For the first time in 124 years, Cuba’s sugar industry could resort into imports after decades-long production slashes. Output fell drastically in recent years due to the U.S.’ sanctions and poor weather, forcing mills into non-operation. The rum, carbonated drink, fruit jam and medicine industries all depend on ample sugar supplies, hence the current import speculations. By end April 2024, the state’s...
BC’s Armstrong Asparagus Farm expects 30 to 50% yield increase this Mothers Day weekend
Packed asparagus in Canada
Why is Malaysia extending Orangutan diplomacy to palm oil importers?
Malaysia will start offering free orangutans to China, the European Union (EU) and India as an environmental gesture for importing its palm oil. Analysts are already comparing this “orangutan diplomacy” to China’s “panda diplomacy.” Palm oil production takes place in Borneo island and Sumatra, whose palm forests also double as orangutan habitat. Plantation owners also clear forests to cultivate the...
The Ontario asparagus harvest starts bravely after frost delay
After a temporary delay due to spring frost, the May to mid-June Ontario asparagus harvest is underway in eastern Canada. Farmers hope for dry weather to help with the reaping and for lower production in competing eastern U.S., to boost prices. This season could be a repeat of the 2023 season that started on a low price note but ended strongly....
Musese in Namibia to harvest 4,000 tons of maize amid rising prices
The maize harvest on Musese farm in Kavango West is underway with expectations to reap 4,000 tonnes. This at a time when maize prices in Namibia are inching up. Harvesting began at the end of April, about 6 months since the scheme sowed white maize in November 2023. Operated by Winni Metzger, Musese is a nationally important greening scheme whose roots go back to...
Florida bans lab-grown meat to “save our beef”
Nearly a year after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the sale of lab-grown meat in the U.S. in June 2023, Florida has banned it. Governor Ron DeSantis on May 1, 2024 signed SB 1084, a bill that bars the cultivation of lab-grown meat. He ratified the bill in what he referred to as a bid to “save our beef” or...
Grain prices in Western Equatoria State in South Sudan fall
Grain prices in Western Equatoria State in South Sudan under the World Food Program (WFP)’s buying initiative have fallen to $300 a tonne. Farmers blame this state of events to middlemen who buy on behalf of WFP, thereby losing $100 a tonne. According to Anthony Ezekiel of Yambio Farmers and Business Cooperative on May 1, 2024, the current price fell from the original $400...
FAO Food Price Index up April 2024 thanks to expensive meat, vegetable oil
Pricey red meat and vegetable oils helped defeat price decreases in dairy and sugar to notch up the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) in April 2024. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reported on May 3, 2024 that FFPI inched up to 119.1 points or 0.3% between March and April. However, worldwide food prices were lower year-on-year than in April 2023 by 9.6 points...
Australia’s beef herd prices shrink April, rally May
Cattlemen in northern and southern Australia reduced prices of their beef herds by 10 Australian cents in the month of April amid rising supplies. However, steer prices rose appreciably in the first week of May amid huge presence of export buyers. After belated rains delayed the cattle transportation season in April, experts expect an influx of cattle in yards in May. However,...
Nigeria restoring millions of hectares of degraded farmland
19 states in northern Nigeria have partnered with the Food and Agricultural organization (FAO) to recover millions of hectares of degraded farmland. This at a time when agriculture is helping Nigeria’s economy grow by 3%. The Kano State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) stated April 29, 2024 that it would restore a million hectares in the state. According to Dr....