Russia may abolish grain export quota
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, is considering abolishing its grain export quota
Companies betting on plant-based protein
With 52% of global consumers identifying as flexitarians (incorporating both animal-based and plant-based proteins into their diet), according to a Mintel market research report, oilseeds and legumes processors stand to benefit from this shift toward alternative protein sources. Of those consumers, nearly two-thirds are defining their eating styles as “trying to consume more plant-based foods,” leading to expanded protein options and fueling overall demand for plant-based proteins.
Market for organic products must be nurtured
While still accounting for only a modest share of grain-based foods in the United States, the market for organic products has been highly dynamic and must be nurtured and protected. Amid costly episodes of fraud over the last decade and longer, the need for the US Department of Agriculture to strengthen the National Organic Program (NOP) had become apparent.
Brazil expected to produce record grain volumes
Brazil is set to have another record-breaking grain harvest in 2022-23 with wheat production estimated at 9.6 million tonnes and corn production at 125.5 million tonnes, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
China corn production on upswing
Corn production in China for 2022-23 is trending higher at 277.2 million tonnes, up 1.7%, or 4.6 million, from last year, and feed mills have resumed mixing more corn amid higher wheat and sorghum prices, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.
U.S. flour production falls to seven-year low in 2019
Wheat flour production by U.S. flour mills in 2019 totaled 422.277 million cwts, down 4.594 million cwts, or 1.1%, from the record 426.871 million cwts in 2018 and the smallest aggregate in seven years, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Ukraine urges faster ship inspections
Ukraine sees faster ship inspections, rather than opening additional ports, as the key to increasing its exports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Reuters reported, citing a senior Ukrainian government official.
Grain market review: Coarse grains
Concerns over the world economy and its effect on demand, and spillover from declines in wheat, pushed prices for maize lower in December. Worries over potential problems with shipments through the Black Sea are still in traders’ minds, while China’s COVID problems remain a threat to demand.
National Foods mill on track for commissioning in 2023
National Foods Holdings Ltd., a manufacturer of branded food and feed, is on track to start operations at a new mill in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in early 2023, said Todd Moyo, chairman of the company.
Cargill to acquire soybean processor
Expanding its oilseeds network, Cargill has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Owensboro Grain Company, LLC, a fifth-generation family-owned soybean processing facility and refinery located in Owensboro, Kentucky, US.