against some preconceived ideas. The price drop in Germany, where two supermarkets…

Over 1.5 billion Euro in aid to Bulgarian agricultural producers in 2020

Bulgarian agricultural producers will receive around BGN 3 billion (about 1.5 billion Euro) in aid in 2020. The information campaign on direct payments is starting within a…

Valencia will join the protests of Spanish agricultural producers on February 14

On February 14, a demonstration will be held in Valencia to denounce the extreme situation that the agricultural sector is going through and to demand short, medium and long-term measures from the Administrations to make sure that the activities of Valencian producers remain profitable.” The protest has…

Australian Fresh Produce Alliance:

'New Agriculture Minister needs to restore funding and support to grow Australian Agriculture'

The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is calling on the next federal Agriculture Minister to restore funding to the Department of Agriculture and remove the ever increasing fees and charges on the export activity of Australian farmers. Australian farmers are paying more than $400 million in annual…

Tshwane fresh produce market "on the brink of collapse"

The absence of management over the past decade has led the Tshwane fresh produce market to the brink of collapse. The market is the second largest in South Africa with an annual turnover of approximately R3 billion (156 million euros). The market earns around R150 million (7,8 million euros) per year for…

Peru approves importing persimmons from Korea

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) approved the phytosanitary requirements for the import of Korean fresh persimmons. As published this week in the newspaper El Peruano, the requirements for the persimmon to enter the country are: 1. The shipment must have the Phytosanitary Import…

Chile

ASOEX requests improvement of the conditions for the entry of fruit into Asia and the US

The president of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile AG (ASOEX), Ronald Bown, and the general manager of the entity, Miguel Canala-Echeverría, met with Rodrigo Yáñez, undersecretary of International Economic Relations, and Felipe Lopeandía, general director of Bilateral Economic Affairs of the…

Spanish agricultural producers will protest again on February 21 in Murcia

On Friday, February 21, the agricultural sector will hold a new protest in Murcia, led by Coag, Upa and Asaja, the three main agricultural and livestock organizations in the Region. The province thus joins the widespread protests of recent weeks, which are being promoted by various agricultural and…

Australian Fresh Produce Alliance:

Australian horti export tariffs cut, but 'deals are taking too long’

As the Australian government was very excited about the ‘new openings’ to some of its Free Trade Agreements, a major fresh produce group says the deals are taking too long. A…

Lighthizer pledged to explore new protections for farmers

Seasonal trade tensions between US and Mexico looming

In spite of the goodwill generated after USMCA was signed, there could be more tensions between the two countries surrounding produce. Allegedly, Mexico responded to a letter…

B2B agri-tech start-up Taimba partners with Enviu and DOEN Foundation

Kenyan agri-tech startup gets access to $277,000 in funding

Kenyan B2B agri-tech start-up Taimba, which operates a mobile-based cashless platform connecting rural smallholder farmers to urban retailers, has accessed €250,000…

Australia: Labour agreement promises access to skilled labour

With the implementation of the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA) this year, Australian horticultural companies are better equipped to help ease their worker…

WSU sues Yakima apple grower over alleged patent infringement

Washington State University has filed a lawsuit in federal court against a Yakima grower for allegedly infringing on its patent of an apple. The apple in question is WA 2,…

New plans for radical UK customs and border checks

Boris Johnson is preparing to impose full customs and border checks on all European goods entering the UK after Brexit. This seems to be his cabinet’s way of ramping up the…

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

Niagara growers applaud federal marketing campaign announcement

Niagara-on-the-Lake peach farmer Dylan Wiens readily admits he’s not fully in the loop on all the growing programs going on in his own province, let alone the vast country of…

APHIS determines Unshu oranges can be safely imported from Japan into the US

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is advising the public that we are revising our requirements for the importation of…

Brexit Day

"The concern would be the potential for additional bureaucracy to facilitate the trade"

The United Kingdom officially leaves the European Union tonight at midnight (European time) but little will actually change as the transition period will extend to the end of the year. What Brexit will actually mean for companies in the UK, exporters and importers alike is still unknown as Prime Minister…

Auckland fruit fly response comes to a successful end

A joint Government and industry response to unwanted fruit flies has been closed out, with New Zealand fruit and vegetable grower representatives saying they are pleased with…

US will investigate seasonal dumping, but not through USMCA

When President Trump signed the USMCA, responses from the US, Canada and Mexican fresh produce industries were generally positive. All were focusing on a return to certainty on trade issues and continuation of NAFTA’s lack of tariffs. US growers -primarily from Florida and Georgia- who say NAFTA eroded…

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Texas Produce Business

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that RR & Tequila Limes LLC satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $11,600 issued under the Perishable Agricultural…

Thai government: no Chinese produce is to enter Thailand

Thai media reported on January 29 that Mr. Prompow, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, made a public statement, saying that due to the recent…

Backing up South Australia’s generation capacity

The Marshall Government is investing $2 million with Enel X to unlock the potential for cheaper more reliable electricity by utilising backup generators owned by 40 South…

Three new appointees welcomed

National Mango Board expands to include coverage of frozen mango

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, has appointed three members from the frozen mango industry to serve on the National Mango Board (NMB). Two appointees will…

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on California produce business

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Academy Fruit Company LLC satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $104,195 issued under the Perishable…

President Trump signs USMCA

On January 29th, President Trump signed the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), marking a major milestone for trade among these three close neighbors. The USMCA is a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. The trade deal was finalized at the beginning of December 2019, and passed the Senate on…

EPA reviewing hydrogen cyanamide rules

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is initiating a reassessment of the plant growth regulator hydrogen cyanamide, and is now seeking information on how and where it…

Mexico

Sonora focuses on phytosanitary control of domestic flights

In order to prevent the introduction of unknown pests in the Mexican state of Sonora, such as fruit flies, present in mangoes, apples and citrus fruits, the staff of the…

The US announces changes in its regulations for organic products

During a speech at the Global Ecological Products Exhibition (GOPEX), Jennifer Tucker announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) was going to modify the…

Fruit Logistica in the shadow of Brexit

"Without a deal, it could take up to three days to deliver fresh food to the UK"

New fruit varieties, intelligent harvesting machines and plastic-free packaging ideas are presented by exhibitors at Fruit Logistica. The trade fair presents innovations in…

European Parliament ready to approve Brexit deal

The European Parliament is set to approve the terms of the UK's departure from the European Union in an historic vote on Wednesday. The 751 representatives will debate the…

The Dominican Government finances the construction of a banana chip plant

The La Santa Cruz Small Producers Association, which was founded in 2007, presented to the Government a project for the installation of a banana chip production plant in the Dominican province of Valverde. The 112 members of the association currently have 975 hectares of bananas under production,…

Andalusia estimates damages caused by storm Gloria in Almeria at 1,700 hectares

On Monday, January 27, a meeting was held in Almería between the Councilor of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Carmen Crespo, and the province's…

Managing and coordinating intellectual property for produce

How do companies and individuals who develop produce varieties with Intellectual Property (IP) manage and coordinate them globally? How do they keep track of evaluations, shipping…

Asian retailers support Australian growers amid bush fire crisis

Across Asia, retail partners have teamed up to show support for the Australian growers that are dealing with drought and bushfires. Taste Australia, supporters from Malaysia…

Additional AG Customs specialists wanted at American ports

A group of more than 80 trade associations -representing the agricultural products industry- wants the US House of Representatives to pass legislation that would fill the current shortfall of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the nation’s ports of entry. The 2019 Protecting…

The Spanish agricultural sector continues protesting

Trucks called to gather in protest at Port of Almeria this Wednesday

The Agricultural Organizations ASAJA, COAG and UPA and the marketing ones COEXPHAL and ECOHAL are organizing a protest of trucks and agricultural vehicles on Wednesday, January 29, at the Port of Almeria. It is happening in the framework of the agricultural demonstrations being held throughout this week…

Lack of commercialization puts Argentine citrus in check

The citrus sector of the Argentine province of Misiones is concerned because it might, once again, lose thousands of kilos of fruits due to lack of commercialization. Nothing…

Spanish government claims agricultural insurance will cover the damages caused by Gloria

Given the huge damages caused by storm Gloria to crops and agricultural productions of the Mediterranean coast, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) recalled that the combined agricultural insurance system will cover the storm damage. It stressed that the damages caused by hail,…

US trade mission offers opportunities for export to Philippines

Exporters of American horticultural products and food were given the opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the Philippines during a horticultural mission from…

Northern India

State of Haryana to set up 200 pack-houses for vegetables and fruits

Haryana is one of the 28 states in India, located in northern part of the country. The state’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Jai Prakash Dalal, said that the state…

India

Budget 2020: Farming a more productive agriculture sector

"Despite the current emphasis on the correlation of water management with farm productivity, India’s agriculture sector continues to be beset with water scarcity, making it…

The EU makes commitment to bioeconomics to comply with the Green Pact

Originally conceived eight years ago as a way to reduce Europe's dependence on oil, the 2018 European Commission's bioeconomics strategy has been expanded, moving from biofuel…

Withdrawal Agreement Act signed off by the Queen

Brexit deal becomes UK law

Boris Johnson's Brexit deal has officially become UK law, paving the way for the country to leave the EU next week. The prime minister's Withdrawal Agreement Act was signed off by the Queen on Thursday after completing its journey through parliament. Commons deputy speaker Nigel Evans announced the news to MPs on Thursday…

Anticipating a final round of negotiations in the coming two to three weeks

USDA: "Fresh potatoes are part of the trade deal with China"

According to the official trade text, the USDA and China will sign and implement phytosanitary protocols allowing American fresh potato imports into China for processing. The…

Phase One China Agreement starts on February 15th

Last week President Trump signed the Phase One Agreement with China. As reported on cacitrusmutual.com, China agreed to purchase at least $40 billion annually over two years…

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Florida produce business

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Epic Fresh Produce LLC satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $43,302 issued under the Perishable Agricultural…

Spanish farmers receive more than 4,000 million in funds from the CAP

According to the December 2019 Spanish Agricultural Guarantee Fund's latest monthly report on the payments of the European Agricultural Fund for Agricultural Guarantee, EAGF,…

Japanese brace for climate change

At the UN climate change conference COP 25 last year, Japan was cited as the country most affected by extreme weather in 2018. Strong typhoons and torrential rains hit one…

EU-Vietnam free trade deal gets green light in trade committee

The Committee on International Trade backed the free trade and investment protection agreements between the EU and Vietnam on Tuesday. The committee gave its consent to the…

Huizenga calls for fairer trade practices

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, called for federal trade officials to hold a hearing in West Michigan to demonstrate the impact of unfair trade practices on farmers in the…

Cape Town dam levels: Freefall continues as water usage spikes

It’s been another difficult week for the Cape Town dam levels. Despite spots of rain falling near some of the major facilities, the downpours weren’t big enough to halt the slide. The challenging summer months are taking their toll, but nevertheless, the picture still looks better than it did 12 months…

Spain: Despite having an unemployment rate of 21.8%, Andalusia uses Moroccan temps for strawberry

On Thursday, January 16, the Andalusian Minister of Employment, Training, and Autonomous Work, Rocio Blanco, stated in an interview on Canal Sur Radio that, despite having a 21.8% unemployment rate, Andalusia hired immigrants to work in the collection of the strawberry in Huelva. In response, the Vice…

"Brexit won't change a thing for companies or people until 2021"

On Thursday, January 16 at the Chamber of Commerce of Zaragoza, the Minister Counselor of the British Embassy in Spain, Tim Hemmings, stressed that, even though the United…

Asaja, COAG and UPA announce new protests across Spain

The Spanish agricultural organizations Asaja, COAG and UPA have released a joint statement announcing a series of demonstrations across Spain. To safeguard the future of agricultural growers and cattle farmers, they want to give a clear signal to the various authorities and other players in the agro-food…

USDA imposes sanctions on six companys for PACA violations

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the Department of Agriculture…

Taiwan adds American blueberries, retains onions and removes lettuce from the improved 2020 inspection list

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) recently published the updated comprehensive inspection list. This list applies to food imports in the calendar year for 2020.…

Focus on climate change, plant protection, biodiversity and water management

New fruit growing strategies in the Alte Land

The adaptation of fruit growing to the conditions of climate change, future strategies in plant protection and the promotion of biodiversity as well as challenges in water management for fruit growing farms were among the key topics during the visit of Miriam Staudte, spokesperson for agriculture and…

US Senate passes USMCA to overwhelmingly positive response

On Thursday, January 16th, the U.S. Senate passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a bipartisan vote of 89 – 10. The agreement will now go to the President for his signature, which finalizes its enactment. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the passing…

Minister McKenzie meets with agriculture industry leaders

Australia: Roundtable shapes agriculture bushfire response

Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Agriculture Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie, has met with agriculture industry leaders to hear about the impact of the recent bushfires…

Trade deals to dictate success of new UK Agriculture Bill

Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), the largest certifier of UK organic land has reacted to the new Agriculture Bill introduced to Parliament today (16 January 2020). OF&G welcomes the direction of the legislation prioritising environmental enhancement but warns the prospect of trading arrangements…

USDA files action against FL companies for alleged PACA violations

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the U.S. Department of…

Designated counties saw at least a 30% loss of alfalfa, raspberry or blueberry crops

USDA designates 8 counties in New Hampshire as natural disaster areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated eight counties in New Hampshire as primary natural disaster areas. According to rfdtv.com, this designation is in response to…

China sets labelling rules

China recently registered requirements relating to food labels with the WTO's TBT committee. No proposed enforcement date for these regulations has been announced. The United States Department of…

Elgon Kenya Director honoured for role in agricultural transformation in East Africa

Agro input company Elgon Kenya’s Director Bimal Kantaria has been feted with a Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree by the United Graduate College and Seminary International, a US-based theology college, for his efforts at promoting the agriculture sector in East Africa, working with the youth in…

Australian blueberry growers still miss out by not having access to China

The announcement overnight of a trade agreement between China and the U.S. in which China has agreed to finalize phytosanitary protocols for U.S. blueberries, highlights how…

Nigeria’s agri revolution compromised by infrastructural challenges

Post-harvest losses may have been dropping in the African nation of Nigeria in the past year, but farmers are still uncomfortable with the state of infrastructure that…

Africa–Scotland Business Network is doing great

Growing trade networks for South Africa and Scotland

Since its launch last November, the Africa–Scotland Business Network (ASBN) has achieved great success in bringing trade opportunities to South Africa. Since the network’s launch in Cape Town it has grown organically to a membership of 86 and counting. Through direct engagement, ASBN is also facilitating…

Liu He: "Agreement is rooted in equality and mutual respect"

US and China sign deal to ease trade war

The US and China have signed an agreement aimed at easing the trade war that weighed heavy on the global economy. Speaking in Washington, US President Donald Trump said the pact would be "transformative" for the US economy. Chinese leaders meanwhile called it a "win-win" deal that would help foster…

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency launches project in Somaliland

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency TIKA has launched a program in Somaliland to help boost the quality and amount of crops and livestock there. The agricultural…

Australian government pledges $75,000 - emergency bushfire grants

Farm, fish, and forestry businesses in Australia’s fire-affected regions will have access to $100 million in emergency bushfire recovery funding, which will be made available following agreement with relevant state governments. Those in fire-affected regions can apply for up to $75,000 in grants, with…

The US receives more than 22,000 comments on the rise of tariffs on European products

January 13 was the deadline set by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for European agri-food sectors to submit comments about the 25% tariff increase imposed by the Donald Trump government. Up to that date, more than 22,000 comments have been received. Now a period of…

Water upgrades planned for Bundaberg North

Queensland Paradise Dam study seeks business input

A survey has been created for businesses to have their say on the impact that changes to Paradise Dam will have on their operations. The survey is part of a comprehensive…

Australian farmers and workers both losing out due to changes horti labour rules

Farmers and some workers say they are losing money because of changes to the award wage for casual horticultural employees. Since April 2019 farmers have had to pay their…

USDA restricts PACA violators in California, North Carolina and Texas

As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the Department of…

€200.9 million to promote EU agri-food products in 2020

The European Commission launched the calls for proposals for European agri-food promotion programmes, in the EU and abroad.For 2020, a total budget of €200.9 million is…

New Zealand orchardist fined for breaches against Bay of Plenty migrant workers

An agri employer, based in Hawke's Bay, who was fined for breaching labour laws in 2015 has again been penalised for breaches against "young and vulnerable" migrant employees…

Canada import regulations for horticultural products updated

In Canada, current legal requirements come into effect from January 2020 with regulations for, among other things, permits, preventive controls and traceability requirements for horticultural products. The labeling and packaging are also discussed and the detailed requirements they must meet. The USDA has…

Rentia Operating Group

The major cooperatives in Almeria, Spain, are committed to digitalize the sector

Applying Big Data and artificial intelligence to crop production can optimize decision making and, ultimately, substantially improve profitability thanks to the savings in the…

India: Lack of agri planning causes inflation

Lack of proper agriculture planning in India lead to high inflation, hurting the poor most. The food inflation in the third quarter of 2019 indicates the need to dig deeper into the agricultural policies and improvise them to avoid such a situation in the future. High onion pricesThe soaring onion prices…

“Smart Farming” for sustainable intensification

Farms of the future: innovation in fresh produce supply chains

Agriculture has been slower than some other major industries to see disruption through new technology. But the opportunities in this area are fast being realised and there has…

US: Southern fruit and vegetable growers to meet US trade officials

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will begin working with southern fruit and vegetable farmers to ensure fair competition with their Mexican counterparts. This is a…

Ports now expect smooth Brexit

UK sees volumes decline after stockpiling spike

The port of Dover says it is expecting a smooth Brexit, claiming no major headaches are expected at British ports when Brexit happens on January 31. However, industry leaders warn much still needs to be sorted out before the end of the year. Meanwhile, the trend line on the port throughput graph is…

Argentine peso to weaken further

Forecast: World’s weakest currency to drop ever lower

Argentina’s peso, the world’s weakest currency for the past two years, has nowhere to go but down as the nation struggles to rein in runaway consumer price increases,…

Comprehensive export guide to opening Chinese market's doors

China is the largest global exporter of, among other products, potatoes, apples, and peanuts. However, the Chinese market is open to importing overseas fruit (see our article of 15-1-2019). The country's middle class is becoming more affluent. The trend is, therefore, that they are no longer buying fruit…

Brexit issues around Irish border could land UK in court

The Irish border could yet become a problem for Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal. Experts are saying it will be impossible to deliver the computer systems for the special…

Liberal National Party of Queensland

Queensland bushfire action plans revealed

The Liberal National Party of Queensland has released its bushfire mitigation strategy for the state, as the fire emergency continues to grip southern states. The Ten-point…

US retail advertisements cater to healthy eating this month

The USDA National Retail Report shows that this week, retailers continued to cater to shoppers' intentions to eat well. Popular juicing items such as apples, mangoes, kale,…

UK port set to make an undisclosed number of redundancies

Port of Dover confirmed staff cutbacks are imminent

The Port of Dover, which last month opened its Cargo Terminal West, confirmed in a statement that employees and trade unions are in the process of being briefed as to the nature of cutbacks that may occur. A Port of Dover spokesperson said: “A process has been started to consider where we can secure…

Pagoda launches Daba Musang King durian brand

Pagoda announces new standards for Musang King durian during grand ceremony in Beijing

Pagoda organized a grand ceremony in Beijing on the 9th of January to announce both the official new standards for Musang King durian and the Daba Musang King durian brand. During the press conference, Pagoda introduced an integrated system for Musang King durian standards in the Chinese market. The new…

Strong need for Express Sea Route from Mexico to Northern Europe

To start the new year on a strong note, UPM and Apeajal organized an agro-exporters meeting with the main goal of the pre-registration of avocado exporters from Mexico to…

AUSVEG offers bushfire support

The devastating bushfires around the country have had a significant impact on Australian agriculture including Australian vegetable and potato growers. While various fires still rage in many areas…

FAIRS report USDA

Export rules Barbados

In order to export to Barbados without any problems, it is necessary to pay attention to specific and extensive regulations. The USDA publishes these regulations in an annual report. This report pays…

UK and Brexit

MPs give final backing to Withdrawal Agreement Bill

British MPs have given their final backing to the bill that will implement the government's Brexit deal. The House of Commons voted 330 to 231 in favour of the Withdrawal…

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