CITES Rejects Ban On Trade Of Bluefin Tuna
Friday, March 19, 2010
GLOBAL - The triennial general assembly of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) reached a climax yesterday (18 March) when governments rejected by vote a trade ban on bluefin tuna.
Monaco introduced its proposal to ban trade in bluefin tuna, followed immediately by the European Union which suggested an amendment to delay the entry into force of the ban until May 2011.
Japan, Canada and several members States of the Arab league opposed the proposal arguing that regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) as ICCAT were best placed to tackle the decline of bluefin tuna stocks.
They added that an Appendix I listing would not stop the fishing of the species. After a passionate but relatively short debate, the representative of Libya requested to close the deliberations and go for a vote. Iceland called for a secret ballot.
The amendment introduced by the European Union and Monaco’s proposal were defeated (20 votes in favour, 68 against, 30 abstentions) in the middle of much confusion about the voting procedures and mixed feelings of satisfaction and frustration from participants.
During a press conference at the end of the day, the head of the Japanese delegation, Mr Masanori Miyahara, Ambassador Patrick Van Klaveren from Monaco and Mohamed Saeed Al-Mohannadi from Qatar recognized that the bluefin tuna stocks are depleted and jointly declared that now is time for ICCAT to be effective.
Philip MacMullen, Head of Environmental Responsibility at Seafish (UK seafish industry authority) said: “As the authority on seafood, we are disappointed with this result and we call upon ICCAT and its member governments to improve compliance with scientific advice with regard to both the Atlantic and northern bluefin stock, including the close monitoring of vessels operating in Mediterranean waters.”
Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean said: "it is scandalous that governments did not even get the chance to engage in meaningful debate about the international trade ban proposal for Atlantic bluefin tuna."
He continued to say that the regional fisheries management organization in charge of this fishery – the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, ICCAT – has repeatedly failed to sustainably manage this fishery.
Susan Lieberman, director of international policy for the Pew Environment Group said that the decision not to protect Atlantic bluefin tuna is an unfortunate step backwards. This deeply disappointing vote signals a bleak future for this iconic fish.
"This meeting presented a golden opportunity for governments to take a stand against overfishing, and too many governments failed to do so. The Atlantic bluefin tuna will not receive the protections of a suspension in international trade that it so desperately needs. The market for this fish is just too lucrative and the pressure from fishing interests too great, for enough governments to support a truly sustainable future for the fish."
Tom Strickland, head of the US delegation said that the vote for a setback for the fish, but that the US will keep fighting to ensure that the fishery is managed sustainably.
Dr Jane Lubchenco from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also confirmed that the US would remain committed to that the ICCAT keeps its commitments to science-based, well enforced management of bluefin tuna.
Oceana, one of the world's largest ocean conservation organisations said that short-term economic interests were put over the long-term health of the ocean and the rebuilding of Atlantic bluefin tuna populations.
Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Environment in the European Commission said: "We are disappointed with the outcome of the CITES meeting as regards the EU proposal for a listing in Appendix I of bluefin tuna.
"The EU proposal was a strong commitment towards a sustainable future for the bluefin tuna and for fishermen. We regret that other Parties were not convinced with the merits of such a listing. We remain convinced that stringent measures are needed to ensure the recovery of Atlantic bluefin tuna.
"The European Union remains committed to the objective of safeguarding bluefin tuna stocks and we look to ICCAT to take its responsibility to ensure that stocks are managed in a sustainable way. If action is not taken, there is a very serious danger that the bluefin tuna will no longer exist."
TheFishSite News Desk
/www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/11935/cites-rejects-ban-on-trade-of-bluefin-tuna
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Going for Green
Friday, Mar 19, 2010
Gulf News
Eating healthy should always be a priority and no doubt the trend towards organic food is fast picking up despite the heavier pricing. What is organic food, really? Is not fresh food good enough? Is it really so essential for our lifestyle today, especially when there's a recession all over the world?
These are just a few questions that come to mind as you try to decide between the Dh15 a kg organic tomato on one hand and its locally produced Dh8 a kg cousin on the other.
Due to its own efforts in agriculture and excellent connection with the rest of the world, the UAE is a country where there's no shortage of natural, fresh produce — organic or conventional — the year around. Even locally produced organic food is quite easily available in major stores.
"In the Middle East, people are not much aware about organic food," feels Dana Ghareeb, a licensed dietitian with Kuwait-based Al Yasra Food Group, who deals with conventional and organic foodstuff. "People are definitely more aware here than in Kuwait. Most have at least heard about organic food, even though they wouldn't know why they need to pay more and other details. But they are getting there slowly."
Unwind met Ghareeb at the Gulf Food exhibition last month, where she explained how and why the trend is changing towards organic food.
"We know organic food is that which is produced using no pesticides, hormones, colours, flavours or additives. It's the non-chemical way of producing food. If we don't use chemicals, the farmland will be more sustainable and can produce more in the long term, whereas in conventional farming, it may stop producing sooner. Organic farming is thus green, environment-friendly and promises food security," Ghareeb says. "I see the organic movement becoming popular in the next decade, especially with the dairy. I see people taking it on as a lifestyle change."
But there's no substantial scientific data to prove that organic food is healthier. Moreover, there are many who feel it is nothing but a highly priced and overrated concept.
"Maybe yes but as a dietitian, I feel, at least for children, it's very necessary. There has been a lot of research from top universities in the world that shows pesticides can alter the normal growth of a foetus or a child, often proving fatal. As for the price, there will be time when this would be used on a day-to-day basis. Our products have been created keeping this in mind — we provide competitive products at a reasonable price. If it's not affordable, we aren't helping consumers. Like the age-old rule of supply and demand, the more people start buying organic goods, the more the prices will go down."
But studies have shown that organic food contains at least one third of the chemical residues found in conventional food and it has been established that the amount of chemicals in conventional food is less than EPA set levels. At the same time, organic food contains more natural toxins. So aren't even the smaller doses harmful over a period of time?
"What organic food uses is natural manure, usually from cow dung," Ghareeb says.
But wouldn't that contain bacteria, such as E. coli? "Well, the manure is from organically fed cows and this crosses out the possibility of E. coli and other bacteria, because what they are eating is all natural too. But having said that, there is a possibility, though it is extremely reduced," Ghareeb adds.
Ghareeb tries to keep the intake organic as far as possible. But how can one be sure what they are buying is organic?
"It's hard to be 100 per cent organic because not everything is available. But in what's available, I think the most important things are the carbohydrates [such as breakfast cereal], fruits and vegetables and dairy products. All organic food comes with a certification," Ghareeb explains. "There are various international organisations such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Soil Association in UK, US Department of Agriculture, etc.
Strict rules
Each part of the world has its own organic food organisation that sets strict rules for organic farming and certification. A certificate from one of them is probably the only way to know whether what you are consuming is organic. Unfortunately, there isn't any in the Middle East, though, hopefully, we'll have one soon. Moreover, cereals are basically grains and can last long without processing otherwise also. Some things do have preservatives but to be called organic, a product needs only 95 per cent ingredients to be organic and other 5 per cent can be non-organic as long as they are approved by the certifying body in the region.
"Organic is not just fresh. What makes the difference is whether it's organic fresh or conventional fresh.
"Fresh food can still have the chemicals and pesticides used in farming it. People shouldn't just get turned off by the price and realise they are getting better benefits in the long run with organic food. They may be paying more now but this will help reduce costs, such as medical expenses. As this is much healthier, you'll fall sick a lot less. So it's a total lifestyle change."
As a vegan friend recently said, whether it is organic or non-organic chicken, it's still unhealthy for you. Both are dead and you are simply paying much more for the organic one. The best thing to do in this never-ending confusion is to leave the choice to the individual.
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_18032010_190307/going for green/
Friday, Mar 19, 2010
Gulf News
Eating healthy should always be a priority and no doubt the trend towards organic food is fast picking up despite the heavier pricing. What is organic food, really? Is not fresh food good enough? Is it really so essential for our lifestyle today, especially when there's a recession all over the world?
These are just a few questions that come to mind as you try to decide between the Dh15 a kg organic tomato on one hand and its locally produced Dh8 a kg cousin on the other.
Due to its own efforts in agriculture and excellent connection with the rest of the world, the UAE is a country where there's no shortage of natural, fresh produce — organic or conventional — the year around. Even locally produced organic food is quite easily available in major stores.
"In the Middle East, people are not much aware about organic food," feels Dana Ghareeb, a licensed dietitian with Kuwait-based Al Yasra Food Group, who deals with conventional and organic foodstuff. "People are definitely more aware here than in Kuwait. Most have at least heard about organic food, even though they wouldn't know why they need to pay more and other details. But they are getting there slowly."
Unwind met Ghareeb at the Gulf Food exhibition last month, where she explained how and why the trend is changing towards organic food.
"We know organic food is that which is produced using no pesticides, hormones, colours, flavours or additives. It's the non-chemical way of producing food. If we don't use chemicals, the farmland will be more sustainable and can produce more in the long term, whereas in conventional farming, it may stop producing sooner. Organic farming is thus green, environment-friendly and promises food security," Ghareeb says. "I see the organic movement becoming popular in the next decade, especially with the dairy. I see people taking it on as a lifestyle change."
But there's no substantial scientific data to prove that organic food is healthier. Moreover, there are many who feel it is nothing but a highly priced and overrated concept.
"Maybe yes but as a dietitian, I feel, at least for children, it's very necessary. There has been a lot of research from top universities in the world that shows pesticides can alter the normal growth of a foetus or a child, often proving fatal. As for the price, there will be time when this would be used on a day-to-day basis. Our products have been created keeping this in mind — we provide competitive products at a reasonable price. If it's not affordable, we aren't helping consumers. Like the age-old rule of supply and demand, the more people start buying organic goods, the more the prices will go down."
But studies have shown that organic food contains at least one third of the chemical residues found in conventional food and it has been established that the amount of chemicals in conventional food is less than EPA set levels. At the same time, organic food contains more natural toxins. So aren't even the smaller doses harmful over a period of time?
"What organic food uses is natural manure, usually from cow dung," Ghareeb says.
But wouldn't that contain bacteria, such as E. coli? "Well, the manure is from organically fed cows and this crosses out the possibility of E. coli and other bacteria, because what they are eating is all natural too. But having said that, there is a possibility, though it is extremely reduced," Ghareeb adds.
Ghareeb tries to keep the intake organic as far as possible. But how can one be sure what they are buying is organic?
"It's hard to be 100 per cent organic because not everything is available. But in what's available, I think the most important things are the carbohydrates [such as breakfast cereal], fruits and vegetables and dairy products. All organic food comes with a certification," Ghareeb explains. "There are various international organisations such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Soil Association in UK, US Department of Agriculture, etc.
Strict rules
Each part of the world has its own organic food organisation that sets strict rules for organic farming and certification. A certificate from one of them is probably the only way to know whether what you are consuming is organic. Unfortunately, there isn't any in the Middle East, though, hopefully, we'll have one soon. Moreover, cereals are basically grains and can last long without processing otherwise also. Some things do have preservatives but to be called organic, a product needs only 95 per cent ingredients to be organic and other 5 per cent can be non-organic as long as they are approved by the certifying body in the region.
"Organic is not just fresh. What makes the difference is whether it's organic fresh or conventional fresh.
"Fresh food can still have the chemicals and pesticides used in farming it. People shouldn't just get turned off by the price and realise they are getting better benefits in the long run with organic food. They may be paying more now but this will help reduce costs, such as medical expenses. As this is much healthier, you'll fall sick a lot less. So it's a total lifestyle change."
As a vegan friend recently said, whether it is organic or non-organic chicken, it's still unhealthy for you. Both are dead and you are simply paying much more for the organic one. The best thing to do in this never-ending confusion is to leave the choice to the individual.
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_18032010_190307/going for green/
Qatar: No trade reprieve for polar bears at CITES
19 March 2010
Doha: Qatar-supported US proposal aiming to curb international trade of polar bear and parts received a major setback at the 15th conference of parties (CoP15) of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of the Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), yesterday.
Falling short of the required two-third majority, the polar bears have failed to be transferred to CITES Appendix I from Appendix II. With only 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears remaining, experts predict the population to decline by two-thirds by 2050, largely due to climatic changes followed by commercial trade.
The US position emphasised that any additional threats including a relatively small commercial trade in polar bears adds additional pressure to an already stressed population. Therefore, a precautionary approach, to eliminate the commercial trade in polar bears by listing them in CITES Appendix I was appropriate.
However, majority of the parties at CITES meets rejected the proposal over concerns it would hurt indigenous economies and arguments the practice didn't pose a significant threat to the animals. Also, though a number of nations recognised the threat that the polar bear faces from loss of sea ice due to climate change, they disagreed over whether the requirements of Appendix I listing criteria were met.
Canada, along with Norway and Greenland, led the opposition to the U.S. proposal. "Trade is minimal and the hunting done by indigenous communities is critical to their economies. Only two-percent of Canadian polar bears are internationally traded and the country strictly manages the commerce. There is no doubt that action must continue to ensure the conservation of polar bears. Canada's goal is long term survival of polar bears. But Canada does not think the proposal is supported by facts," Canada delegation said.
"Climate change is the biggest challenge for Polar bear and a listing in Appendix I cannot help it," said an Inuit leader from Canada. "Polar bear hunting is the only source of livelihood for us as we do not have timber or fish. They are the source of our food, clothing and shelter. We have been hunting for generations; we hunt them in a sustainable way and will continue doing so with or without an international ban. We have lot to lose if polar trade does not exist any more."
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The specialist in trading and investment.
Norway cited the polar bear lacking any biological criteria to be listed in Appendix I and described the proposal as being "premature." They also asked the issue to be looked into by Polar bear conservation groups rather than CITES. Greenland delegation said theta there was no on going decline in Polar Bear population which was many folds higher than 5,000. They argued that well established measures already existed.
After more than one hour of discussion of the proposal, CITES Committee put the matter to vote. The final results were 48 in support, 62 opposed, and 11 abstentions.
"The US knows knows about the implication the ban would have on the communities, however we make a choice," Jane Lyder, Head of US CITES delegation had said earlier.
© The Peninsula 2010
/www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100319064319/Qatar%3A No trade reprieve for polar bears at CITES /
19 March 2010
Doha: Qatar-supported US proposal aiming to curb international trade of polar bear and parts received a major setback at the 15th conference of parties (CoP15) of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of the Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), yesterday.
Falling short of the required two-third majority, the polar bears have failed to be transferred to CITES Appendix I from Appendix II. With only 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears remaining, experts predict the population to decline by two-thirds by 2050, largely due to climatic changes followed by commercial trade.
The US position emphasised that any additional threats including a relatively small commercial trade in polar bears adds additional pressure to an already stressed population. Therefore, a precautionary approach, to eliminate the commercial trade in polar bears by listing them in CITES Appendix I was appropriate.
However, majority of the parties at CITES meets rejected the proposal over concerns it would hurt indigenous economies and arguments the practice didn't pose a significant threat to the animals. Also, though a number of nations recognised the threat that the polar bear faces from loss of sea ice due to climate change, they disagreed over whether the requirements of Appendix I listing criteria were met.
Canada, along with Norway and Greenland, led the opposition to the U.S. proposal. "Trade is minimal and the hunting done by indigenous communities is critical to their economies. Only two-percent of Canadian polar bears are internationally traded and the country strictly manages the commerce. There is no doubt that action must continue to ensure the conservation of polar bears. Canada's goal is long term survival of polar bears. But Canada does not think the proposal is supported by facts," Canada delegation said.
"Climate change is the biggest challenge for Polar bear and a listing in Appendix I cannot help it," said an Inuit leader from Canada. "Polar bear hunting is the only source of livelihood for us as we do not have timber or fish. They are the source of our food, clothing and shelter. We have been hunting for generations; we hunt them in a sustainable way and will continue doing so with or without an international ban. We have lot to lose if polar trade does not exist any more."
Advertisement
The specialist in trading and investment.
Norway cited the polar bear lacking any biological criteria to be listed in Appendix I and described the proposal as being "premature." They also asked the issue to be looked into by Polar bear conservation groups rather than CITES. Greenland delegation said theta there was no on going decline in Polar Bear population which was many folds higher than 5,000. They argued that well established measures already existed.
After more than one hour of discussion of the proposal, CITES Committee put the matter to vote. The final results were 48 in support, 62 opposed, and 11 abstentions.
"The US knows knows about the implication the ban would have on the communities, however we make a choice," Jane Lyder, Head of US CITES delegation had said earlier.
© The Peninsula 2010
/www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100319064319/Qatar%3A No trade reprieve for polar bears at CITES /
Kuwait will sign four agreements with ACSAD next month
DOHA -- Kuwait will sign four agreements next month with the Arab Center for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) for cooperation on desertification and some types of grazing animals, announced an official on Wednesday.
Chairman and Director General of the Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), Jassem Al-Bader, was speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of his participation in the 30th Meeting of the ACSAD, which concluded here last night.
These agreements will find ways to combat desertification that Kuwait suffers from, as well as scientific methods to protect grazing animals, he explained, adding that ACSAD had a wide range of expertise from which Kuwait could benefit, including matters of climate change and scarcity of fresh water resources.
Al-Bader hoped that the recommendations of the ACSAD meeting would be implemented, and underscored the need to remove obstacles faced by ACSAD's centers when conducting field work.
He noted that Kuwait, like all other Arab states, suffered from the scarcity of fresh water, which was why it had resorted to "treated water" for irrigation in Abdali and Wafra, as well as in gardens, parks and trees planted along the roads.
On his part, PAAAFR's Deputy Director General Faisal Al-Siddiqi told KUNA that that Kuwait headed ACSAD's Finance Committee at the Executive Council, and that many topics were discussed related to the performance of the center.
ACSAD's budget for 2010-2011 was approved, he said.
Moreover, Al-Siddiqi said that a number of recommendations were issued, aimed at supporting relevant authorities and institutions in Arab states.
Based in Damascus, ACSAD was established 1968 as a specialized Arab organization working within the framework of the Arab League with the objective of unifying Arab efforts aimed at developing scientific agricultural research in arid and semi-arid areas, help in the exchange of information and experiences, and make use of scientific progress and modern agricultural techniques in order to increase agricultural production.
By Muaijil Al-Thifeeri
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100318075227/Kuwait will sign four agreements with ACSAD next month/
DOHA -- Kuwait will sign four agreements next month with the Arab Center for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) for cooperation on desertification and some types of grazing animals, announced an official on Wednesday.
Chairman and Director General of the Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), Jassem Al-Bader, was speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of his participation in the 30th Meeting of the ACSAD, which concluded here last night.
These agreements will find ways to combat desertification that Kuwait suffers from, as well as scientific methods to protect grazing animals, he explained, adding that ACSAD had a wide range of expertise from which Kuwait could benefit, including matters of climate change and scarcity of fresh water resources.
Al-Bader hoped that the recommendations of the ACSAD meeting would be implemented, and underscored the need to remove obstacles faced by ACSAD's centers when conducting field work.
He noted that Kuwait, like all other Arab states, suffered from the scarcity of fresh water, which was why it had resorted to "treated water" for irrigation in Abdali and Wafra, as well as in gardens, parks and trees planted along the roads.
On his part, PAAAFR's Deputy Director General Faisal Al-Siddiqi told KUNA that that Kuwait headed ACSAD's Finance Committee at the Executive Council, and that many topics were discussed related to the performance of the center.
ACSAD's budget for 2010-2011 was approved, he said.
Moreover, Al-Siddiqi said that a number of recommendations were issued, aimed at supporting relevant authorities and institutions in Arab states.
Based in Damascus, ACSAD was established 1968 as a specialized Arab organization working within the framework of the Arab League with the objective of unifying Arab efforts aimed at developing scientific agricultural research in arid and semi-arid areas, help in the exchange of information and experiences, and make use of scientific progress and modern agricultural techniques in order to increase agricultural production.
By Muaijil Al-Thifeeri
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100318075227/Kuwait will sign four agreements with ACSAD next month/
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Saudi Allows Somali Cattle Imports
SAUDI ARABIA - East African traders have started shipping live cattle from Somalia to Saudi Arabia for the first time in a decade after Saudi King Abdullah lifted a ban on Somali livestock.
The lifting of the ban coincided with the current pilgrimage season – a time when demand for meat is high – and a renewed effort by the kingdom to foster better relations with East African nations, according to The Media Line.
The Saudis lifted the ban, originally imposed for fear of diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, after it was agreed that health officials could monitor the importation of live animals.
The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement saying the ban was lifted to secure supplies of "livestock at reasonable prices" for locals and pilgrims during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha and Hajj season.
The ministry emphasised there will be strict enforcement
of animal health legislation and all imported live animals
will be scanned for potential diseases.
Officials in Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland
praised the decision and initial reports
from the Horn of Africa nation say
the cattle trade has boomed.
Over half a million animals are reportedly
expected to be imported within the next few weeks.
While there is an enormous seasonal demand for fresh livestock, analysts are citing political expediency as a catalyst for the lifting of the ban.
The decision came amid a Saudi effort to improve relations with East African nations as the Saudi-East African Forum opened this week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
TheCattleSite News Desk
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/29041/saudi-allows-somali-cattle-imports
SAUDI ARABIA - East African traders have started shipping live cattle from Somalia to Saudi Arabia for the first time in a decade after Saudi King Abdullah lifted a ban on Somali livestock.
The lifting of the ban coincided with the current pilgrimage season – a time when demand for meat is high – and a renewed effort by the kingdom to foster better relations with East African nations, according to The Media Line.
The Saudis lifted the ban, originally imposed for fear of diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, after it was agreed that health officials could monitor the importation of live animals.
The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement saying the ban was lifted to secure supplies of "livestock at reasonable prices" for locals and pilgrims during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha and Hajj season.
The ministry emphasised there will be strict enforcement
of animal health legislation and all imported live animals
will be scanned for potential diseases.
Officials in Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland
praised the decision and initial reports
from the Horn of Africa nation say
the cattle trade has boomed.
Over half a million animals are reportedly
expected to be imported within the next few weeks.
While there is an enormous seasonal demand for fresh livestock, analysts are citing political expediency as a catalyst for the lifting of the ban.
The decision came amid a Saudi effort to improve relations with East African nations as the Saudi-East African Forum opened this week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
TheCattleSite News Desk
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/29041/saudi-allows-somali-cattle-imports
New technologies, processes to go on show Dubai: Wed, 17 Mar 2010
Experts will present the latest technologies, equipment and ecological methods aimed at increasing local food production at an upcoming major agribusiness show in Dubai.
A series of free seminars by leading names in international agribusiness will also feature in the AGRA Middle East, running from March 29 to 31 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The show covers five closely linked sectors – agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; floriculture and newly launched machinery and supplies.
“The Middle East is investing heavily in modern farming methods to reduce dependence on the rest of the world for up to 90 per cent of their food needs and the seminars are designed to help those in this vital business,” said Goutam Malhotra, exhibition manager for AGRA Middle East.
The AGRA seminars will cover topics such as natural insect treatments, the latest technologies in aquaculture, the first 10 days in the life of a chick, and ecological and economical farm management.
“The session by Edwin Willemsen from Dutch company b-Cat, will be of particular interest to local companies wanting to fumigate, conserve or protect their food supply naturally,” said Malhotra.
AGRA has also attracted Jacob Bregnballe and Harald Jelsa experts at Norwegian aquaculture technology group AKVA and Jan Hulzebosch from Salmet Poultry Equipment, a German company that develops, manufactures and distributes high quality poultry equipment around the world. – TradeArabia News Service
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/AGRI_176575.html
UAEU signs MoU to develop palm dates field
WAM
WAM
Abu Dhabi, March 16th, 2010 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates University has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three different specialized companies to transfer technology of date palm tissue cultivation.
The MoUs also call for strengthening cooperation in scientific researches, technical development fields and providing technical assistance to establish a laboratory for tissue culture.
The signing was attended by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of UAEUUAEULoading..., H.E. Dr Hadef bin Jua'an Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice and H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water.
The first MoU is signed for five renewable years with the American company "Phoenix Agrotech, second for one renewable year with The Malaysian company ICGT, formely known as the Asian Center for Genetic Technology, and the third MoU is signed with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100316131052233/UAEU
Agriculture Ministry prevents importing 5 crops
16 March 2010
BAGHDAD: The Ministry of Agriculture decided to prevent importing five kinds of vegetables to protect the local product, according to the advisor of the agriculture minister on Tuesday.
"The Ministry issued an order to prevent importing some agricultural crops within the program adopted by the ministry to limit importing crops to protect the local product and to support the Iraqi farmer," Faisal Rashied Nasser told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
"The prevented crops include eggplant, pepper, okra and beans," he explained.
The prevention takes effect during the high production seasons.
© Aswat Aliraq 2010
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100317053253/
16 March 2010
BAGHDAD: The Ministry of Agriculture decided to prevent importing five kinds of vegetables to protect the local product, according to the advisor of the agriculture minister on Tuesday.
"The Ministry issued an order to prevent importing some agricultural crops within the program adopted by the ministry to limit importing crops to protect the local product and to support the Iraqi farmer," Faisal Rashied Nasser told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
"The prevented crops include eggplant, pepper, okra and beans," he explained.
The prevention takes effect during the high production seasons.
© Aswat Aliraq 2010
www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100317053253/
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saudi eyes overseas farmland investments
Riyadh: Tue, 16 Mar 2010
Saudi Arabia wants to secure supplies for sugar, rice, wheat, malt and fodder with farmland investments overseas, its agricultural minister said in remarks published on Tuesday.
Gulf countries, heavily reliant on food imports, have been buying farmland in developing nations to ensure food security after a spike in food prices.
Top Opec oil exporter Saudi Arabia, which abandoned its wheat cultivation programme two years ago due to dwindling water resources, has emerged as a major buyer of wheat from global markets and is also trying, with the help of private Saudi investors, to secure farmland in Africa and elsewhere.
'The goal (of investments) is to support supply of main goods which cannot be produced locally like rice and sugar or which requires a lot of water in production like wheat, malt and fodder,' Fahad Abdul-Rahman Balghunaim told daily al-Watan.
Saudi Arabia also wanted to secure fish and livestock, he said, adding that the investments were all long-term plans.
The government has urged companies to invest in farm projects abroad.
In April, Riyadh set up a company with capital of SR3 billion ($800 million) to invest in farmland abroad, focusing on wheat, rice, sugar and soybeans.
State-owned Saudi Industrial Development Fund is granting financing facilities to firms exploring agricultural investments abroad. Several Saudi firms also launched farmland investment abroad ranging from Indonesia to Ethiopia.
Balghunaim said investing in farmland was no land-grabbing as described by some media outlets.
'The initiative... to invest in farmland production abroad has no political goals,' he said, adding that host countries were also benefiting from the investments.-Reuters
/www.tradearabia.com/news/AGRI_176495.html
‘Green crops' can reform Mideast agriculture
Dubai: Tue, 09 Mar 2010
Salicornia
Alternative technologies and new green crops could revolutionise agriculture in the Middle East, say the organisers of an upcoming major agri-business trade event in Dubai.
“Industry experts have long advocated continued investment in relevant technology and equipments to increase the region’s ability to produce food locally and reduce reliance on imported produce,” said Goutam Malhotra, exhibition manager for Agra Middle East.
“But a new dimension has now been added to the Middle East agricultural scene by rising energy prices and concern over global warming,” he added.
“A project is underway in Abu Dhabi, for example, which could see a salt-tolerant salad plant provide food, fodder and fuel without using a single drop of freshwater.”
Agra Middle East will run from March 29 to 31 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The show covers five closely linked sectors – agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; horticulture and floriculture; machinery and supplies.
The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project in Abu Dhabi will include fish farming and a mangrove plantation and is being run by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology to demonstrate the viability of using saltwater agriculture to provide fuel.
The project will create an ecosystem comprised of fish ponds, salicornia fields and mangrove swamps.
Technology from UOP Honeywell will convert the oil from salicornia plants – known in haute cuisine as samphire - into biofuels. The project is also being funded by Boeing and Etihad Airways.
Salicornia seeds have nearly double the oil content of soya bean. The seeds harvested and pressed to make vegetable oil, or processed to yield agro-fuel. The remaining biomass can be used as protein feed for livestock while the plant's stalks can be used as fodder or building material.
“The consequences of technology and crops such as these could be staggering for Middle East agriculture,” said Malhotra.
“Unproductive arid land could be utilised, conserving valuable freshwater resources and provide major economic returns,” he added.
“This remarkable saltwater project underlines the continuing need for investment in the agricultural technology sector, he added. For example, to counteract the effects of climate change on nutrition, North Africa and the Middle East requires additional annual investment of $240-$270 million, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute.”
Currently, the region largely relies on imports to satisfy an aggregate demand estimated at more than 1.5 million tonnes of poultry alone. More than 60 per cent of the total meat requirements of the region are met through imports.
Per capita consumption of seafood in the Middle East is also high and fresh and processed seafood products are widely available throughout the region.
“The fishing resources of the Arabian Gulf provide for a substantial fishing industry but responsible management of the industry and its finite resource is paramount,” said Malhotra.
“In addition, the horticulture and floriculture industries now ensure supermarket shelves display a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, cut flowers are available in great variety and the landscaping of gardens and public spaces are integral to every major property development. In a region with limited water resource, the technology and infrastructure required to service the growing floriculture and horticulture needs of the community are vital,” Malhotra concluded. – TradeArabia News Service
/www.tradearabia.com/news/AGRI_176099.html
Monday, March 15, 2010
Kuwait agricultural sector facing host of problems
Kuwait Times
15 March 2010
KUWAIT: With the aim of meeting Kuwaiti farmers and discussing the issues they face, the Kuwait Journalist Association(KJA) organized a tour for journalists to farms located in Wafra on Saturday. The Secretary General of KJA, Faisal Al-Qenai supervised the tour.
The delegation of journalists visited three farms and a factory: Ben Rakan, Khalifa Khilefo, Ben Sabt and the SAAF dates processing factory.
The Head of Kuwaiti Farmers Union, Saud Al-Arada said during the meeting, "Kuwait's agriculture sector suffers from several problems, and Kuwaiti farmers are no exception.
The country doesn't pay much attention to the agriculture sector.
Kuwaiti farmers have put in a lot of effort to cultivate this barren land. They were surprised to learn that no budget has been allotted for the sector," he said. He stressed that farms in Kuwait suffer from soil salinity, water logging, and fluctuations in weather conditions." Al-Arada questioned why citizens rights were being compromised with and why interest or concern in the agriculture sector was lost.
The health services offered to farmers are outdated and needs to be improved especially since we have to pay health insurance to residents. There are no proper hospitals that exist in Wafraa or Al-Abdali. Who is the responsible of this?" Al-Arada asked.
The specialist in trading and investment.Al-Arada demanded that adequate health care be provided to farmers, especially since only one ambulance operates in Al-Abdali. "The country's generates revenue in millions of dinars. why don't they develop this sector.
More money needs to be pumped into equipping hospitals with First Aid, new medicines," he said.
By Rawan Khalid
© Kuwait Times 2010
/www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100315044734
Kuwait Times
15 March 2010
KUWAIT: With the aim of meeting Kuwaiti farmers and discussing the issues they face, the Kuwait Journalist Association(KJA) organized a tour for journalists to farms located in Wafra on Saturday. The Secretary General of KJA, Faisal Al-Qenai supervised the tour.
The delegation of journalists visited three farms and a factory: Ben Rakan, Khalifa Khilefo, Ben Sabt and the SAAF dates processing factory.
The Head of Kuwaiti Farmers Union, Saud Al-Arada said during the meeting, "Kuwait's agriculture sector suffers from several problems, and Kuwaiti farmers are no exception.
The country doesn't pay much attention to the agriculture sector.
Kuwaiti farmers have put in a lot of effort to cultivate this barren land. They were surprised to learn that no budget has been allotted for the sector," he said. He stressed that farms in Kuwait suffer from soil salinity, water logging, and fluctuations in weather conditions." Al-Arada questioned why citizens rights were being compromised with and why interest or concern in the agriculture sector was lost.
The health services offered to farmers are outdated and needs to be improved especially since we have to pay health insurance to residents. There are no proper hospitals that exist in Wafraa or Al-Abdali. Who is the responsible of this?" Al-Arada asked.
The specialist in trading and investment.Al-Arada demanded that adequate health care be provided to farmers, especially since only one ambulance operates in Al-Abdali. "The country's generates revenue in millions of dinars. why don't they develop this sector.
More money needs to be pumped into equipping hospitals with First Aid, new medicines," he said.
By Rawan Khalid
© Kuwait Times 2010
/www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100315044734
Sunday, March 14, 2010
UAE cloning pioneer to present future of camel cloning at Vet Middle East
Posted by Zawya.com
Dubai, 14 March 2010 (WAM) - Scientists who took part in the creation of the world's first cloned camel will be among those taking part in the Middle East's premier veterinary event later this month.
Dr Nisar A Wani, Head of the Reproductive Biology Laboratory at the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai, will be presenting on the status and future perspectives in camel cloning at the Vet Middle East 2010 conference following the birth of Injaz, a cloned female camel, after more than five years of work.Injaz, which means achievement in Arabic, was born last year after scientists at the Dubai centre took DNA from a cell in the ovary of an adult camel and placed it into an egg from a surrogate camel mother.
The cloning was seen as a significant breakthrough as a means of preserving the valuable genetics of elite racing and milk producing camels.Vet Middle East takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 29 - 31 March 2010 alongside the highly successful AGRA Middle East exhibition for agribusiness professionals."Vet Middle East, with its own exhibition, provides an ideal platform to promote veterinary products as the Arabian passion for camels, falcons and horses, combined with the maturing domestic pet sector has led to massive industry growth across the region,"said Goutam Malhotra, Exhibition Manager for VET Middle East.Vet Middle East brings together regional veterinary practitioners and public health officials with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services from pharmaceuticals to food supplements as well as the technological advances in veterinary healthcare.As well as the camel cloning update, the Vet Middle East conference will feature sessions on equine and camel health; technological advances in the breeding of animals; genetic improvement of racing camels; new advances in veterinary care and therapies; and imaging, diagnostics and surgery.Vet Middle East 2010 is sponsored by Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park. The event is also supported by Dubai Municipality.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100314153010296
Posted by Zawya.com
Dubai, 14 March 2010 (WAM) - Scientists who took part in the creation of the world's first cloned camel will be among those taking part in the Middle East's premier veterinary event later this month.
Dr Nisar A Wani, Head of the Reproductive Biology Laboratory at the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai, will be presenting on the status and future perspectives in camel cloning at the Vet Middle East 2010 conference following the birth of Injaz, a cloned female camel, after more than five years of work.Injaz, which means achievement in Arabic, was born last year after scientists at the Dubai centre took DNA from a cell in the ovary of an adult camel and placed it into an egg from a surrogate camel mother.
The cloning was seen as a significant breakthrough as a means of preserving the valuable genetics of elite racing and milk producing camels.Vet Middle East takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 29 - 31 March 2010 alongside the highly successful AGRA Middle East exhibition for agribusiness professionals."Vet Middle East, with its own exhibition, provides an ideal platform to promote veterinary products as the Arabian passion for camels, falcons and horses, combined with the maturing domestic pet sector has led to massive industry growth across the region,"said Goutam Malhotra, Exhibition Manager for VET Middle East.Vet Middle East brings together regional veterinary practitioners and public health officials with manufacturers and suppliers of products and services from pharmaceuticals to food supplements as well as the technological advances in veterinary healthcare.As well as the camel cloning update, the Vet Middle East conference will feature sessions on equine and camel health; technological advances in the breeding of animals; genetic improvement of racing camels; new advances in veterinary care and therapies; and imaging, diagnostics and surgery.Vet Middle East 2010 is sponsored by Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park. The event is also supported by Dubai Municipality.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100314153010296
Salata Farms harvests quality in desert
Posted by Zawya.com
Emirates Business 24-7, 14 March 2010
A business in the Northern Emirates has proved that farming in arid climes can profitably yield quality produce and offer investment opportunities.
Private equity firms are considering buying stakes in Salata Farms of Ras Al Khaimah, a medium-size venture that has embarked on $80 million (Dh293m) expansion plan.
"Now that we have validated our business model in Ras Al Khaimah we can chart a new course in the region," Thomas Schwarz, Salata's Managing Director, told Emirates Business.
More investors are expected to follow SirajSirajLoading...'s lead and back the company. A recent report from SirajSirajLoading... says: "Food security is a national issue for Mena governments as they grapple with the basic needs of a growing population. Salata's desert agriculture business model is an alternative to acquiring agricultural land in foreign countries in order to secure the Mena region's food supplies. Salata is playing a critical role in building the Mena region's local industry and trade."
He plans to take his company public, but at a later stage after it has acquired critical mass. For now, he is in talks with a number of private equity firms about a private placement to raise $80m for the expansion plan.
"Having successfully grown a range of salads and vegetables, we are diversifying our product range to include products that are rarely available in the local market, such as fresh berries. We will be expanding our scale by a factor of 20 over the next couple of years across the GCC region."
Salata received exceptional free zone tax-free status from the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia).
It was established as Salata FZCO in April 2008 and plans to expand to three hectares in Ras Al Khaimah before growing across the GCC region. Salata has taken over Al Jazeera Farms in Ras Al Khaimah where it grows tomatoes, capsicum, herbs, coriander, mint, parsley and sweetcorn.
Schwarz believes the Salata model will succeed by meeting the demand from the region's consumers for produce that matches global quality standards.
The Salata brand stands for the European organic quality level for fresh food. Consumers here pay much more for imports from Europe, which is justified when the cost of shipping is taken into account. What we offer is the same quality at a far lower price."
Salata is the first company in the region to use automated hydroponics technology for producing vegetables, berries, herbs, and fruits - some of which have never been grown locally, according to Schwarz.
Hydroponics involves the cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water. Yields are about the same as for soil-grown crops.
"Our hydroponics system allows consumers to enjoy consistent, natural quality year round, including rare, out-of-season produce. Salata's system is natural and suitable for the desert, recycling scarce water while utilising less land and labour."
The Middle East is the world's most water-stressed region. "Unfortunately, the region has abused this precious commodity by siphoning the water table to produce low-margin products such as wheat. Our hydroponics technology is suited to our region since the system recycles 80 per cent of the water used. Salata is leading the way in protecting our fragile desert ecosystem."
Salata's team of agronomists ensure quality control across the entire supply chain including growing seedlings through its in-house nursery, testing water quality lab, storing, cleaning and packing before the products are shipped daily to consumers.
Schwarz does not claim he is practising organic farming, but he does limit the use of pesticides and chemicals to the barest minimum.
By Bhaskar Raj
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100314052714/Salata%20Farms%20harvests%20quality%20in%20desert/
Posted by Zawya.com
Emirates Business 24-7, 14 March 2010
A business in the Northern Emirates has proved that farming in arid climes can profitably yield quality produce and offer investment opportunities.
Private equity firms are considering buying stakes in Salata Farms of Ras Al Khaimah, a medium-size venture that has embarked on $80 million (Dh293m) expansion plan.
"Now that we have validated our business model in Ras Al Khaimah we can chart a new course in the region," Thomas Schwarz, Salata's Managing Director, told Emirates Business.
More investors are expected to follow SirajSirajLoading...'s lead and back the company. A recent report from SirajSirajLoading... says: "Food security is a national issue for Mena governments as they grapple with the basic needs of a growing population. Salata's desert agriculture business model is an alternative to acquiring agricultural land in foreign countries in order to secure the Mena region's food supplies. Salata is playing a critical role in building the Mena region's local industry and trade."
He plans to take his company public, but at a later stage after it has acquired critical mass. For now, he is in talks with a number of private equity firms about a private placement to raise $80m for the expansion plan.
"Having successfully grown a range of salads and vegetables, we are diversifying our product range to include products that are rarely available in the local market, such as fresh berries. We will be expanding our scale by a factor of 20 over the next couple of years across the GCC region."
Salata received exceptional free zone tax-free status from the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia).
It was established as Salata FZCO in April 2008 and plans to expand to three hectares in Ras Al Khaimah before growing across the GCC region. Salata has taken over Al Jazeera Farms in Ras Al Khaimah where it grows tomatoes, capsicum, herbs, coriander, mint, parsley and sweetcorn.
Schwarz believes the Salata model will succeed by meeting the demand from the region's consumers for produce that matches global quality standards.
The Salata brand stands for the European organic quality level for fresh food. Consumers here pay much more for imports from Europe, which is justified when the cost of shipping is taken into account. What we offer is the same quality at a far lower price."
Salata is the first company in the region to use automated hydroponics technology for producing vegetables, berries, herbs, and fruits - some of which have never been grown locally, according to Schwarz.
Hydroponics involves the cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water. Yields are about the same as for soil-grown crops.
"Our hydroponics system allows consumers to enjoy consistent, natural quality year round, including rare, out-of-season produce. Salata's system is natural and suitable for the desert, recycling scarce water while utilising less land and labour."
The Middle East is the world's most water-stressed region. "Unfortunately, the region has abused this precious commodity by siphoning the water table to produce low-margin products such as wheat. Our hydroponics technology is suited to our region since the system recycles 80 per cent of the water used. Salata is leading the way in protecting our fragile desert ecosystem."
Salata's team of agronomists ensure quality control across the entire supply chain including growing seedlings through its in-house nursery, testing water quality lab, storing, cleaning and packing before the products are shipped daily to consumers.
Schwarz does not claim he is practising organic farming, but he does limit the use of pesticides and chemicals to the barest minimum.
By Bhaskar Raj
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100314052714/Salata%20Farms%20harvests%20quality%20in%20desert/
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bahraini farmers reap Tamkeen plan benefits
by Manama: Mon, 01 Mar 2010
source: www.tradearabia.com
by Manama: Mon, 01 Mar 2010
Nineteen Bahraini farmers and enterprises backed by Tamkeen demonstrated their excellence at the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) 2010.
The three-day show, under His Majesty King Hamad's patronage and supported by his wife Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Women chairwoman, concluded yesterday.
The farmers and enterprises took part through the Growth Assistance Scheme (GAS), one of several offered by Tamkeen under its Enterprise Development Support (EDS) programme.
Tamkeen covered the full cost of the farmers' participation while supporting 60-90 per cent of the enterprises' participation, enabling them to showcase their products and services at the Tamkeen stand to international exhibitors, delegates, and visitors.
The national enterprises attracted much attention from visitors to the show, which provided an opportunity for Bahraini companies in the agriculture and landscaping sector to introduce themselves, compete with other companies, and explore new markets.
'I am delighted that the participants drew so much attention this year, which reflects the value of our EDS programme and the role it plays in promoting national talents and helping Bahraini enterprises realise their ambitions in line with Economic Vision 2030,' said Tamkeen's private sector support senior manager Mohammed Bucheery.
'I urge Bahraini entrepreneurs wishing to develop their businesses to benefit from Tamkeen's programmes, which are especially designed to boost the efficiency and productivity of Bahraini companies in all sectors.'
One of the participants through Tamkeen was Mohammed Hussein Al Jabouri's shop which specialises in palm tree designs and products. Its team designed and built Tamkeen's large multi-kiosk stand - which has won two of 'best of stand' for the overall stand of Tamkeen and Al Wadi section - using palm branches and leaves and other traditional materials.
Al Jabouri, who developed his hobby into a business, exports his attractive designs to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Germany.
Encouraged by his positive experience with Tamkeen's Mohasaba Scheme, which assists in managing accounts, Al Jabouri opted for the GAS.
He praised Tamkeen and the KPMG Fakhro team, who manage the EDS programme, for providing him with the opportunity to design and build the entire pavilion.
'I hope that such local industries will be further supported and a special institute established to preserve and promote traditional handicrafts in light of the huge local and regional demand for them,' he said.
Al Sayegh Agricultural Establishment owner Abdulla Ahmed Al Sayegh said this was his first participation in a Tamkeen programme.
He commended the support he and his exhibiting colleagues from the agricultural sector received, and said the sophisticated yet expedient application process encouraged them to repeat the experience in the near future.
According to him, farmers, like plants, need constant care and attention to grow, and hoped that more such support will be offered to national talents in all sectors.-TradeArabia News Service
The three-day show, under His Majesty King Hamad's patronage and supported by his wife Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Women chairwoman, concluded yesterday.
The farmers and enterprises took part through the Growth Assistance Scheme (GAS), one of several offered by Tamkeen under its Enterprise Development Support (EDS) programme.
Tamkeen covered the full cost of the farmers' participation while supporting 60-90 per cent of the enterprises' participation, enabling them to showcase their products and services at the Tamkeen stand to international exhibitors, delegates, and visitors.
The national enterprises attracted much attention from visitors to the show, which provided an opportunity for Bahraini companies in the agriculture and landscaping sector to introduce themselves, compete with other companies, and explore new markets.
'I am delighted that the participants drew so much attention this year, which reflects the value of our EDS programme and the role it plays in promoting national talents and helping Bahraini enterprises realise their ambitions in line with Economic Vision 2030,' said Tamkeen's private sector support senior manager Mohammed Bucheery.
'I urge Bahraini entrepreneurs wishing to develop their businesses to benefit from Tamkeen's programmes, which are especially designed to boost the efficiency and productivity of Bahraini companies in all sectors.'
One of the participants through Tamkeen was Mohammed Hussein Al Jabouri's shop which specialises in palm tree designs and products. Its team designed and built Tamkeen's large multi-kiosk stand - which has won two of 'best of stand' for the overall stand of Tamkeen and Al Wadi section - using palm branches and leaves and other traditional materials.
Al Jabouri, who developed his hobby into a business, exports his attractive designs to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Germany.
Encouraged by his positive experience with Tamkeen's Mohasaba Scheme, which assists in managing accounts, Al Jabouri opted for the GAS.
He praised Tamkeen and the KPMG Fakhro team, who manage the EDS programme, for providing him with the opportunity to design and build the entire pavilion.
'I hope that such local industries will be further supported and a special institute established to preserve and promote traditional handicrafts in light of the huge local and regional demand for them,' he said.
Al Sayegh Agricultural Establishment owner Abdulla Ahmed Al Sayegh said this was his first participation in a Tamkeen programme.
He commended the support he and his exhibiting colleagues from the agricultural sector received, and said the sophisticated yet expedient application process encouraged them to repeat the experience in the near future.
According to him, farmers, like plants, need constant care and attention to grow, and hoped that more such support will be offered to national talents in all sectors.-TradeArabia News Service
source: www.tradearabia.com
Kuwait hunts for agro-food deals in Turkey
by Reuters Agriculture news - 09 Mar 2010
source: www.tradearabia.com
by Reuters Agriculture news - 09 Mar 2010
Kuwaiti firms and other GCC members are looking to invest in agriculture and food in Turkey, and could sign a number of contacts this year, the head of Turkey's investment agency has said.
"We have got a lot of interest...specifically Kuwaiti companies," Alpaslan Korkmaz told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Kuwait city.
"God willing this year we will have very interesting realised investments from the GCC in Turkey in the agro-food business," he said. He declined to detail specific deals.
Investments would be in cereal production, animal farming and food processing, he said.
Investors, mostly from the Gulf Arab region and South Korea, began buying and leasing farmland in developing countries in Africa and Asia to cut their dependence on imports of staples as commodity prices surged towards record peaks in 2008.
Kuwaiti investors were also interested in the real estate, renewable energy and banking sectors, Korkmaz said.
"We see a continuous stable increase in investments from the GCC. Last year it was a bit more than $500 million entering (Turkey) so hopefully this year we see it above $1 billion," he said.
FDI into Turkey totalled $18.2 billion in 2008 and $22 billion in 2007, but the financial crisis reduced inflows to the country sharply, with 2009's amount equal to that seen in 2005.
"We have got a lot of interest...specifically Kuwaiti companies," Alpaslan Korkmaz told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Kuwait city.
"God willing this year we will have very interesting realised investments from the GCC in Turkey in the agro-food business," he said. He declined to detail specific deals.
Investments would be in cereal production, animal farming and food processing, he said.
Investors, mostly from the Gulf Arab region and South Korea, began buying and leasing farmland in developing countries in Africa and Asia to cut their dependence on imports of staples as commodity prices surged towards record peaks in 2008.
Kuwaiti investors were also interested in the real estate, renewable energy and banking sectors, Korkmaz said.
"We see a continuous stable increase in investments from the GCC. Last year it was a bit more than $500 million entering (Turkey) so hopefully this year we see it above $1 billion," he said.
FDI into Turkey totalled $18.2 billion in 2008 and $22 billion in 2007, but the financial crisis reduced inflows to the country sharply, with 2009's amount equal to that seen in 2005.
source: www.tradearabia.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Discovery in Legumes Could Reduce Fertilizer Use, Aid Environment
by: Louis Bergeron of Stanford University on Mar. 10, 2010
Nitrogen is vital for all plant life, but increasingly the planet is paying a heavy price for the escalating use of nitrogen fertilizer.
Bacteria (left) and the root nodules (right) in which
they reside as they fix nitrogen inside barrel matic,
a leguminous forage cropsimilar to fellow legume
alfalfa,shown in the field in the background.
(Credit: Courtesy of Sharon Long)
source: www.sciencedaily.com
by: Louis Bergeron of Stanford University on Mar. 10, 2010
Nitrogen is vital for all plant life, but increasingly the planet is paying a heavy price for the escalating use of nitrogen fertilizer.
Bacteria (left) and the root nodules (right) in which
they reside as they fix nitrogen inside barrel matic,
a leguminous forage cropsimilar to fellow legume
alfalfa,shown in the field in the background.
(Credit: Courtesy of Sharon Long)
Excess nitrogen from fertilizer runoff into rivers and lakes causes algal blooms that create oxygen-depleted dead zones, such as the 6,000 to 7,000 square mile zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and nitrogen in the form of nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas.
But new findings by Stanford researchers that reveal the inner workings of nitrogen-producing bacteria living inside legumes such as soybeans could enable researchers to blunt those negative effects and aid efforts to make agriculture more sustainable.
"We have discovered a new biological process, by which leguminous plants control behavior of symbiotic bacteria," said molecular biologist Sharon Long. "These plants have a specialized protein processing system that generates specific protein signals. These were hitherto unknown, but it turns out they are critical to cause nitrogen fixation."
The ability of legumes to capture nitrogen from the air and turn it into plant food, or "fix" it, also leaves the soil enriched through the plant matter left after harvesting, creating a natural fertilizer for other crops, which is the basis for crop rotation. Alternating legumes with other crops has been a major component of agriculture around the world for thousands of years. Yet until recently, little was known about how nitrogen fixation worked, or why some legumes are efficient at fixing nitrogen and others poor.
The key part of the process that Long's research group uncovered is a plant gene that triggers a critical chemical signal. Without the signal, no nitrogen gets fixed by the bacteria. Dong Wang, a postdoctoral scholar in Long's lab who pinned down the gene, is first author of a paper describing the work, published Feb. 26 in Science. Long, a professor of biology, is senior author.
Do-it-yourself nitrogen fixing
The beneficial bacteria in question reside inside the nodules of legumes such as peas, beans, alfalfa and clover, where they pluck molecules of nitrogen from air in the soil and turn it into ammonia, which feeds the plant. It sounds simple, but it is a complicated and poorly understood process. Only bacteria that contain a special enzyme are capable of this sort of "nitrogen fixing" using airborne nitrogen -- no other type of living organism can do it. All other plants have to get their nutrients from using already fixed nitrogen in the soil.
This special ability allows legumes to flourish in nitrogen-poor soils, whereas other plants require applications of manufactured nitrogen fertilizer to grow well. But even legumes can't flourish without the right symbiotic bacteria.
"When you deal with a natural soil, you are dealing with a lot of complexity. Everything we learn about what makes symbiosis work gives us a tool to understand why, sometimes, symbiosis fails," Long said. "Plant breeders who are trying to help develop better-adapted plants can now analyze traits such as this. We've given them a new tool."
The more efficient that legumes can be made and the wider the range of environments they can thrive in, the more they can help reduce the need for chemical nitrogen that runs off into water or sinks into the groundwater or decomposes into a gaseous form. Long said
The gene's the thing
The legume that Long's team worked with is called barrel medic, a forage plant similar to alfalfa. They tracked down the newly discovered gene by studying mutant plants that were failing to produce healthy nodules on their roots.
While bacteria inside normal nodules will thrive, in the defective nodules of this plant those bacteria can't provide the benefit they are wired to deliver. Long said that the mutant "contained perfectly good bacteria, but was making these lousy nodules."
Wang found that the mutant plants generated the proper precursor to the protein needed to nudge the bacteria into fixing nitrogen. But the critical enzyme for processing that precursor into the final signal was missing. So the bacteria simply sat, the nodules didn't develop and no nitrogen got fixed.
By comparing the genome of the mutant plants with normal plants, the group found a gene that was missing from the mutants. Suspecting that gene might be the culprit, the researchers took a functional version of the gene from normal plants and put it into the mutants. The mutant legumes then began fixing nitrogen the same as normal ones, "proving that we found the right gene," said Wang.
How less is more
Since 1960, the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the United States has roughly quadrupled, as has the price per ton, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prices have been driven up by the rising cost of natural gas used to manufacture the fertilizer.
"That might make things more expensive for American farmers and increase food prices for consumers, but this is going to wipe out people in developing countries, whose soils are perhaps most in need of fertilizers," Long said. "This is a crucial issue. And nitrogen fixation is a key to sustainability."
Costs aside, the production of chemical fertilizer also adds to the problem of global warming, both by way of the fossil fuels used in production of chemical fertilizer and through the impact of leftover fertilizer that degrades into nitrous oxide, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
With the planet's ever-growing population, Long said there is going to be increased need to keep productivity going on lands that are starting to become marginal because of drought, temperature or salinity problems, among others.
"The rhizobium bacteria are a critical partner in whether that kind of extension of serviceable land can occur," she said. "In order for us to take existing symbioses and help make them better, optimize them for being productive even when conditions start to deteriorate, tools such as understanding how to improve nitrogen fixing in legumes are crucial."
Joel Griffitts and Colby Starker, also authors on the paper, contributed to the research when they were graduate students or postdoctoral scholars in Long's lab. Griffitts is now an assistant professor at Brigham Young University. Starker is a research associate at the University of Minnesota. The research was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation and the National Science Foundation.
But new findings by Stanford researchers that reveal the inner workings of nitrogen-producing bacteria living inside legumes such as soybeans could enable researchers to blunt those negative effects and aid efforts to make agriculture more sustainable.
"We have discovered a new biological process, by which leguminous plants control behavior of symbiotic bacteria," said molecular biologist Sharon Long. "These plants have a specialized protein processing system that generates specific protein signals. These were hitherto unknown, but it turns out they are critical to cause nitrogen fixation."
The ability of legumes to capture nitrogen from the air and turn it into plant food, or "fix" it, also leaves the soil enriched through the plant matter left after harvesting, creating a natural fertilizer for other crops, which is the basis for crop rotation. Alternating legumes with other crops has been a major component of agriculture around the world for thousands of years. Yet until recently, little was known about how nitrogen fixation worked, or why some legumes are efficient at fixing nitrogen and others poor.
The key part of the process that Long's research group uncovered is a plant gene that triggers a critical chemical signal. Without the signal, no nitrogen gets fixed by the bacteria. Dong Wang, a postdoctoral scholar in Long's lab who pinned down the gene, is first author of a paper describing the work, published Feb. 26 in Science. Long, a professor of biology, is senior author.
Do-it-yourself nitrogen fixing
The beneficial bacteria in question reside inside the nodules of legumes such as peas, beans, alfalfa and clover, where they pluck molecules of nitrogen from air in the soil and turn it into ammonia, which feeds the plant. It sounds simple, but it is a complicated and poorly understood process. Only bacteria that contain a special enzyme are capable of this sort of "nitrogen fixing" using airborne nitrogen -- no other type of living organism can do it. All other plants have to get their nutrients from using already fixed nitrogen in the soil.
This special ability allows legumes to flourish in nitrogen-poor soils, whereas other plants require applications of manufactured nitrogen fertilizer to grow well. But even legumes can't flourish without the right symbiotic bacteria.
"When you deal with a natural soil, you are dealing with a lot of complexity. Everything we learn about what makes symbiosis work gives us a tool to understand why, sometimes, symbiosis fails," Long said. "Plant breeders who are trying to help develop better-adapted plants can now analyze traits such as this. We've given them a new tool."
The more efficient that legumes can be made and the wider the range of environments they can thrive in, the more they can help reduce the need for chemical nitrogen that runs off into water or sinks into the groundwater or decomposes into a gaseous form. Long said
The gene's the thing
The legume that Long's team worked with is called barrel medic, a forage plant similar to alfalfa. They tracked down the newly discovered gene by studying mutant plants that were failing to produce healthy nodules on their roots.
While bacteria inside normal nodules will thrive, in the defective nodules of this plant those bacteria can't provide the benefit they are wired to deliver. Long said that the mutant "contained perfectly good bacteria, but was making these lousy nodules."
Wang found that the mutant plants generated the proper precursor to the protein needed to nudge the bacteria into fixing nitrogen. But the critical enzyme for processing that precursor into the final signal was missing. So the bacteria simply sat, the nodules didn't develop and no nitrogen got fixed.
By comparing the genome of the mutant plants with normal plants, the group found a gene that was missing from the mutants. Suspecting that gene might be the culprit, the researchers took a functional version of the gene from normal plants and put it into the mutants. The mutant legumes then began fixing nitrogen the same as normal ones, "proving that we found the right gene," said Wang.
How less is more
Since 1960, the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the United States has roughly quadrupled, as has the price per ton, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prices have been driven up by the rising cost of natural gas used to manufacture the fertilizer.
"That might make things more expensive for American farmers and increase food prices for consumers, but this is going to wipe out people in developing countries, whose soils are perhaps most in need of fertilizers," Long said. "This is a crucial issue. And nitrogen fixation is a key to sustainability."
Costs aside, the production of chemical fertilizer also adds to the problem of global warming, both by way of the fossil fuels used in production of chemical fertilizer and through the impact of leftover fertilizer that degrades into nitrous oxide, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
With the planet's ever-growing population, Long said there is going to be increased need to keep productivity going on lands that are starting to become marginal because of drought, temperature or salinity problems, among others.
"The rhizobium bacteria are a critical partner in whether that kind of extension of serviceable land can occur," she said. "In order for us to take existing symbioses and help make them better, optimize them for being productive even when conditions start to deteriorate, tools such as understanding how to improve nitrogen fixing in legumes are crucial."
Joel Griffitts and Colby Starker, also authors on the paper, contributed to the research when they were graduate students or postdoctoral scholars in Long's lab. Griffitts is now an assistant professor at Brigham Young University. Starker is a research associate at the University of Minnesota. The research was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation and the National Science Foundation.
source: www.sciencedaily.com
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Arasco Delegation Visits UK Feed Mills
SAUDI ARABIA - Staff from ARASCO, a large commercial feed manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, visited the UK recently to learn more about a feed mill efficiency programme.
SAUDI ARABIA - Staff from ARASCO, a large commercial feed manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, visited the UK recently to learn more about a feed mill efficiency programme.
Developed by Anitox, a pioneering international corporation providing pathogen elimination and mould control systems to the feed milling industry, together with primary meat, egg and fish producers, Maxi-Mil® was originally intended to help feed mills in Asia overcome the problem of moisture loss in finished feed and increase the storage life of bagged feed products by inhibiting mould development. Since then, it has been adopted by feed manufacturers throughout the world to reduce shrink/process losses, lower pellet press energy use, increase pellet durability, reduce fines, enhance digestibility, reduce die/roll wear and optimise carbon footprint.
Organised by Reza NikooForsat, the Anitox distributor for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Arabic countries in the Middle East, the visit included a tour of a recently-refurbished feed mill at Piercebridge in County Durham. Operated by FeedCo, a joint venture between Farmway and Lloyds Animal Feeds Ltd, the mill produces over 80,000 tonnes of animal feed annually and uses Maxi-Mil, together with Termin-8®, a biocide and disinfectant developed by Anitox to reduce bacterial levels in feed/feed ingredients. The visitors were given a tour of the facility by mill manager, Ray Asquith, and came away impressed by the results being achieved.
Founded in 1983 as a pure agricultural services company, ARASCO has always focused on quality as its prime distinction. All its efforts are directed towards maintaining the highest international standards and the company is proud of the quality of its products and services. The ARASCO portfolio includes several strategic business units in areas that include feed milling, corn refining, di-calcium phosphate production, poultry processing, logistics, bulk handling, agrochemicals, and analytic services. The ARASCO team includes over 1800 employees located throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its feed mill at the Kharj Industrial Complex producing 650,000 tonnes of mash, crumbed and pelleted feed annually, while its Dammam feed mill has an annual production of 1,000,000 tonnes.
Following the visit Roger Mann of Anitox stated: "Maxi-Mil is used widely throughout the world and its popularity is increasing as feed manufacturers come under increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They are increasingly looking for greater consistency in the finished product, but the perennial issue is inconsistent moisture content in finished product, particularly in very hot climates such as Saudi Arabia where summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C.
"Recent trials at the International Research Institute of Feed Technology in Germany found that the addition of a one per cent solution of Maxi-Mil increased pellet moisture content by up to 0.7 per cent more than adding one per cent water. It also lowered pellet press electricity requirement by 19 per cent, improved pellet stability and durability, and reduced temperature rise through the pellet press. Beneficial effects were recorded across a range of feedstuffs.
"These findings support the results of Anitox's own global research and extensive field trials in over 50 countries which highlighted that Maxi-Mil reduces die and roll costs by an average of 36 per cent and improves pellet durability by three per cent. During 2008, the combination of benefits in a typical 150,000 tonne mill delivered annual financial savings of US$140,000."
source: www.thepoultrysite.com
Organised by Reza NikooForsat, the Anitox distributor for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Arabic countries in the Middle East, the visit included a tour of a recently-refurbished feed mill at Piercebridge in County Durham. Operated by FeedCo, a joint venture between Farmway and Lloyds Animal Feeds Ltd, the mill produces over 80,000 tonnes of animal feed annually and uses Maxi-Mil, together with Termin-8®, a biocide and disinfectant developed by Anitox to reduce bacterial levels in feed/feed ingredients. The visitors were given a tour of the facility by mill manager, Ray Asquith, and came away impressed by the results being achieved.
Founded in 1983 as a pure agricultural services company, ARASCO has always focused on quality as its prime distinction. All its efforts are directed towards maintaining the highest international standards and the company is proud of the quality of its products and services. The ARASCO portfolio includes several strategic business units in areas that include feed milling, corn refining, di-calcium phosphate production, poultry processing, logistics, bulk handling, agrochemicals, and analytic services. The ARASCO team includes over 1800 employees located throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its feed mill at the Kharj Industrial Complex producing 650,000 tonnes of mash, crumbed and pelleted feed annually, while its Dammam feed mill has an annual production of 1,000,000 tonnes.
Following the visit Roger Mann of Anitox stated: "Maxi-Mil is used widely throughout the world and its popularity is increasing as feed manufacturers come under increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They are increasingly looking for greater consistency in the finished product, but the perennial issue is inconsistent moisture content in finished product, particularly in very hot climates such as Saudi Arabia where summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C.
"Recent trials at the International Research Institute of Feed Technology in Germany found that the addition of a one per cent solution of Maxi-Mil increased pellet moisture content by up to 0.7 per cent more than adding one per cent water. It also lowered pellet press electricity requirement by 19 per cent, improved pellet stability and durability, and reduced temperature rise through the pellet press. Beneficial effects were recorded across a range of feedstuffs.
"These findings support the results of Anitox's own global research and extensive field trials in over 50 countries which highlighted that Maxi-Mil reduces die and roll costs by an average of 36 per cent and improves pellet durability by three per cent. During 2008, the combination of benefits in a typical 150,000 tonne mill delivered annual financial savings of US$140,000."
source: www.thepoultrysite.com
Saudi Arabia's... Potato Industry Up
Saudi Arabia's potato exports to Gulf countries has been increasing, according to the owner of Jeddah-based Al Bishi Establishment.
"We have been exporting home grown choicest potato varieties to nearby Gulf states," said Gobar Naser Al Bishi during a press conference here on recently.
"We have been experimenting with new varieties with their seeds being imported from Holland and have been successful in producing them on our farm. Jabbar is the latest variety we are introducing now after successfully experimenting with Bellini and other varieties," he said.
Potato cultivation in the 1970s was non-existent in Saudi Arabia, but the crop's growing popularity was reflected in rapidly rising imports since 1978. It was then that the Ministry of Agriculture and Water negotiated an agreement with the Netherlands establishing the Saudi Potato Development Programme, which initiated experimental trials in Qassim and Khang.
Production has expanded at a fast pace since then, due in part to state price supports and subsidies of seed and other inputs. The area around Riyadh and Buraidah accounts for about 35 per cent of Saudi production, while Sulayyil produces another 10 per cent. Areas with minor productions include Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, Hofuf and Dhahran.
"We are growing 25,000 tonnes of Class A variety of potatoes on 1,300 hectares of our farmland at Wadi Dawasir... which meets part of the requirement of domestic market and also contributes to the Kingdom's exports," said Henk Holtslag, export manager of Stet Holland, which grows some established varieties of potatoes in the Netherlands.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Safener solutions
Corn herbicide safener technology contributes to industry efforts to develop new herbicides and refurbish existing ones
THE DAYS when corn growers would tolerate a little crop injury from herbicides in return for excellent weed control are long gone. Increased production costs — especially seed costs — combined with the efficacy and cost-efficiency of glyphosate, have raised the bar on crop safety and even the cosmetic appearance of a corn crop.
Members of the crop protection industry have responded to growers' increased demands for safety by developing new safener technology that provides a margin of plant protection not available — at least in postemergence herbicides — before now.
Two new safeners
The two most recent examples are isoxadifen and cyprosulfamide, new safeners developed by Bayer CropScience. When added to herbicides, these compounds contribute to corn safety by enhancing herbicide selectivity and increasing the speed at which plant enzymes metabolize herbicides into nontoxic substances. This increased selectivity may allow the herbicide to be used in ways that improve performance, such as at higher use rates or with greater flexibility in application timing.
“Bayer's isoxadifen is very flexible,” notes Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University weed scientist. “BASF has licensed it and has put it in their dicamba product, Status. DuPont is also using it in several of their sulfonylurea herbicides: Accent Q, Resolve Q and Steadfast Q.”
The crop protection industry, which has offered preemergence herbicides with safeners since the 1970s, now focuses its efforts on safening those herbicides that can better complement or compete with glyphosate. An added benefit for growers, in many cases, is that the cost efficiencies of using glyphosate have helped keep prices fairly flat for these new and refurbished products.
Resolve Q, introduced in 2008, was designed to provide growers with contact plus residual control of tough grass and broadleaf weeds in a glyphosate-tolerant corn program, says Jeff Carpenter, U.S. corn portfolio manager for DuPont Crop Protection.
He says that the addition of isoxadifen enables growers to use Resolve Q under more diverse conditions. “Growers are able to increase the adjuvant load with these products and run with crop oil or even MSO, because of the safener,” Carpenter says. “That results in better coverage and better activity.”
BASF introduced Status, which contains isoxadifen, in 2007. The company says the broadleaf herbicide can be used as a stand-alone product or as a tankmix partner for glyphosate.
Bayer includes isoxadifen in several of its new herbicides, including Laudis, which was introduced to corn growers two years ago, and Capreno, which will have a limited launch in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin this year, with a full market introduction expected in 2011. Bayer says Capreno offers multiple modes of action for season-long grass and broadleaf weed control.
Cyprosulfamide, which Bayer refers to as its crop safety innovation (CSI) safener, is used in Balance Flexx (a new formulation of Balance Pro) and Corvus, introduced in 2009 for broadleaf weed control.
Cyprosulfamide works with the plant systemically, through both soil and foliar uptake, to increase the rate of metabolic activity, according to Jeff Springsteen, Bayer CropScience corn and soybean marketing manager. “That provides a high level of safety for the plants as the herbicide works,” Springsteen says. “It also increases the flexibility of application timing, compatibility over various soil types and maximizes root growth and plant health.”
Isoxadifen provides foliar protection only.
Crop injury
University of Illinois weed scientist Aaron Hager says that, although safened herbicides are valuable to the industry, that doesn't mean growers should apply them and then forget about them. “It'd be unnerving to me to tell a farmer that he actually has no worries about crop injury occurring now with safened herbicides,” Hager says. “The important message for farmers to take away is that vigilant scouting should still occur in their fields.”
Essentially, whenever corn growers do see crop injury from a herbicide in their fields, it occurs because the plant's metabolism wasn't able to work adequately or fast enough to break down the herbicide, Hartzler explains. He says that, other than adverse weather, misapplication or off-label use of a herbicide contributes most often to crop damage.
Both isoxadifen and cyprosulfamide extend the window of application for corn herbicides, in some cases by eight to 12 days. This allows growers the flexibility of using many of the newer and refurbished herbicides in a preemergence application or even for early postemergence weed control.
source: farmindustrynews.com
Corn herbicide safener technology contributes to industry efforts to develop new herbicides and refurbish existing ones
THE DAYS when corn growers would tolerate a little crop injury from herbicides in return for excellent weed control are long gone. Increased production costs — especially seed costs — combined with the efficacy and cost-efficiency of glyphosate, have raised the bar on crop safety and even the cosmetic appearance of a corn crop.
Members of the crop protection industry have responded to growers' increased demands for safety by developing new safener technology that provides a margin of plant protection not available — at least in postemergence herbicides — before now.
Two new safeners
The two most recent examples are isoxadifen and cyprosulfamide, new safeners developed by Bayer CropScience. When added to herbicides, these compounds contribute to corn safety by enhancing herbicide selectivity and increasing the speed at which plant enzymes metabolize herbicides into nontoxic substances. This increased selectivity may allow the herbicide to be used in ways that improve performance, such as at higher use rates or with greater flexibility in application timing.
“Bayer's isoxadifen is very flexible,” notes Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University weed scientist. “BASF has licensed it and has put it in their dicamba product, Status. DuPont is also using it in several of their sulfonylurea herbicides: Accent Q, Resolve Q and Steadfast Q.”
The crop protection industry, which has offered preemergence herbicides with safeners since the 1970s, now focuses its efforts on safening those herbicides that can better complement or compete with glyphosate. An added benefit for growers, in many cases, is that the cost efficiencies of using glyphosate have helped keep prices fairly flat for these new and refurbished products.
Resolve Q, introduced in 2008, was designed to provide growers with contact plus residual control of tough grass and broadleaf weeds in a glyphosate-tolerant corn program, says Jeff Carpenter, U.S. corn portfolio manager for DuPont Crop Protection.
He says that the addition of isoxadifen enables growers to use Resolve Q under more diverse conditions. “Growers are able to increase the adjuvant load with these products and run with crop oil or even MSO, because of the safener,” Carpenter says. “That results in better coverage and better activity.”
BASF introduced Status, which contains isoxadifen, in 2007. The company says the broadleaf herbicide can be used as a stand-alone product or as a tankmix partner for glyphosate.
Bayer includes isoxadifen in several of its new herbicides, including Laudis, which was introduced to corn growers two years ago, and Capreno, which will have a limited launch in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin this year, with a full market introduction expected in 2011. Bayer says Capreno offers multiple modes of action for season-long grass and broadleaf weed control.
Cyprosulfamide, which Bayer refers to as its crop safety innovation (CSI) safener, is used in Balance Flexx (a new formulation of Balance Pro) and Corvus, introduced in 2009 for broadleaf weed control.
Cyprosulfamide works with the plant systemically, through both soil and foliar uptake, to increase the rate of metabolic activity, according to Jeff Springsteen, Bayer CropScience corn and soybean marketing manager. “That provides a high level of safety for the plants as the herbicide works,” Springsteen says. “It also increases the flexibility of application timing, compatibility over various soil types and maximizes root growth and plant health.”
Isoxadifen provides foliar protection only.
Crop injury
University of Illinois weed scientist Aaron Hager says that, although safened herbicides are valuable to the industry, that doesn't mean growers should apply them and then forget about them. “It'd be unnerving to me to tell a farmer that he actually has no worries about crop injury occurring now with safened herbicides,” Hager says. “The important message for farmers to take away is that vigilant scouting should still occur in their fields.”
Essentially, whenever corn growers do see crop injury from a herbicide in their fields, it occurs because the plant's metabolism wasn't able to work adequately or fast enough to break down the herbicide, Hartzler explains. He says that, other than adverse weather, misapplication or off-label use of a herbicide contributes most often to crop damage.
Both isoxadifen and cyprosulfamide extend the window of application for corn herbicides, in some cases by eight to 12 days. This allows growers the flexibility of using many of the newer and refurbished herbicides in a preemergence application or even for early postemergence weed control.
source: farmindustrynews.com
'Green' crops could revolutionise Middle East agriculture
Alternative technologies and new green crops could revolutionise agriculture in the Middle East, say the organisers of the region's biggest agri-business trade event.
"Industry experts have long advocated continued investment in relevant technology and equipments to increase the region's ability to produce food locally and reduce reliance on imported produce," said Goutam Malhotra, Exhibition Manager for AGRA Middle East.
"But a new dimension has now been added to the Middle East agricultural scene by rising energy prices and concern over global warming. A project is underway in Abu Dhabi, for example, which could see a salt-tolerant salad plant provide food, fodder and fuel without using a single drop of freshwater," he added.
AGRA Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29-31 March 2010 is the region's biggest agribusiness event. The show covers five closely linked sectors - agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; horticulture and floriculture; machinery and supplies.
The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project in Abu Dhabi will include fish farming and a mangrove plantation and is being run by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology to demonstrate the viability of using saltwater agriculture to provide fuel. The project will create an ecosystem comprised of fish ponds, salicornia fields and mangrove swamps.
Technology from UOP Honeywell will convert the oil from salicornia plants - known in haute cuisine as samphire - into biofuels. The project is also being funded by Boeing and Etihad Airways. Salicornia seeds have nearly double the oil content of soya bean. The seeds harvested and pressed to make vegetable oil, or processed to yield agro-fuel. The remaining biomass can be used as protein feed for livestock while the plant's stalks can be used as fodder or building material.
"The consequences of technology and crops such as these could be staggering for Middle East agriculture," said Malhotra. "Unproductive arid land could be utilised, conserving valuable freshwater resources and provide major economic returns.
"This remarkable saltwater project underlines the continuing need for investment in the agricultural technology sector, he added. For example, to counteract the effects of climate change on nutrition, North Africa and the Middle East requires additional annual investment of $240-$270 million, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute."
The Middle East is a significant consumer market for poultry, dairy and livestock products. Currently, the region largely relies on imports to satisfy an aggregate demand estimated at more than 1.5 million tonnes of poultry alone. More than 60% of the total meat requirements of the region are met through imports.
Per capita consumption of seafood in the Middle East is also high and fresh and processed seafood products are widely available throughout the region. "The fishing resources of the Arabian Gulf provide for a substantial fishing industry but responsible management of the industry and its finite resource is paramount," said Malhotra.
"In addition, the horticulture and floriculture industries now ensure supermarket shelves display a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, cut flowers are available in great variety and the landscaping of gardens and public spaces are integral to every major property development. In a region with limited water resource, the technology and infrastructure required to service the growing floriculture and horticulture needs of the community are vital."
AGRA Middle East is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Centre and sponsored by Dubiotech. For more information about Agra Middle East, please visit www.agramiddleeast.com
VET Middle East, a dedicated event for the growing veterinary market in the Middle East, will be co-located with AGRA Middle East presenting the latest veterinary technologies, equipment, medicines and services.
source: www.ameinfo.com
Alternative technologies and new green crops could revolutionise agriculture in the Middle East, say the organisers of the region's biggest agri-business trade event.
"Industry experts have long advocated continued investment in relevant technology and equipments to increase the region's ability to produce food locally and reduce reliance on imported produce," said Goutam Malhotra, Exhibition Manager for AGRA Middle East.
"But a new dimension has now been added to the Middle East agricultural scene by rising energy prices and concern over global warming. A project is underway in Abu Dhabi, for example, which could see a salt-tolerant salad plant provide food, fodder and fuel without using a single drop of freshwater," he added.
AGRA Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29-31 March 2010 is the region's biggest agribusiness event. The show covers five closely linked sectors - agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; horticulture and floriculture; machinery and supplies.
The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project in Abu Dhabi will include fish farming and a mangrove plantation and is being run by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology to demonstrate the viability of using saltwater agriculture to provide fuel. The project will create an ecosystem comprised of fish ponds, salicornia fields and mangrove swamps.
Technology from UOP Honeywell will convert the oil from salicornia plants - known in haute cuisine as samphire - into biofuels. The project is also being funded by Boeing and Etihad Airways. Salicornia seeds have nearly double the oil content of soya bean. The seeds harvested and pressed to make vegetable oil, or processed to yield agro-fuel. The remaining biomass can be used as protein feed for livestock while the plant's stalks can be used as fodder or building material.
"The consequences of technology and crops such as these could be staggering for Middle East agriculture," said Malhotra. "Unproductive arid land could be utilised, conserving valuable freshwater resources and provide major economic returns.
"This remarkable saltwater project underlines the continuing need for investment in the agricultural technology sector, he added. For example, to counteract the effects of climate change on nutrition, North Africa and the Middle East requires additional annual investment of $240-$270 million, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute."
The Middle East is a significant consumer market for poultry, dairy and livestock products. Currently, the region largely relies on imports to satisfy an aggregate demand estimated at more than 1.5 million tonnes of poultry alone. More than 60% of the total meat requirements of the region are met through imports.
Per capita consumption of seafood in the Middle East is also high and fresh and processed seafood products are widely available throughout the region. "The fishing resources of the Arabian Gulf provide for a substantial fishing industry but responsible management of the industry and its finite resource is paramount," said Malhotra.
"In addition, the horticulture and floriculture industries now ensure supermarket shelves display a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, cut flowers are available in great variety and the landscaping of gardens and public spaces are integral to every major property development. In a region with limited water resource, the technology and infrastructure required to service the growing floriculture and horticulture needs of the community are vital."
AGRA Middle East is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Centre and sponsored by Dubiotech. For more information about Agra Middle East, please visit www.agramiddleeast.com
VET Middle East, a dedicated event for the growing veterinary market in the Middle East, will be co-located with AGRA Middle East presenting the latest veterinary technologies, equipment, medicines and services.
source: www.ameinfo.com
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Report Q2 2010
In BMI's Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Report for Q2 2010 we look at the measures this cash rich but food poor kingdom is taking to ensure adequate and affordable food supplies for its population. In 2008/09, wheat production plummeted even more than the kingdom's agricultural planners had anticipated. Output fell 33.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.70mn tonnes. This was enough to cover only two thirds of the country's wheat consumption. The previous year Saudi Arabia was self-sufficient in wheat.
Everyone had expected a fall in production following the resolution at the end of 2007 to cut support to wheat producers in a bid to save the country's dwindling water resources. Without the government's high procurement price, wheat production is unprofitable in the country. The government announced it would cut the amount of wheat it purchased by 12.5% every year up to 2016. The government had expected production to fall at a similar rate. The collapse in output saw a rush among wheat exporters to take advantage of the new market. By the end of 2009, Saudi Arabia had imported more than 2mn tonnes of wheat since the policy was introduced, up from basically zero before 2008.
Much to the ire of the US and other wheat exporters, Canada has proved to be the most competitive supplier, alone providing well over a third of Saudi Arabia's wheat imports. We expect competition among exporters, grappling for footholds in the market, to remain fierce. As wheat production in the kingdom continues to collapse, import demand will grow ever higher. By the end of our forecast period in 2014, we expect annual imports to be creeping towards 3mn tonnes.
The removal of support for wheat production will further weaken Saudi Arabia's food security position. To compensate for this, the government is encouraging companies to invest in farmland and agribusiness companies abroad. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading players in the so called 'land grab' strategy that has developed following the spike in world food prices in 2007 and 2008. We fully support efforts to invest in agribusiness companies abroad - particularly in developing countries where domestic firms lack the capital and expertise to unlock the potential of their agricultural industries.
Large-scale leases of agricultural land are a more problematic issue. If handled well, deals to lease land to foreign companies with the money to invest in modern production technology could be beneficial for both the investing country and the host country. New farms can create job opportunities and facilitate technology transfer as well as supplying food to both the local and export markets. If local farmers are not fully consulted over the deals, however, it may appear an almost colonial encroachment on their land, resulting in opposition and the possible abandonment of a deal, as happened with a Korean company's plan to plant thousands of hectares of grain in Madagascar.
source: www.marketresearch.com
In BMI's Saudi Arabia Agribusiness Report for Q2 2010 we look at the measures this cash rich but food poor kingdom is taking to ensure adequate and affordable food supplies for its population. In 2008/09, wheat production plummeted even more than the kingdom's agricultural planners had anticipated. Output fell 33.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.70mn tonnes. This was enough to cover only two thirds of the country's wheat consumption. The previous year Saudi Arabia was self-sufficient in wheat.
Everyone had expected a fall in production following the resolution at the end of 2007 to cut support to wheat producers in a bid to save the country's dwindling water resources. Without the government's high procurement price, wheat production is unprofitable in the country. The government announced it would cut the amount of wheat it purchased by 12.5% every year up to 2016. The government had expected production to fall at a similar rate. The collapse in output saw a rush among wheat exporters to take advantage of the new market. By the end of 2009, Saudi Arabia had imported more than 2mn tonnes of wheat since the policy was introduced, up from basically zero before 2008.
Much to the ire of the US and other wheat exporters, Canada has proved to be the most competitive supplier, alone providing well over a third of Saudi Arabia's wheat imports. We expect competition among exporters, grappling for footholds in the market, to remain fierce. As wheat production in the kingdom continues to collapse, import demand will grow ever higher. By the end of our forecast period in 2014, we expect annual imports to be creeping towards 3mn tonnes.
The removal of support for wheat production will further weaken Saudi Arabia's food security position. To compensate for this, the government is encouraging companies to invest in farmland and agribusiness companies abroad. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading players in the so called 'land grab' strategy that has developed following the spike in world food prices in 2007 and 2008. We fully support efforts to invest in agribusiness companies abroad - particularly in developing countries where domestic firms lack the capital and expertise to unlock the potential of their agricultural industries.
Large-scale leases of agricultural land are a more problematic issue. If handled well, deals to lease land to foreign companies with the money to invest in modern production technology could be beneficial for both the investing country and the host country. New farms can create job opportunities and facilitate technology transfer as well as supplying food to both the local and export markets. If local farmers are not fully consulted over the deals, however, it may appear an almost colonial encroachment on their land, resulting in opposition and the possible abandonment of a deal, as happened with a Korean company's plan to plant thousands of hectares of grain in Madagascar.
source: www.marketresearch.com
Arasco Delegation Visits UK Feed Mills
SAUDI ARABIA - Staff from ARASCO, a large commercial feed manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, visited the UK recently to learn more about a feed mill efficiency programme.
SAUDI ARABIA - Staff from ARASCO, a large commercial feed manufacturer in Saudi Arabia, visited the UK recently to learn more about a feed mill efficiency programme.
Developed by Anitox, a pioneering international corporation providing pathogen elimination and mould control systems to the feed milling industry, together with primary meat, egg and fish producers, Maxi-Mil® was originally intended to help feed mills in Asia overcome the problem of moisture loss in finished feed and increase the storage life of bagged feed products by inhibiting mould development. Since then, it has been adopted by feed manufacturers throughout the world to reduce shrink/process losses, lower pellet press energy use, increase pellet durability, reduce fines, enhance digestibility, reduce die/roll wear and optimise carbon footprint.
Organised by Reza NikooForsat, the Anitox distributor for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Arabic countries in the Middle East, the visit included a tour of a recently-refurbished feed mill at Piercebridge in County Durham. Operated by FeedCo, a joint venture between Farmway and Lloyds Animal Feeds Ltd, the mill produces over 80,000 tonnes of animal feed annually and uses Maxi-Mil, together with Termin-8®, a biocide and disinfectant developed by Anitox to reduce bacterial levels in feed/feed ingredients. The visitors were given a tour of the facility by mill manager, Ray Asquith, and came away impressed by the results being achieved.
Founded in 1983 as a pure agricultural services company, ARASCO has always focused on quality as its prime distinction. All its efforts are directed towards maintaining the highest international standards and the company is proud of the quality of its products and services. The ARASCO portfolio includes several strategic business units in areas that include feed milling, corn refining, di-calcium phosphate production, poultry processing, logistics, bulk handling, agrochemicals, and analytic services. The ARASCO team includes over 1800 employees located throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its feed mill at the Kharj Industrial Complex producing 650,000 tonnes of mash, crumbed and pelleted feed annually, while its Dammam feed mill has an annual production of 1,000,000 tonnes.
Following the visit Roger Mann of Anitox stated: "Maxi-Mil is used widely throughout the world and its popularity is increasing as feed manufacturers come under increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They are increasingly looking for greater consistency in the finished product, but the perennial issue is inconsistent moisture content in finished product, particularly in very hot climates such as Saudi Arabia where summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C.
"Recent trials at the International Research Institute of Feed Technology in Germany found that the addition of a one per cent solution of Maxi-Mil increased pellet moisture content by up to 0.7 per cent more than adding one per cent water. It also lowered pellet press electricity requirement by 19 per cent, improved pellet stability and durability, and reduced temperature rise through the pellet press. Beneficial effects were recorded across a range of feedstuffs.
"These findings support the results of Anitox's own global research and extensive field trials in over 50 countries which highlighted that Maxi-Mil reduces die and roll costs by an average of 36 per cent and improves pellet durability by three per cent. During 2008, the combination of benefits in a typical 150,000 tonne mill delivered annual financial savings of US$140,000."
source: www.thepoultrysite.com
Organised by Reza NikooForsat, the Anitox distributor for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Arabic countries in the Middle East, the visit included a tour of a recently-refurbished feed mill at Piercebridge in County Durham. Operated by FeedCo, a joint venture between Farmway and Lloyds Animal Feeds Ltd, the mill produces over 80,000 tonnes of animal feed annually and uses Maxi-Mil, together with Termin-8®, a biocide and disinfectant developed by Anitox to reduce bacterial levels in feed/feed ingredients. The visitors were given a tour of the facility by mill manager, Ray Asquith, and came away impressed by the results being achieved.
Founded in 1983 as a pure agricultural services company, ARASCO has always focused on quality as its prime distinction. All its efforts are directed towards maintaining the highest international standards and the company is proud of the quality of its products and services. The ARASCO portfolio includes several strategic business units in areas that include feed milling, corn refining, di-calcium phosphate production, poultry processing, logistics, bulk handling, agrochemicals, and analytic services. The ARASCO team includes over 1800 employees located throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its feed mill at the Kharj Industrial Complex producing 650,000 tonnes of mash, crumbed and pelleted feed annually, while its Dammam feed mill has an annual production of 1,000,000 tonnes.
Following the visit Roger Mann of Anitox stated: "Maxi-Mil is used widely throughout the world and its popularity is increasing as feed manufacturers come under increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency. They are increasingly looking for greater consistency in the finished product, but the perennial issue is inconsistent moisture content in finished product, particularly in very hot climates such as Saudi Arabia where summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C.
"Recent trials at the International Research Institute of Feed Technology in Germany found that the addition of a one per cent solution of Maxi-Mil increased pellet moisture content by up to 0.7 per cent more than adding one per cent water. It also lowered pellet press electricity requirement by 19 per cent, improved pellet stability and durability, and reduced temperature rise through the pellet press. Beneficial effects were recorded across a range of feedstuffs.
"These findings support the results of Anitox's own global research and extensive field trials in over 50 countries which highlighted that Maxi-Mil reduces die and roll costs by an average of 36 per cent and improves pellet durability by three per cent. During 2008, the combination of benefits in a typical 150,000 tonne mill delivered annual financial savings of US$140,000."
source: www.thepoultrysite.com
MSU researchers study black root rot on soybeans
By Rebekah Ray
Delta Research and Extension Center
By Rebekah Ray
Delta Research and Extension Center
STONEVILLE -- Black root rot, a fungal disease that infects cotton and soybeans, may be affecting more soybean acres across the Delta, and Mississippi State University researchers are working to prevent its impact.
Mississippi State University plant pathologist Tom Allen checks cotton seedlings for black root rot disease, a fungus that causes plants to rot from the roots. (MSU Delta Research and Extension file photo)
Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station researchers Gabe Sciumbato and Tom Allen have been conducting laboratory studies to learn more about the disease, which has not yet been diagnosed in Mississippi’s soybeans. Black root rot has been most notable in Delta cotton. However, the disease has been known to infect soybeans in other states.
“Black root rot has been in cotton in the Delta for years, but because of the area’s recent shift to soybeans, signs of the disease are increasing statewide and are likely to impact yields,” said Sciumbato, a plant pathologist at MSU’s Delta Research and Extension Center. “We are monitoring for signs of outbreaks and trying to isolate them, then get a diagnosis confirmed.”
The fungus that causes black root rot overwinters in plant debris and infects developing plants when seedlings are 3 to 4 weeks old. In severe cases, the roots turn black and plants die from loss of nutrient absorption.
“In our variety trials, we are screening soybean varieties for resistance to the fungus,” Sciumbato said.
Allen, who is also an MSU Extension plant pathologist, said evidence of the fungus can be seen aboveground within the first few weeks of growth. Symptoms include stunting, stacking of leaf nodes, and alternating yellow and green spots along veins. These symptoms are similar to other plant disorders such as soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies or more generalized plant stress, and diseases like sudden death syndrome, stem canker and red crown rot. The disease is most severe when high numbers of reniform nematodes (a destructive species of underground worms) are present in the field.
“The fungus tends to appear in acres that had been farmed in cotton and commonly develops during cool, wet conditions, which can be encountered following early planting periods,” Allen said “However, over the past two seasons, we have identified the particular symptoms that can be attributed to this disease on almost every soil type in Mississippi.”
Diagnosis of black root rot requires confirmation by a lab, yet options for controlling or preventing the disease are limited. Seed treatment is one potential method to limit the impact of black root rot. Additionally, attempting to determine if available varieties are tolerant of the fungus could provide producers with valuable information.
In 2009, agricultural economists estimated Mississippi’s 2.2 million acres of soybeans to have a farm-gate value of $432 million.
Monsanto targets resistant weeds with new herbicide
Monsanto got the stamp of approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week to bring a new soybean and cotton post-emergence herbicide to market.
The new herbicide, a new formulation of acetochlor that will be available for the 2010 growing season, will be introduced in areas where resistance is most common, namely the Midwest, Southeast and mid-South, according to Monsanto officials.
"Farmers face a number of weed control challenges in cotton and soybean production and we continue to work on solutions from both the crop protection and seeds and traits perspectives," says Kerry Overton, Monsanto selective herbicides marketing manager. "We've been working on a plan that includes immediate ways to address those challenges through information, as well as incentives designed to take a season-long approach."
The new acetochlor formulation for cotton and soybeans was preceded by products like Harness herbicide and Degree herbicide. Both herbicides are approved for use on corn, where the compound already provides reliable pre-emergent residual control of grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds. In comparative testing against currently registered products under an EPA experimental use permit during the 2009 season, the new formulation provided similar crop safety results in cotton with improved control of Palmer amaranth, more commonly called pigweed. Soybean testing in the same season showed improved crop safety results and similar weed control to currently registered products, according to a Monsanto report.
source: www.agriculture.com
source: www.agriculture.com
What to do about beef demand?
by: Gene Johnson
These are not the best of times for the cattle business. Markets have trended downward, even as the herd shrinks to fewer numbers. Costs of inputs are up across the board.
Perhaps most damaging of all is that demand for beef appears to be in decline, heavily exacerbated by the lingering recession of the general economy. To address this issue, a special session was held at the Cattle Industry Convention today for a look into the future. Several industry leaders served as panelists to share their views on what it will take to turn things around. They agreed on one thing: demand for beef is at the root of the problem, and it's the one area where collaboration is possible, and necessary.
Dave DeLaney of the King Ranch in Texas told producers there are four things that will always pay off in the future: innovation, hard work, continuing education, and entrepreneurship.
"At our ranch, the specific strategy for the cow-calf enterprise is to be in the top 25% of ranches on profitability every year," he said. "We intend to accomplish that by concentrating on weaning percentages and reducing cow costs. I'd also encourage producers to identify the genes that can improve profitability and breed for them. And especially avoid too much dept and depreciation. There are economies of scale in the cattle business, so look for ways to grow, maybe by leasing if that is how you can do it."
James Herring of Friona Industries, a large commercial feedlot, gave a checklist for continued success. First, value all parts of your business and know that everyone in the cattle business wins by making their customer's lives better. Second, manage volatility. He said that in 2008, when corn went from $2 a bushel to near $8, and cattle prices plummeted, the profit volatility in his feedlot had a range of $737 per head from high to low.
Molly McAdams of the grocery chain H-E-B said one of the keys to cattle success is to know your business demographics. For instance, in Hispanic neighborhoods, the meat case will look a lot different than other places. "And in a recession, our beef product is not the best positioned for cash-strapped customers," she said. "Collaboration is what we must do to win back beef demand. The internal battles we have are destructive. In the beef industry, we have a common enemy, and it is declining demand for our product. That's what we need to bond together to defeat."
source: http://www.agriculture.com
by: Gene Johnson
These are not the best of times for the cattle business. Markets have trended downward, even as the herd shrinks to fewer numbers. Costs of inputs are up across the board.
Perhaps most damaging of all is that demand for beef appears to be in decline, heavily exacerbated by the lingering recession of the general economy. To address this issue, a special session was held at the Cattle Industry Convention today for a look into the future. Several industry leaders served as panelists to share their views on what it will take to turn things around. They agreed on one thing: demand for beef is at the root of the problem, and it's the one area where collaboration is possible, and necessary.
Dave DeLaney of the King Ranch in Texas told producers there are four things that will always pay off in the future: innovation, hard work, continuing education, and entrepreneurship.
"At our ranch, the specific strategy for the cow-calf enterprise is to be in the top 25% of ranches on profitability every year," he said. "We intend to accomplish that by concentrating on weaning percentages and reducing cow costs. I'd also encourage producers to identify the genes that can improve profitability and breed for them. And especially avoid too much dept and depreciation. There are economies of scale in the cattle business, so look for ways to grow, maybe by leasing if that is how you can do it."
James Herring of Friona Industries, a large commercial feedlot, gave a checklist for continued success. First, value all parts of your business and know that everyone in the cattle business wins by making their customer's lives better. Second, manage volatility. He said that in 2008, when corn went from $2 a bushel to near $8, and cattle prices plummeted, the profit volatility in his feedlot had a range of $737 per head from high to low.
Molly McAdams of the grocery chain H-E-B said one of the keys to cattle success is to know your business demographics. For instance, in Hispanic neighborhoods, the meat case will look a lot different than other places. "And in a recession, our beef product is not the best positioned for cash-strapped customers," she said. "Collaboration is what we must do to win back beef demand. The internal battles we have are destructive. In the beef industry, we have a common enemy, and it is declining demand for our product. That's what we need to bond together to defeat."
source: http://www.agriculture.com
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
GCC states look abroad to meet food needs
Posted by Zawya.comEmirates Business 24-7,
03 March 2010
Gulf oil producers have abandoned long-standing nationalistic policies of achieving food self-sufficiency and switched to a more realistic approach of using their strong financial muscle to invest in farm projects in fertile countries.
The policy shift means the six Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states, which control nearly 45 per cent of the world's proven oil wealth, will rely more on food imports but such projects will allow them to overcome natural constraints at home, according to a study by a key Saudi investment firm.
The study by NCB Capital, an offshoot of Saudi Arabia's largest bank - National Commercial Bank - coincided with an extensive drive by the UAE and other GCC members to tap the enormous farming potential of Sudan and other nations to meet the rapid rise in their food needs because of a steady growth in their populations. It also followed proposals floated recently by the GCC states and other organisations about the creation of a giant farm fund, establishment of joint agricultural projects and the setting up of strategic food stockpiles in the region.
"The GCC nations are shifting their agricultural policies away from the nationalistic goal of food self-sufficiency towards more flexible and broad-based efforts to ensure food security. The previous policies were ultimately undermined by acute constraints posed by the natural environment and resources on domestic agriculture," NCB Capital said in a 28-page study.
"This shift is translating into greater reliance on imports, outsourced agriculture and a greater focus on dry agriculture. Farming does not represent a significant component of the GCC economies as an exceptionally arid climate and low capital investments have limited its contribution to GDP and employment."
Low contribution
Its figures showed the agricultural sector accounts for only between one and four per cent of the GCC's gross domestic product, significantly lower than its 10-15 per cent contribution in relatively more water-rich Middle East nations such as Egypt and Turkey and 15-20 per cent in India and China.
In terms of employment, the sector is most important in Oman and Saudi Arabia, but of negligible importance elsewhere in the region, the report said.
Lower urbanisation in Oman and Saudi Arabia, coupled with a more aggressive regulatory push to develop the sector, has led to 35 and nine per cent of the economically active population, respectively, being employed in agriculture. "Strategic reserves are increasingly talked about as a mechanism for managing price and quantity fluctuations. A growing number of proposals have been put forward in recent years, but the Gulf countries are also increasingly beginning to take unilateral action in this area," NCB Capital said.
Oman has an already functioning buffer for three to four months and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are in the process of setting up similar systems. But the report cautioned that the system has its own risks given the much longer cycle of many harvests. Moreover, the absence of international co-ordination for a system with limited margins may merely serve to increase price volatility instead of mitigating it, the study added.
"However, broader international solutions, albeit attractive conceptually, may pose co-ordination problems and political as well as cost challenges," it said.
"In spite of the low value added, the agricultural sector's social and political importance remains considerable, not least because of food price pressures. Food consumption, especially of high-value products, such as meat and dairy, is growing as the population base expands, urbanisation rates increase and disposable incomes grow. On the other hand, domestic agricultural yields are declining, thus resulting in greater reliance on imports."
Inflation
According to the study, the high and increasing dependency on food imports in the face of a tightening global demand-supply balance exposes the Gulf economies to external inflationary risks.
It referred to the food price shock of 2008 which, it said, was one of the main causes for a soaring inflation to record high levels in the GCC countries.
"The limited monetary policy autonomy of the regional central banks due to the dollar pegs, created considerable challenges for policymakers who were forced to resort to a combination of short-term measures with relative modest effects. Faced with simultaneous pressures of rising demand, falling domestic agriculture yields and what looks like a long-term secular trend of global food price inflation, the GCC nations require comprehensive food security plans."
Rising imports
The study expected a surge in the food import bill by the GCC nations in the coming years because of investment in overseas farm ventures, the limited agricultural potential at home, and rapid growth in the domestic population.
Its figures showed that in 2007, the GCC's import bill for agricultural commodities stood at around $10 billion (Dh36.70bn), nearly 1.3 per cent of that year's regional GDP and around 1.7 times the average value of net imports during 2000-2004.
At $4.9bn, Saudi Arabia's net imports accounted for half of the GCC's total farm imports by value in 2007 and were nearly 68 per cent higher than the average import bill during 2000-2004. The UAE contributed 28 per cent to the GCC's aggregate food import bill in 2007. Its imports of $2.8bn were 89 per cent above the 2000-2004 average.
"Apart from wheat, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, fish and dairy, more than half of all regional consumption needs of other food products is met through imports. In Saudi Arabia, the near self-sufficiency in wheat will give way to total import-dependency by 2016," NCB Capital said.
Large gap
Despite extensive efforts to expand their agricultural sector over the past two decades, the GCC countries are still reeling under a painful gap between food imports and exports given the limited farm potential in the desert region and lack of interest in setting up joint farm ventures.
From around $8.9bn in 2001, the GCC's combined farm gap surged to $12.2bn in 2006 and is expected to have exceeded $15bn in 2008 because of low growth in the agricultural sector and a surge in imported food prices.
"The issue of food security has become a priority for the GCC countries in the current circumstances," the Dammam-based Federation of the GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry said in a recent study.
"The steady increase in the farm gap has been due to lack of co-ordination and co-operation among member states in the agricultural sector and in the establishment of joint farm projects. It is time for the GCC countries to take measures to cover that gap by setting up farm projects in such fertile Arab countries as Sudan, Egypt and Yemen."
Farm investment
The study proposed signing of agreements between the GCC and those countries for the allocation of land to Gulf investors to set up farm projects.
"These projects could be run as joint ventures under the management of GCC companies, which could also market their products in the region," it said.
"Another step is that GCC citizens should be educated about the need to change their eating habits to match the new market and farm conditions. GCC governments should also negotiate with major food producers to obtain some supply and price privileges and allocate funds to offset price increases."
The GCC states of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are the largest farm importers in the Middle East given their poor agricultural sector and high per capita income. Their food imports accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total Arab farm imports of about $19bn in 2008.
Although they have enormous arable land, Sudan and Iraq have remained key food importers as persistent conflicts have prevented them from investing in farm projects. Yemen's poor financial resources have also made it a net food importer.
Population growth keeps farm demand high
The demand for all food products has seen robust growth in the GCC. Total consumption of food products -crops, vegetables, meat, eggs, fish, fruits, sugar, oil, poultry and dairy - grew from an average of 28.9 million metric tonnes in 1999-2003 to 38 million tonnes in 2007.
Demand for agricultural produce in the GCC is driven by a growing population and rising per capita consumption. Population growth in the GCC - stimulated by oil-led economic growth and improving standards of living - is internationally high.
The regional population grew by around three per cent annually to nearly 40 million during 1998-2008. Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounted for 67 and 12 per cent of the regional population respectively in 2008.
Food consumption levels in the GCC states are likely to be well above the Middle East average.
The consumption of cereals and pulses, which accounted for 46 per cent of total GCC food consumption in 2007, grew to 17.4 million tonnes in 2007 from an average of 12.4 million tonnes during 1999-2003.
Consumption of animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, reached 8.2 million tonnes in 2007, up from an average 6.4 million tonnes during 1999-2003 and made up 21 per cent of total consumption in 2007.
Beyond the broader trends, however, dietary patterns vary a great deal across the Gulf region:
- Cereals account for 52 per cent of total food consumption in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is the largest consumer of agricultural produce in the region, accounting for 66 per cent of total GCC food consumption and for three-quarters of cereals consumption in 2007.
- Vegetables and fruits are the largest component (35 per cent) of food consumption in the UAE.
- Bahrainis are amongst the lowest consumers of cereals in the region. Their share of 15 per cent compared to 41 per cent for animal produce. Kuwait and Qatar are two other countries with a relatively high reliance on animal produce (36 and 39 per cent, respectively).
By Nadim Kawach
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100303043559/Food Concerns
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