What else? 32nd Edition of Foodcom PLANT-BASED Newsletter

Author
Foodcom Experts
30.03.2023
6 min reading
What else? 32nd Edition of Foodcom PLANT-BASED Newsletter

Europe


The salad crisis in the UK is escalating


There are many indications that fresh vegetable shortages are something Brits will have to live with in the coming months, as rising costs and unpredictable weather events continue to affect domestic production. In addition, supply has declined in some regions such as North Africa, and prices for vegetables from key markets such as Spain have been driven up by inflation. As if that were not enough, high energy prices are discouraging U.K. growers from planting greenhouse crops. Meat substitutes are already widely known, but for some, it seems the time is coming for vegetable and fruit substitutes…

Poland and Romania request tracking of Ukrainian grain


The prime ministers of these countries have begun talks with the European Commission to establish mechanisms to track Ukrainian grain exports. Due to the blockade of Black Sea ports as a result of hostilities, Ukraine has shifted its grain exports overland. As a result, large quantities of Ukrainian grain, which is cheaper than that produced locally, have entered the markets of Central European countries, affecting prices and the situation of local farmers. The governments of Poland and Romania expect to work out solutions with the EU for the export of this grain to more distant countries.

Another week, more protests in Europe


This time, the farmers in Slovenia have taken to the streets. Well, actually they went out with their tractors. In doing so, they gave vent to their discontent and protested against national and European laws related to the European Union’s green agenda. One of the main concerns of the farmers is the restriction of the use of pesticides, which was introduced due to concerns about water pollution. Want to bet where the next protests will take place?

The Americas


The long-awaited rain has arrived in Argentina


The prolonged drought that plagues the country and damages crops is one of the main factors affecting local agriculture. It is no wonder, then, that many have been eagerly awaiting the rain. It brought hope that crops would be in better shape than they seemed to be just a short time ago. Well, okay, maybe that’s an overly optimistic comment. But it should at least limit further losses. The coming weeks and the weather in this period will undoubtedly be decisive.

The Brazilian state government has allocated R$5 million for a crop guarantee program


The government of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has allocated more than R$5.1 million for the Fundo Garantia-Safra 2022/2023 program. The cash injection is intended to help farmers at risk due to climatic difficulties. Farmers who can prove losses of 50% or more of their crops due to drought or excessive rainfall will receive annual support of R$1,200.

Farmers in the United States are expecting spring weather, but they may be sorely disappointed


As they do every year, farmers expect the weather to improve in late March in time for spring planting. So far, that has not been the case, and many indications are that it will not be in the coming days. Rainfall is predicted in some regions, which will definitely limit agricultural activities. There are still large amounts of snow in the Dakotas and western Minnesota. It looks like U.S. farmers cannot even count on a reprieve…

Asia & Oceania


Adverse weather conditions ruin the harvest in India


In early March, the upcoming wheat crop looked promising. Shortly thereafter, a heat wave set in, destroying the crop. To make matters worse, they were hit by the heavy rains and hailstorms that followed. Lower yields will reduce Indian wheat production for the second year in a row, again making it difficult to replenish dwindling stocks.

China increases corn imports, giving hope to Ukraine


China’s corn imports have increased since the beginning of 2023. The country increased imports of this grain by 41% between January and February, importing a total of 5.3 million tons in the first two months of the new year, 14% more than in the same period last year. This gives hope to Ukrainian producers, who need to sell another 6 million tons of grain in the face of an overbought European market. Not surprisingly, the reopening of China is already considered one of the most important events of the year.

India will maintain its ban on wheat exports


The ban was imposed in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices. Recently, the Indian government said that the ban on wheat exports will be maintained as long as the country’s domestic supply is insufficient to meet its food needs. According to government officials, wheat production has not been as affected by the harsh weather conditions as other grains.
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