The following GAIN reports were released on April 14, 2023.
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Argentina: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Post lowers its 2022/2023 estimate for Argentine soybean production to 23.9 million metric tons (MMT). This production estimate is the lowest in 24 year and the yield estimate is the lowest in almost 50 years. As a result of the drought, Post estimates that Argentina will need to import a record 11 MMT of soybeans to achieve a crush of 29.5 MMT. This reduced crush would lead Argentina to export only 18.75 MMT of soybean meal, potentially losing its position as the world's largest exporter of soybean meal. Soybean oil exports are estimated at 3.65 MMT. Sunflowerseed production is estimated unchanged at 4 MMT and peanut production is lowered to 970,000 MT due to the effects of drought. For MY 2023/2024 Post projects a recovery in soybean and peanut production at 50.5 MMT and 1.32 MMT respectively on higher planted acreage and a return to normal weather conditions. Sunflowerseed production is projected down 3.8 MMT on lower planted area.
China: Animal Husbandry Law 2022 Revision
On October 30, 2022, the People's Republic of China (PRC) National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee issued the revised Animal Husbandry Law of the PRC. This revised Law came into effect on March 1, 2023. This report contains an UNOFFICIAL translation of the law.
China: MARA Publishes Information to Improve Public Awareness of Essentially Derived Varieties
On April 10, 2023, the Development Center of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published information designed to improve public understanding of the Essentially Derived Variety (EDV) system. The information is designed as “question” and “answer” materials on the MARA website. Seed industry members report the EDV system will significantly improve the protection of breeders' rights and encourage initial variety breeding.
Haiti: Grain and Feed Annual
Wheat consumption in Haiti in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 (July 2023/June 2024) is forecast at 405,000 metric tons (MT), stable compared to the previous marketing period. Rice imports are forecast at 435,000 MT, up one percent relative to the same period last year. Corn imports for MY2023/24 are projected virtually flat year-over year at 5,000 MT. Meanwhile, sorghum production in MY 2023/24 (July 2023/June 2024) is forecast down by eight percent at 60,000 MT from the same period last year.
Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly
Export and domestic prices of Thai rice increased two percent due to strong export demand for Thai rice and the strengthening of the Thai baht.
Turkey: Meat and Milk Situation in Turkiye
In the past year, meat and milk prices have skyrocketed due to a variety of factors, among which are insufficient cattle inventories, high input costs, semi-effective government policies, and limitations on importing meat and live animals. In an attempt to halt price increases ahead of the upcoming Islamic holidays and the general election, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MinAF) has reluctantly decided to import some beef and cattle. However, these interventions are not expected to adequately address the shortfall in beef and milk production and will have a limited effect on prices.
USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Taylor Launches Trade Mission to the Netherlands
AMSTERDAM, April 17, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor launched the first-ever regional agribusiness trade mission to the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Under Secretary Taylor and her delegation of representatives from 41 agribusiness and farm organizations and 10 state departments of agriculture look to expand economic partnerships between the United States and the Netherlands and markets throughout Scandinavia.
“As the gateway to Europe for U.S. food and agriculture exports, the Netherlands is an important trading partner. I’m delighted that company representatives from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are joining us in Amsterdam this week,” Taylor said. “With combined total agricultural and related exports to these markets topping $4.5 billion in 2022, I’m confident the delegation will be successful in building new relationships that are critical to expanding opportunities for increased trade. While our trade achievements are a tangible demonstration of the strength, the diversity, and the resourcefulness of our farmers and producers, we depend on the work of many organizations and companies to successfully export U.S. products overseas.”
This week, USDA will help facilitate business-to-business meetings between participating small and medium-sized U.S. agribusinesses and regional buyers seeking to import American food and farm products. The trade mission itinerary also includes meetings with Dutch government officials and industry groups to discuss trade issues and the challenges related to climate change, retail promotions featuring U.S. products, and visits to the Food Innovation Academy training center and the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Under Secretary Taylor; California Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross; Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Amanda Beal; Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson; and North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring will hold a media teleconference from Amsterdam on Wed., April 19, at 12 noon EST. Reporters interested in participating should email press-fas@usda.gov for dial-in instructions.
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