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France asks EU to suspend Monsanto GM corn approval

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, Corn, European Union (EU), France, Genetically Modified (GM) crops, Legal Cases, Monsanto

France asked the European Commission on Monday to suspend authorization to plant Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) MON810 corn, the environment ministry said, as the country seeks to keep a ban on GM crops despite losing court rulings.

France banned in 2008 the growing of MON810 corn, the only GM crop approved for planting in the European Union, citing environmental risks.

Its highest court ruled against the ban in November, following a similar decision by the European Court of Justice last September, leading the government to say it would look at all ways to maintain the freeze on GM planting.

The French government’s request to the EU executive was based on “significant risks for the environment” shown in recent scientific studies, the ministry said in a statement.

EU governments are divided over authorising GM crop cultivation, with some countries like France reluctant to allow them in view of public hostility.

Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, is seeking to revive stalled talks on allowing individual countries to decide on whether to allow GM crops.

The stalemate over GM crops has frustrated crop farmers and biotech companies, most of which have scaled back research on such varieties in Europe.

France asks EU to suspend Monsanto GM corn approval

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, Corn, European Union (EU), France, Genetically Modified (GM) crops, Legal Cases, Monsanto

France asked the European Commission on Monday to suspend authorization to plant Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) MON810 corn, the environment ministry said, as the country seeks to keep a ban on GM crops despite losing court rulings.

France banned in 2008 the growing of MON810 corn, the only GM crop approved for planting in the European Union, citing environmental risks.

Its highest court ruled against the ban in November, following a similar decision by the European Court of Justice last September, leading the government to say it would look at all ways to maintain the freeze on GM planting.

The French government’s request to the EU executive was based on “significant risks for the environment” shown in recent scientific studies, the ministry said in a statement.

EU governments are divided over authorising GM crop cultivation, with some countries like France reluctant to allow them in view of public hostility.

Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, is seeking to revive stalled talks on allowing individual countries to decide on whether to allow GM crops.

The stalemate over GM crops has frustrated crop farmers and biotech companies, most of which have scaled back research on such varieties in Europe.

India: Export demand gives pomegranate growers cause to celebrate

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Export, Fruit

Rising demand for pomegranates on the European markets, particularly in Spain, are giving growers in Davangere province reason to celebrate, but it is a source of frustration for some consumers who are finding the current prices too expensive.

The current price is anywhere between Rs 1,500 and 2,000 per dozen, with a single fruit worth Rs 100.

The Davangere province is the chief growing area for Indian pomegranates, which enjoy a good reputation amongst European consumers. Currently 15,000ha are in cultivation for the fruits.

Deccan Herald

India: Export demand gives pomegranate growers cause to celebrate

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Export, Fruit

Rising demand for pomegranates on the European markets, particularly in Spain, are giving growers in Davangere province reason to celebrate, but it is a source of frustration for some consumers who are finding the current prices too expensive.

The current price is anywhere between Rs 1,500 and 2,000 per dozen, with a single fruit worth Rs 100.

The Davangere province is the chief growing area for Indian pomegranates, which enjoy a good reputation amongst European consumers. Currently 15,000ha are in cultivation for the fruits.

Deccan Herald

EU sanctions slash Ukraine's maize exports to Iran

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, Corn, European Union (EU), Grain, Iran, Ukraine

Ukraine's maize exports to Iran dropped 40 percent in January due to problems collecting payment from Iranian buyers after the European Union tightened sanctions, a leading Ukrainian agricultural consultancy said on Friday.

Ukrainian and European traders said this week they were no longer booking cargoes on Iranian ships to transport grain exports from Ukraine because of difficulties with payments following European Union sanctions.

As news of the drop in maize exports to Iran emerged, Ukraine's farm minister said grain traders were in talks with Iran to save a valuable market.

The ex-Soviet republic is a top maize producer and exporter in the Black sea region.

"Talks are underway with Iran on the issues which have emerged.

Today, grain traders are holding consultations (with Iranian traders) but it is important for us to avoid losing this market and other markets too," Ukraine's grain traders' union UZA quoted the minister, Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, on Friday as saying.

It was not clear at what level these talks with Iran, a major importer of food and animal feed, were taking place.

Most Iranian grain deals are between private entities, traders said.

Iran in 2011/12 is expected to import around 4.5 million tonnes of grain, including about 3.5 million tonnes of corn, the leading world grain for animal feed, according to International Grains Council figures.

It ranks among the top 10 global importers of maize.

Its key corn suppliers include Brazil, Argentina and Ukraine.

Iran's total grains production for 2011/12 is forecast at 18.7 million tonnes, down from 20.7 million a year earlier.

Wheat production is seen at 13.8 million tonnes versus 15.5 million, potentially drawing in more imports from Russia and Kazakhstan, traditional suppliers of high quality wheat.

EU sanctions slash Ukraine's maize exports to Iran

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, Corn, European Union (EU), Grain, Iran, Ukraine

Ukraine's maize exports to Iran dropped 40 percent in January due to problems collecting payment from Iranian buyers after the European Union tightened sanctions, a leading Ukrainian agricultural consultancy said on Friday.

Ukrainian and European traders said this week they were no longer booking cargoes on Iranian ships to transport grain exports from Ukraine because of difficulties with payments following European Union sanctions.

As news of the drop in maize exports to Iran emerged, Ukraine's farm minister said grain traders were in talks with Iran to save a valuable market.

The ex-Soviet republic is a top maize producer and exporter in the Black sea region.

"Talks are underway with Iran on the issues which have emerged.

Today, grain traders are holding consultations (with Iranian traders) but it is important for us to avoid losing this market and other markets too," Ukraine's grain traders' union UZA quoted the minister, Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, on Friday as saying.

It was not clear at what level these talks with Iran, a major importer of food and animal feed, were taking place.

Most Iranian grain deals are between private entities, traders said.

Iran in 2011/12 is expected to import around 4.5 million tonnes of grain, including about 3.5 million tonnes of corn, the leading world grain for animal feed, according to International Grains Council figures.

It ranks among the top 10 global importers of maize.

Its key corn suppliers include Brazil, Argentina and Ukraine.

Iran's total grains production for 2011/12 is forecast at 18.7 million tonnes, down from 20.7 million a year earlier.

Wheat production is seen at 13.8 million tonnes versus 15.5 million, potentially drawing in more imports from Russia and Kazakhstan, traditional suppliers of high quality wheat.

EU wheat little changed, eyes on weather, euro (19-Jan-2012)

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Futures Wheat

(Reuters) - European wheat prices were little changed on Thursday in thin trade with traders focusing on the rise of the euro versus the dollar and looking out for much awaited rain in drought-hit Argentina.

* By 1308 GMT, the benchmark contract March was 0.25 euro or 0.1 percent higher at 197.75 euros a tonne but all the following contracts were down between 0.75 and 1.00 euros a tonne. Some 3,609 lots had been traded on the milling wheat contracts, which amounted to a low volume of 180,450 tonnes.

* "There is a lack of willingness (to move), the euro is firm and it's rather bearish for us," one trader said.

* Traders put support on March was at around 195.25 euros and resistance at 203.00 euros.

* The latest weather forecast boosted expectations for rain this weekend in South America, predicting that as much as 38 millimeters could fall in Argentina during the weekend.

* The forecast reinforced expectations for needed rain that South American farmers hoped would stabilize a crop that already has lost much of its potential due to the dryness.

* The euro rose on Thursday, supported by a solid Spanish debt auction and cautiously positive risk appetite which could spur a further squeeze of short positions, but brief rallies were unlikely to break the single currency's downtrend.

* The European Union awarded all of the remaining 188,948 tonnes of wheat import licences available for the first half of 2012 under its main tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for wheat, according to the EU official journal on Thursday.

* French analyst Strategie Grains on Thursday raised for the seventh time in a row its estimate of the European Union's 2011 maize crop now pegged at 65.3 million tonnes, up 700,000 tonnes on last month's estimate.

* The analyst pegged the EU soft wheat crop this year at 133.3 million tonnes, an estimate lowered by 200,000 tonnes from December but still 3 percent above the 2011/12 season.

* Euronext rapeseed futures <0#COM:> were slightly higher in the wake of firm soybean prices in Chicago. The support was put at 430 euros and the resistance at 441.25 euros.

GERMANY

* Germany's market was little changed on late Wednesday levels because of the lack of movement in Paris, but with background support coming from strong feed wheat demand.

* Standard bread-quality milling wheat for February delivery in Hamburg was offered for sale flat at 202 euros a tonne with buyers at around 200 euros.

* "A major activity remains feed wheat because of short-covering by feed makers," one German trader said. "The euro is strengthening again which is a pity as the weak euro in the past days had started to generate hopes of more wheat export sales for the EU."

* "The drought in Argentina is keeping the country out of export markets while Ukrainian and Russian prices are also firm after their export boom in past months."

* The short covering by animal feed makers was keeping German feed wheat prices at the same level or even higher than milling wheat in parts of Germany, continuing a pattern seen last week.

* Feed wheat for nearby delivery in the South Oldenburg market near the Netherlands was offered for sale over milling wheat at 204 euros a tonne with buyers around 202 euros.

* "There are trucking costs of about seven euros a tonne from Hamburg to South Oldenburg so it is not worth the while for a wholesale switch of milling wheat into feed wheat," another trader said. "But producers nearer to South Oldenburg with lower transport costs are selling milling wheat for feed."

ITALY

* What prices in Italy, a major grain buyer in Europe, were little changed ahead of a key weekly session of Bologna's cereals bourse later on Thursday.

* Bread wheat was traded at 220-225 euros a tonne for prompt delivery, traders said.

* Imports of maize into Italy surged 38.5 percent year on year in the first 10 months of 2011 spurred by increased feed-making demand while soft wheat imports jumped 10.6 percent, Italian industry bodies said on Thursday. (Reporting by Michael Hogan in Hamburg, Valerie Parent in Paris and Svetlana Kovalyova in Milan; Editing by Anthony Barker)

EU wheat little changed, eyes on weather, euro (19-Jan-2012)

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Futures Wheat

(Reuters) - European wheat prices were little changed on Thursday in thin trade with traders focusing on the rise of the euro versus the dollar and looking out for much awaited rain in drought-hit Argentina.

* By 1308 GMT, the benchmark contract March was 0.25 euro or 0.1 percent higher at 197.75 euros a tonne but all the following contracts were down between 0.75 and 1.00 euros a tonne. Some 3,609 lots had been traded on the milling wheat contracts, which amounted to a low volume of 180,450 tonnes.

* "There is a lack of willingness (to move), the euro is firm and it's rather bearish for us," one trader said.

* Traders put support on March was at around 195.25 euros and resistance at 203.00 euros.

* The latest weather forecast boosted expectations for rain this weekend in South America, predicting that as much as 38 millimeters could fall in Argentina during the weekend.

* The forecast reinforced expectations for needed rain that South American farmers hoped would stabilize a crop that already has lost much of its potential due to the dryness.

* The euro rose on Thursday, supported by a solid Spanish debt auction and cautiously positive risk appetite which could spur a further squeeze of short positions, but brief rallies were unlikely to break the single currency's downtrend.

* The European Union awarded all of the remaining 188,948 tonnes of wheat import licences available for the first half of 2012 under its main tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for wheat, according to the EU official journal on Thursday.

* French analyst Strategie Grains on Thursday raised for the seventh time in a row its estimate of the European Union's 2011 maize crop now pegged at 65.3 million tonnes, up 700,000 tonnes on last month's estimate.

* The analyst pegged the EU soft wheat crop this year at 133.3 million tonnes, an estimate lowered by 200,000 tonnes from December but still 3 percent above the 2011/12 season.

* Euronext rapeseed futures <0#COM:> were slightly higher in the wake of firm soybean prices in Chicago. The support was put at 430 euros and the resistance at 441.25 euros.

GERMANY

* Germany's market was little changed on late Wednesday levels because of the lack of movement in Paris, but with background support coming from strong feed wheat demand.

* Standard bread-quality milling wheat for February delivery in Hamburg was offered for sale flat at 202 euros a tonne with buyers at around 200 euros.

* "A major activity remains feed wheat because of short-covering by feed makers," one German trader said. "The euro is strengthening again which is a pity as the weak euro in the past days had started to generate hopes of more wheat export sales for the EU."

* "The drought in Argentina is keeping the country out of export markets while Ukrainian and Russian prices are also firm after their export boom in past months."

* The short covering by animal feed makers was keeping German feed wheat prices at the same level or even higher than milling wheat in parts of Germany, continuing a pattern seen last week.

* Feed wheat for nearby delivery in the South Oldenburg market near the Netherlands was offered for sale over milling wheat at 204 euros a tonne with buyers around 202 euros.

* "There are trucking costs of about seven euros a tonne from Hamburg to South Oldenburg so it is not worth the while for a wholesale switch of milling wheat into feed wheat," another trader said. "But producers nearer to South Oldenburg with lower transport costs are selling milling wheat for feed."

ITALY

* What prices in Italy, a major grain buyer in Europe, were little changed ahead of a key weekly session of Bologna's cereals bourse later on Thursday.

* Bread wheat was traded at 220-225 euros a tonne for prompt delivery, traders said.

* Imports of maize into Italy surged 38.5 percent year on year in the first 10 months of 2011 spurred by increased feed-making demand while soft wheat imports jumped 10.6 percent, Italian industry bodies said on Thursday. (Reporting by Michael Hogan in Hamburg, Valerie Parent in Paris and Svetlana Kovalyova in Milan; Editing by Anthony Barker)

Financial strain leads owners to abandon horses in skyrocketing numbers

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Animal Rights, European Union (EU), Financial Crisis, Horses and Equines, United Kingdom

(Daily Mail) The impact of the financial crisis has been felt by businesses and individuals across the country, but now it appears to be taking a devastating toll on Britain's horse population.

Feeling the economic pinch of the current recession, an alarming number of owners have been giving up their cherished animals because they can not afford the increasing costs of care.

Even more worrying, some horses have been chained up and left to fend for themselves without shelter.

The Independent on Sunday reports the country's horse charities are under unprecedented pressure, forced to cope with the dramatic rise in horses left abandoned by their financially-strapped owners.

The country's leading horse charity, Redwings, said it has seen the number of abandoned horses increase from 160 in 2009 to 450 in 2011.

The cost of caring for the large animals has spiked due to the increase in hay and straw prices, while the value of the horses has declined.

This significant financial burden has meant some owners are choosing to sell their animals for meat. A 50 per cent increase in the number of horses killed for their meat between 2009 and 2010 reveals owners are in desperate need for cash.

Other horses have simply been released into the wild or left chained by their owners.

Last year, the RSPCA received a 21 per cent increase in reports of horses left tied up with no shelter - that amounts to an estimated 7,000 calls in 2011.

But the fate of some of these animals has been even more dire. Some young horses are slaughtered before they reach six months, the age at which they must be legally registered.

Auctioneer at European horse dealer Brightwells in Leominster, Herefordshire told the Independent on Sunday: 'There was a huge demand for horses, and some of the breeding was pretty indiscriminate, trading was becoming relentless and then, in the autumn of 2008, the bubble burst.

'I don't like to use the word "cleanse", but the horse industry is a huge business - it was overproducing and it has to be adjusted.'

These sad figures are part of a larger trend that indicates an alarming number of pet owners are no longer able to take care of their animals.

The RSPCA recently reported over 28,000 pets were abandoned in 2011, an increase of a third from the figures in 2007.

By VALENTINA JOVANOVSKI

Financial strain leads owners to abandon horses in skyrocketing numbers

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Animal Rights, European Union (EU), Financial Crisis, Horses and Equines, United Kingdom

(Daily Mail) The impact of the financial crisis has been felt by businesses and individuals across the country, but now it appears to be taking a devastating toll on Britain's horse population.

Feeling the economic pinch of the current recession, an alarming number of owners have been giving up their cherished animals because they can not afford the increasing costs of care.

Even more worrying, some horses have been chained up and left to fend for themselves without shelter.

The Independent on Sunday reports the country's horse charities are under unprecedented pressure, forced to cope with the dramatic rise in horses left abandoned by their financially-strapped owners.

The country's leading horse charity, Redwings, said it has seen the number of abandoned horses increase from 160 in 2009 to 450 in 2011.

The cost of caring for the large animals has spiked due to the increase in hay and straw prices, while the value of the horses has declined.

This significant financial burden has meant some owners are choosing to sell their animals for meat. A 50 per cent increase in the number of horses killed for their meat between 2009 and 2010 reveals owners are in desperate need for cash.

Other horses have simply been released into the wild or left chained by their owners.

Last year, the RSPCA received a 21 per cent increase in reports of horses left tied up with no shelter - that amounts to an estimated 7,000 calls in 2011.

But the fate of some of these animals has been even more dire. Some young horses are slaughtered before they reach six months, the age at which they must be legally registered.

Auctioneer at European horse dealer Brightwells in Leominster, Herefordshire told the Independent on Sunday: 'There was a huge demand for horses, and some of the breeding was pretty indiscriminate, trading was becoming relentless and then, in the autumn of 2008, the bubble burst.

'I don't like to use the word "cleanse", but the horse industry is a huge business - it was overproducing and it has to be adjusted.'

These sad figures are part of a larger trend that indicates an alarming number of pet owners are no longer able to take care of their animals.

The RSPCA recently reported over 28,000 pets were abandoned in 2011, an increase of a third from the figures in 2007.

By VALENTINA JOVANOVSKI

Pakistan loses European rice market share to India

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Import, India, Pakistan, Rice

Pakistani exporters have lost the European rice market share to their Indian counterparts, say REAP office-bearers.

Pakistan, which used to export 300,000 tons of rice to the European Union countries every year, exported only 20,000 tons of rice this year, as Indian rice is replacing Pakistani rice quickly due to New Delhi’s unfair trade practices, besides higher per acre yield and cheaper costs particularly energy cost.

A rice variety named “CRS 30”, developed by Indian scientists, is being sold in the foreign markets especially EU by Indian exporters with the label of “basmati”. This new variety has been developed by the Indian agri scientists as a substitute of basmati, and it gives high yield at low cost, wiping Pakistani basmati rice from the foreign markets.

The office-bearers of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) revealed these facts during a reception hosted in honour of the TDAP chairman.

They further said that government research institutes at Kala Shah Kaku or Ghotki had failed to produce results in this regard. They urged the govt to constitute a team which would start working on war-footings for producing a quality seed with more yield.

They suggested that seed development task should be given to the private sector and incentives should be announced for the scientists who would produce required seed. “Incentives should be declared prior to assigning this task as it will encourage our scientists to work with more zeal,” they observed.

REAP members proposed exploring the possibilities of entering into a Counter Trade Agreement with Iran on mutually preferential terms for purchase of oil and sale of agricultural products including rice without the need for any hard currency.

They stressed the need for making laboratory QRC Rice Inspection Cell more effective besides getting achieving any international accreditation for this lab so that its certification is accepted by the importing countries worldover.

On the occasion, TDAP Chairman Tariq Iqbal Puri said that TDAP is setting up a study group to look into the potential commodities and products, which can be exported to India.

This group will interact with all the stakeholders including rice exporters to conduct an in depth research on Indian market and propose a list of items, which can be exported to Indian market from Pakistan.

Replying to the points raised by rice exporters, TDAP chairman admitted that presently this trade needs quality seed producing good yield. He said that all the stakeholders have to sit together taking this single item agenda.

Puri also stressed the need for awareness of rice growers and said even best marketing can not produce desired results if the product is below quality. He assured the exporters to arrange a meeting with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) next week to seek some relief in mark-up on export refinance as proposed by some of the REAP members.

TDAP Chief Executive also agreed with the proposal of the REAP members for focusing on China and Russia besides some other countries for increased export of Basmati rice. He said incomes and purchasing power of Chinese and Russian people are on the rise and Pakistani exporters should work hard to make inroads in these markets. He observed every product from Pakistan can be sold in Chinese market.

Puri also hoped that the government can not ask TCP and Passco to intervene in rice market to avoid any artificial increase in the prices.

Pakistan loses European rice market share to India

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Import, India, Pakistan, Rice

Pakistani exporters have lost the European rice market share to their Indian counterparts, say REAP office-bearers.

Pakistan, which used to export 300,000 tons of rice to the European Union countries every year, exported only 20,000 tons of rice this year, as Indian rice is replacing Pakistani rice quickly due to New Delhi’s unfair trade practices, besides higher per acre yield and cheaper costs particularly energy cost.

A rice variety named “CRS 30”, developed by Indian scientists, is being sold in the foreign markets especially EU by Indian exporters with the label of “basmati”. This new variety has been developed by the Indian agri scientists as a substitute of basmati, and it gives high yield at low cost, wiping Pakistani basmati rice from the foreign markets.

The office-bearers of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) revealed these facts during a reception hosted in honour of the TDAP chairman.

They further said that government research institutes at Kala Shah Kaku or Ghotki had failed to produce results in this regard. They urged the govt to constitute a team which would start working on war-footings for producing a quality seed with more yield.

They suggested that seed development task should be given to the private sector and incentives should be announced for the scientists who would produce required seed. “Incentives should be declared prior to assigning this task as it will encourage our scientists to work with more zeal,” they observed.

REAP members proposed exploring the possibilities of entering into a Counter Trade Agreement with Iran on mutually preferential terms for purchase of oil and sale of agricultural products including rice without the need for any hard currency.

They stressed the need for making laboratory QRC Rice Inspection Cell more effective besides getting achieving any international accreditation for this lab so that its certification is accepted by the importing countries worldover.

On the occasion, TDAP Chairman Tariq Iqbal Puri said that TDAP is setting up a study group to look into the potential commodities and products, which can be exported to India.

This group will interact with all the stakeholders including rice exporters to conduct an in depth research on Indian market and propose a list of items, which can be exported to Indian market from Pakistan.

Replying to the points raised by rice exporters, TDAP chairman admitted that presently this trade needs quality seed producing good yield. He said that all the stakeholders have to sit together taking this single item agenda.

Puri also stressed the need for awareness of rice growers and said even best marketing can not produce desired results if the product is below quality. He assured the exporters to arrange a meeting with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) next week to seek some relief in mark-up on export refinance as proposed by some of the REAP members.

TDAP Chief Executive also agreed with the proposal of the REAP members for focusing on China and Russia besides some other countries for increased export of Basmati rice. He said incomes and purchasing power of Chinese and Russian people are on the rise and Pakistani exporters should work hard to make inroads in these markets. He observed every product from Pakistan can be sold in Chinese market.

Puri also hoped that the government can not ask TCP and Passco to intervene in rice market to avoid any artificial increase in the prices.

EU wheat at new three-month high on Latam weather

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Futures Wheat

European milling wheat futures firmed for a 12th straight session on Monday, with benchmark prices again hitting a highest level in more than three months, as a weak euro and weather worries in South America maintained buying momentum.

The Paris-based market also drew support from covering of positions on the front-month January contract ahead of its expiry next week, traders said.

Volumes were light with US and UK futures markets closed for a new year holiday and with the cash market in France still on standby until grain co-operatives reopen on Tuesday.

The return of operators this week would show whether the rally had the momentum to test resistance levels either side of 200 euros, traders said.

The most active March milling wheat contract was up 2.50 euros or 1.28 percent at 197.75 euros a tonne by 1158 GMT.

It earlier climbed to 198.00 euros, a level last seen on the contract on September 20.

January milling wheat continued to trade higher than deferred contracts, adding 2.50 euros or 1.23 percent to 205.00 euros.

Wheat like other grains has rallied since mid-December as the market has become concerned that adverse weather in big exporters Argentina and Brazil will tighten global supply, especially given low corn stocks in the United States.

"This morning the market is again showing a firm tone, with the ongoing context of very dry weather in the South American region," grain analysts Agritel said in a note.

EU wheat at new three-month high on Latam weather

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: European Union (EU), Futures Wheat

European milling wheat futures firmed for a 12th straight session on Monday, with benchmark prices again hitting a highest level in more than three months, as a weak euro and weather worries in South America maintained buying momentum.

The Paris-based market also drew support from covering of positions on the front-month January contract ahead of its expiry next week, traders said.

Volumes were light with US and UK futures markets closed for a new year holiday and with the cash market in France still on standby until grain co-operatives reopen on Tuesday.

The return of operators this week would show whether the rally had the momentum to test resistance levels either side of 200 euros, traders said.

The most active March milling wheat contract was up 2.50 euros or 1.28 percent at 197.75 euros a tonne by 1158 GMT.

It earlier climbed to 198.00 euros, a level last seen on the contract on September 20.

January milling wheat continued to trade higher than deferred contracts, adding 2.50 euros or 1.23 percent to 205.00 euros.

Wheat like other grains has rallied since mid-December as the market has become concerned that adverse weather in big exporters Argentina and Brazil will tighten global supply, especially given low corn stocks in the United States.

"This morning the market is again showing a firm tone, with the ongoing context of very dry weather in the South American region," grain analysts Agritel said in a note.

Egg producers may struggle to control Salmonella following cage ban

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Egg, European Union (EU), Factory Farming, Issues Health, Poultry, Salmonella

Egg producers in the European Union may struggle to control Salmonella when the EU ban on battery cages comes into force in January 2012, according to pathogen elimination and mould control company, Anitox Corporation.

Alan Doyle, the company’s European Business Development Manager, emphasises that despite data published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2011 showing that Salmonella control programmes in laying birds have been highly successful (17 Member States met their 2009 reduction target for flocks of laying hens and the overall incidence of Salmonella in countries which operate control programmes fell from 3.5% in 2008 to 3.2% in 2009) the industry simply cannot afford to be complacent.

“The need for caution was highlighted in a recent study in Belgium to quantify the effects of housing systems on the spread of Salmonella infection within layers and internal egg contamination,” said Doyle. “The study found that, compared with traditional battery cages and furnished cages, aviary and floor housing systems pose a greater risk. Bird-to-bird transmission of Salmonella enteritidis was slightly higher, while a higher number of eggs were contaminated internally by Salmonella.

“The results suggest that a shift from conventional to alternative housing systems for laying hens should be accompanied by a keen concern for optimising Salmonella surveillance programmes. It is critical, therefore, that existing control plans are maintained and additional care is taken to minimise within-flock transmission of Salmonella, which is a persistent problem that cannot be entirely eradicated and poses a major threat to humans who consume contaminated animal products.

“EFSA identified Salmonella spp. as the major hazard for microbial contamination of feed and although feedstuffs for layer, broiler, duck or turkey parent/grandparent stock are sometimes heat-treated in an attempt to reduce the problem, this process may not kill all pathogens. It also significantly increases the cost of the feed, has a high carbon footprint, can damage vitamins/nutrients and has no residual effect, so unless other measures are implemented, re-contamination can occur in the mill, during transport or on the farm. In another recent study, the authors found that non-pelleted feed e.g. mash, was eight times more likely to be contaminated (with Salmonella) than pelleted compound feed.”

Source: Anitox

Egg producers may struggle to control Salmonella following cage ban

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Egg, European Union (EU), Factory Farming, Issues Health, Poultry, Salmonella

Egg producers in the European Union may struggle to control Salmonella when the EU ban on battery cages comes into force in January 2012, according to pathogen elimination and mould control company, Anitox Corporation.

Alan Doyle, the company’s European Business Development Manager, emphasises that despite data published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2011 showing that Salmonella control programmes in laying birds have been highly successful (17 Member States met their 2009 reduction target for flocks of laying hens and the overall incidence of Salmonella in countries which operate control programmes fell from 3.5% in 2008 to 3.2% in 2009) the industry simply cannot afford to be complacent.

“The need for caution was highlighted in a recent study in Belgium to quantify the effects of housing systems on the spread of Salmonella infection within layers and internal egg contamination,” said Doyle. “The study found that, compared with traditional battery cages and furnished cages, aviary and floor housing systems pose a greater risk. Bird-to-bird transmission of Salmonella enteritidis was slightly higher, while a higher number of eggs were contaminated internally by Salmonella.

“The results suggest that a shift from conventional to alternative housing systems for laying hens should be accompanied by a keen concern for optimising Salmonella surveillance programmes. It is critical, therefore, that existing control plans are maintained and additional care is taken to minimise within-flock transmission of Salmonella, which is a persistent problem that cannot be entirely eradicated and poses a major threat to humans who consume contaminated animal products.

“EFSA identified Salmonella spp. as the major hazard for microbial contamination of feed and although feedstuffs for layer, broiler, duck or turkey parent/grandparent stock are sometimes heat-treated in an attempt to reduce the problem, this process may not kill all pathogens. It also significantly increases the cost of the feed, has a high carbon footprint, can damage vitamins/nutrients and has no residual effect, so unless other measures are implemented, re-contamination can occur in the mill, during transport or on the farm. In another recent study, the authors found that non-pelleted feed e.g. mash, was eight times more likely to be contaminated (with Salmonella) than pelleted compound feed.”

Source: Anitox

Romania proposes boycott of Dutch vegetables

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, European Union (EU), Netherlands, Politics, Romania, Vegetable

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian President Traian Basescu has called for a boycott of Dutch vegetables because of Netherlands' decision to block his nation's entry into Europe's border-free area.

"I think it's good not to buy Dutch vegetables," Basescu said on TV Sunday while shopping at a supermarket, adding that he prefers Spanish or Turkish produce.

His government has not taken steps to implement such a boycott, but in September Romanian authorities seized truckloads of tulips and bulbs from the Netherlands after the Dutch government said it would veto Romania's entry to the Schengen open borders policy.

Last week, Basescu criticized the Netherlands for doing that, calling it an "abuse." The Netherlands has demanded that Romania first step up its fight against corruption.

Romania proposes boycott of Dutch vegetables

Posted by Flora Sawita Labels: Bans and Sanctions, European Union (EU), Netherlands, Politics, Romania, Vegetable

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian President Traian Basescu has called for a boycott of Dutch vegetables because of Netherlands' decision to block his nation's entry into Europe's border-free area.

"I think it's good not to buy Dutch vegetables," Basescu said on TV Sunday while shopping at a supermarket, adding that he prefers Spanish or Turkish produce.

His government has not taken steps to implement such a boycott, but in September Romanian authorities seized truckloads of tulips and bulbs from the Netherlands after the Dutch government said it would veto Romania's entry to the Schengen open borders policy.

Last week, Basescu criticized the Netherlands for doing that, calling it an "abuse." The Netherlands has demanded that Romania first step up its fight against corruption.

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