Subsistance farming should make place for commercialization

Prosperity for humanity is the single most important desired outcome in finding solutions for a growing population during the next forty years. And prosperity is not something that will be achieved through subsistence agricultural programs, but through commercialization and the use of technology.
This is the conviction of Marty Matlock, professor in Ecological Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Program Director in the Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability, and himself a descendent of the Cherokee Indians in the US. He was a speaker at the second session of the fourth Global Feed and Food Congress at Sun City, South Africa.
The world population is expected to grow from the current 7 billion people to 10 billion by 2050. Feeding the world population will require huge increases in productivity and efficiency. Technology will have to play a central role, he said.
The Cherokee Indians, the same as most other indiginous communities in the world, advanced by leaving their stone age tools and embracing new technologies". He emphasised that, when technology and culture collides, culture always changes. This is what drives progress.
"When my forefathers, for example, saw the iron knife for the first time, they immediately exchanged their stone knifes for the iron option. Why? Because they saw the potential. This fundamental decision to embrace this new technology caused them to take the first steps away from a stone age culture towards a modern, technology-based culture," Matlock said.
In the same context, he stressed, it is imperative that subsistence farming be replaced by commercial agriculture in the developing world.
If a farmer wants to explore specific options regarding increasing profitability, he should have total freedom to do so, without being dictated to on the basis of ideology. It is private enterprise that is driving sustainability. This is true across the spectrum of economic activity - from the smallest of farmer to the largest of corporation.
"Increasing efficiency and attaining good impacts is simply good business. When looking at solutions for challenges such as being able to feed the world population by 2050, the outcome is what is important. How exactly that outcome is achieved depends totally on local circumstances. As long as the practices are ethical and humane, every tool in our collective toolbox should be used to achieve this common goal," Matlock said.
Prosperity drives all socio-economic aspects of humanity because it provides choices, he said. Aspects such as population growth, education, malnutrition and health are all influenced by choices people can make based on growing prosperity.
"Although we are, on the whole, starting to achieve levels of success, it is taking a very long time, and we are approaching the boundaries of our natural resources. This is the core of my message: embracing every available technology to achieve the collective aim as quickly and effectively as possible."

USDA changes release time of key statistical reports in 2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the National Agricultural Statistics Service and World Agricultural Outlook Board will begin issuing several major USDA statistical reports at 12:00 p.m. EDT beginning in January 2013.
The current USDA release time of 8:30 a.m. EDT will remain in effect until January 1, 2013. USDA statistical reports affected are: World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, Acreage, Crop Production, Grain Stocks, Prospective Plantings, and Small Grains Summary. The time for livestock reports currently released at 3:00 p.m. will not change.
The National Grain and Feed Association has commended the change. During the open comment period, the association said the USDA should shift the release of each report to a time of day when the greatest trading volume and deepest market liquidity exist. Now, the association said it continues to discuss with the commodity exchanges its previous proposal to also institute a “pause” in electronic and open-outcry trading surrounding the release times of these key USDA statistical reports to provide equal access to the data to all market participants and to allow time for the market to rationally analyze the information once it is issued.

USDA to re-establish APAC, ATACs committees to provide advice on agricultural trade policies, priorities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting nominations to re-establish the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC) and six different Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATACs).
The USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative rely on these committees, originally established by Congress in 1974, to provide advice on U.S. trade policy and priorities. The APAC submits advice on agricultural trade policy objectives and positions with regards to trade agreements and other trade matters. The ATACs focus on specific commodities: animals and animal products; fruits and vegetables; grains, feeds, oilseeds and planting seeds; processed foods; sweeteners and sweeteners products; and tobacco, cotton and peanuts.
Member nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2010.

USDA announces Global Research Alliance Borlaug Fellows to combat climate change

Ten researchers from seven developing countries have been chosen to work with U.S. scientists on climate change mitigation research, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The researchers were chosen under the Global Research Alliance Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship (Borlaug Fellows) Program. "With the announcement of these Borlaug Fellows, we are making good on the commitment we made last December, when we joined 20 other countries in founding the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases and pledged to support the participation of developing countries in the development of the new tools and agricultural practices needed to meet [climate change] challenges," said Vilsack.
The researchers come from Chile, India, Malaysia, Ghana, Mexico, the Philippines and Vietnam. One fellowship begins this fall; the others begin in the spring of 2011.

Lallemand acquires Agrig8 in Australia

Lallemand Animal Nutrition has expanded its business in Australia by acquiring Agrig8 Pty Limited.
The Canadian company hopes to solidify a place in the Australian forage inoculants and silage systems industries. "We see Australia as an important and core market for our range of forage and yeast technologies," said Lallemand Regional Director Tim Pollock. "The acquisition of Agrig8 will enable us to meet the forage and probiotic yeast needs of Australian dairy and beef producers."

France to set up Africa farm fund

France will invest $120 million in Africa’s agriculture industry, according to a report from the 25th Africa-France summit published by Reuters. The fund could total $300 million to establish farming projects.
With rivals emerging, including China, which has become Africa’s largest trade partner, France is trying to maintain some economic influence.

John Calipari passes on lessons to Alltech

Wrapping up Alltech’s 26th Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball head coach, John Calipari taught Alltech delegates how to “bounce back,” referencing his recent book "Bounce Back: Overcoming Setback to Succeed in Business and in Life."
Calipari encouraged participants to “refuse to lose,” saying that this attitude is what keeps people focused on achieving their goals.
“When I read Coach Calipari’s book, I knew this would be particularly relevant to our audience, so I stole the title and made it our theme,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech president and founder. “Through these principles, the agriculture industry can take control of our destiny and continue our noble mission, one of feeding the world.”

Taiwan buys billions of US crops

A Taiwanese delegation signed a two-year agreement with the U.S. to purchase $3.5 billion dollars of agricultural products, according to reports.
The deal means tens of millions in sales of corn and soybeans from Indiana, according to officials from that state.

Stimulus funds approved for poultry lab

The U.S.Department of Agriculture announced that the Athens' Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory will get $2.3 million of federal stimulus money to upgrade the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and the rooms used to house animals, according to a news report.
The money will not be used for the expansion of the poultry lab or additional research as directed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Southeast Poultry Lab houses the country's major research program on bird flu. USDA will spend $176 million to upgrade more than three dozen of its research laboratories in 29 states across the country.

California farmers to receive $20 million for air cleanup

A new program, aiming to reduce air pollution, will make $20 million available to California farmers to update equipment to meet current air emission standards, according to The Fresno Bee.
The California Air Quality Enhancement Program is run by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as part of a new air quality provision of the 2008 Farm Bill's Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
The program will allow agricultural producers to apply for money to help pay to replace, repower or retrofit existing combustion engines.
To learn more, visit the NRCS Web site.

Arkansas rep wants help for poultry industry

According to a press release from Arkansas Rep. Mike Ross, the representative has urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to aid poultry farmers during the current economic downtown.
The closing of the Pilgrim’s Pride processing plant in El Dorado, Ark., prompted Ross and eight other members of Congress to send a letter to Vilsack asking him to free federal resources to help the nation’s struggling poultry farmers stay afloat.
“The financial troubles of Pilgrim’s Pride and the imminent closing of their El Dorado plant jeopardizes the local economy and I believe that every available resource should be used to help the people of El Dorado recover,” said Ross in the release.
“I am also deeply concerned with the tremendous financial burden this bankruptcy will place on contract growers in Arkansas, threatening our state’s overall poultry industry.”
The members of Congress sent the letter to Vilsack asking him to free a portion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development funds to be used for short-term, low-interest loans or other forms of financial assistance such as disaster aid funding, according to the release.
“While this plan would offer temporary assistance to many poultry growers, the El Dorado processing plant must remain open in order to provide contracts to our growers,” Ross said.

USDA releases 2009 Prospective Crop Plantings report

U.S. producers intend to plant less in 2009 than in 2008, says University of Illinois Extension Economist Darrel Good and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prospective Plantings report.
Planting intentions for all crops included in the survey are 7.8 million acres less than acreage seeded to those crops in 2008. Including acreage of hay intended for harvest, the decline is about 7.6 million.

Declines total as follows:
*4.5 million for wheat
*1.3 million for sorghum
*1 million for corn
*658,000 for cotton
*446,000 for sunflowers
*410,000 for peanuts
*154,000 for canola

For wheat, 75% of the acreage reduction is for winter wheat, even though winter wheat seedings are 791,000 acres larger than reported in January. Intended acreage of soybeans included in the report is 306,000 more than planted in 2008. Intended acreage of all oilseed crops is 672,500 less and acreage of feed grains (corn, sorghum, barley, and oats) is 2.4 million less than planted in 2008.
The complete USDA report can be accessed here.

Food safety pioneer to receive Alltech Medal of Excellence

Dr. David Byrne will receive Alltech’s 2009 Medal of Excellence at the company’s 25th International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in Lexington, Ky., May 17-20.
He will be honored for his commitment to food safety, including his EU safety system reforms. As European Commissioner, Dr. Byrne established a three-pillar strategy comprising: a full range of Food and Safety Laws; the setting up of a new independent European Food Safety Authority ; and the introduction of an effective control and enforcement mechanism.
Dr. Byrne currently serves as non-executive director of Alltech. As part of this role, he is a member of Alltech’s Risk Overview Committee.

Global food price increase takes No. 1 spot in annual

The nation’s food editors listed the spike in food prices across the world as the top food-related story for 2008, followed by the tainted milk scandal in China—a crisis that spanned five continents.
Hunter Public Relations, a public relations agency serving the food and beverage industry, conducted its annual year-end survey of more than 900 food editors and bloggers across the country and asked them to rate the top 10 food-related stories of 2008.
The biggest food story of the year was decidedly the rise in food prices around the world. Countries across the globe faced food crises due to high oil prices, growing demand, lower food reserves and unexpected weather patterns.
Close behind in the No. 2 spot was China's tainted milk scandal, which began in August 2008 after tests indicated that China’s leading dairy companies produced milk containing the industrial chemical melamine. Tainted baby formula was responsible for killing six infants and causing harm to tens of thousands of individuals.
The salmonella outbreak in raw tomatoes took the No. 3 spot. The salmonella infected 145 people and caused at least 23 hospitalizations in 16 states.
The remaining top 10 food stories of 2008 are:
No. 4: Supermarket Chains Offer More Locally Grown Food: Supermarkets are now offering a wider variety of locally-grown produce and meat. Wal-Mart plans to spend $400 million on locally-grown foods in 2009, making it the largest player in the locally-grown market.
No. 5: New Labeling Laws: The USDA implemented new labeling laws requiring retailers to include country-of-origin labeling for produce, meat and chicken products.
No. 6: Big Food Companies Adopt Nutrient Standards: As part of the “Smart Choices Program,” many of the country’s largest food and beverage companies have agreed to use the same logo on their packaging to denote products meeting certain nutritional guidelines.
No. 7: Jalapeño Peppers Test Positive for Salmonella: More than 1,200 people across 44 states contracted salmonella poisoning from jalapeño peppers, prompting the FDA to issue a nationwide warning.*
No. 8: Paul Newman Dies: Legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman passed away. He was one of the founders of Newman's Own, a company that produces a wide variety of foods.
No. 9: NYC Restaurant Regulations: New York City issued a trans-fat ban across all restaurants. Additionally, a judge ruled that all NYC restaurants with at least 15 outlets nationwide must post calorie count information.
No. 10: New Levels of Alarm Associated With High Salt Intake: The FDA is considering the removal of salt from its list of Generally Recognized as Safe Foods.
Survey participants were also asked what they thought food companies should make their No. 1 priority for the coming year. In line with the economic crisis of 2008, editors overwhelmingly believed that food companies’ top priority should be offering budget-friendly meal options.