China saw a bumper harvest of grain this year, with its output rising to a record high of 571 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 4.5 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday. The strong harvest marked eight consecutive years of growth for China's grain output, the NBS said in a statement posted on its website. Yields of summer grain, early rice and autumn grain totaled 126.27 million tonnes, 32.76 million tonnes and 412.18 million tonnes this year, up 2.5 percent, 4.5 percent and 5.1 percent year-on-year, respectively, said Xinhua.
2011-12-04
Global News: China's 2011 grain output reaches 571 mn tonnes
(News resource: newKerala.com, Dec. 2, 2011)
China saw a bumper harvest of grain this year, with its output rising to a record high of 571 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 4.5 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday. The strong harvest marked eight consecutive years of growth for China's grain output, the NBS said in a statement posted on its website. Yields of summer grain, early rice and autumn grain totaled 126.27 million tonnes, 32.76 million tonnes and 412.18 million tonnes this year, up 2.5 percent, 4.5 percent and 5.1 percent year-on-year, respectively, said Xinhua.
China saw a bumper harvest of grain this year, with its output rising to a record high of 571 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 4.5 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday. The strong harvest marked eight consecutive years of growth for China's grain output, the NBS said in a statement posted on its website. Yields of summer grain, early rice and autumn grain totaled 126.27 million tonnes, 32.76 million tonnes and 412.18 million tonnes this year, up 2.5 percent, 4.5 percent and 5.1 percent year-on-year, respectively, said Xinhua.
2011-11-07
Taiwan News: Taiwan 2nd harvest in progress
(News resource: AFA, Nov. 4, 2011, Chinese version)
According to the news from Taiwan Agriculture and Food Agency, AFA, The 2nd crop harvest in Taiwan had begun in the end of September. The planting area of 2nd crop is about 104,145 hectare, and about 6,771 hectare had been harvested.
from the second half of this year, AFA promises to provide another subsidy on rice farmers' expenses of public paddy drying, packaging, and stocking, which means a NTD$2 / kg of subsidy for farmers who submit new paddies as public stockpiles. The policy, of course, causes the recent paddy price 21% higher than the same period of last year.
According to the news from Taiwan Agriculture and Food Agency, AFA, The 2nd crop harvest in Taiwan had begun in the end of September. The planting area of 2nd crop is about 104,145 hectare, and about 6,771 hectare had been harvested.
from the second half of this year, AFA promises to provide another subsidy on rice farmers' expenses of public paddy drying, packaging, and stocking, which means a NTD$2 / kg of subsidy for farmers who submit new paddies as public stockpiles. The policy, of course, causes the recent paddy price 21% higher than the same period of last year.
2011-11-02
Global News: India open to Indonesia rice, seeks palm oil duty cut
(News resource: Reuters, Nov. 02, 2011)
India is willing to sell 500,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia but also wants the southeast Asian country to cut its export tax on crude palm oil which has threatened the domestic refining industry. "My ministry has no objections in exporting 500,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia from government stocks," Food Minister K.V. Thomas said after meeting Indonesian officials here just a month after trade ministers discussed the issues in Jakarta. Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia wants 250,000 tonnes of rice for immediate delivery, Sutarto Alimoeso, chief executive of Indonesia's state procurement agency Bulog, told Reuters.
India is willing to sell 500,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia but also wants the southeast Asian country to cut its export tax on crude palm oil which has threatened the domestic refining industry. "My ministry has no objections in exporting 500,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia from government stocks," Food Minister K.V. Thomas said after meeting Indonesian officials here just a month after trade ministers discussed the issues in Jakarta. Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia wants 250,000 tonnes of rice for immediate delivery, Sutarto Alimoeso, chief executive of Indonesia's state procurement agency Bulog, told Reuters.
Global News: Indonesia seeks India rice, cuts 2011 output forecast
(News resource: Reuters, Nov. 1, 2011)
Indonesia wants to buy Indian rice under a government deal to help cover its needs for this year, the head of the country's state grain buyer said on Tuesday, as it cut its unmilled rice output forecast by 4 percent on hot weather and disease. The two have been in talks for several months on rice sales after India lifted a ban in place since 2007 on exports of the grain. It was not clear who Bulog would deal with since there is no equivalent government body in India.
Indonesia wants to buy Indian rice under a government deal to help cover its needs for this year, the head of the country's state grain buyer said on Tuesday, as it cut its unmilled rice output forecast by 4 percent on hot weather and disease. The two have been in talks for several months on rice sales after India lifted a ban in place since 2007 on exports of the grain. It was not clear who Bulog would deal with since there is no equivalent government body in India.
2011-10-28
Global News: Egypt extends ban on rice exports: minister
(News resource: Reuters, Oct. 27, 2011)
Egypt has extended the ban on rice exports to ensure there is no shortage of supply, Trade Minister Mahmoud Eisa said on Thursday, adding that it was not clear yet when the ban in place since 2008 would be lifted. The ban has been extended several times and was due for review in October. Analysts said the government was wary of any move that might hurt domestic supply or prices, stoking public frustration after an uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. Eisa said during the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Cairo that his ministry had been asked to extend the ban by Social Solidarity Minister Gouda Abdel Khaleq, responsible for internal trade, food subsidies and other related issues.
Egypt has extended the ban on rice exports to ensure there is no shortage of supply, Trade Minister Mahmoud Eisa said on Thursday, adding that it was not clear yet when the ban in place since 2008 would be lifted. The ban has been extended several times and was due for review in October. Analysts said the government was wary of any move that might hurt domestic supply or prices, stoking public frustration after an uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak. Eisa said during the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Cairo that his ministry had been asked to extend the ban by Social Solidarity Minister Gouda Abdel Khaleq, responsible for internal trade, food subsidies and other related issues.
2011-10-24
Global News: China 2012 rice import seen steady at 700,000T-govt
(News resource: Reuters, Oct. 21, 2011)
China's milled rice import demand in 2012 is expected to be around 700,000 tonnes, similar to this year due to sufficient stock while market prices would remain high, a government official said on Friday. The 2012 import, equivalent to around 1 million tonnes of rough rice, or paddy, would come from Thailand and Vietnam, the official from the government-run National Grain and Oilseeds Information Center told Reuters, adding that the higher-priced Thai grain would meet demand for the luxury market.
China's milled rice import demand in 2012 is expected to be around 700,000 tonnes, similar to this year due to sufficient stock while market prices would remain high, a government official said on Friday. The 2012 import, equivalent to around 1 million tonnes of rough rice, or paddy, would come from Thailand and Vietnam, the official from the government-run National Grain and Oilseeds Information Center told Reuters, adding that the higher-priced Thai grain would meet demand for the luxury market.
2011-10-18
Taiwan News: Local rice prices not expected to rise
(News resource: Taiwan News, Oct 15, 2011)
Recent flooding in Thailand and the new Thai government’s promise to raise rice prices have caused concern over rice prices in Taiwan, but officials said Thursday that there is little likelihood that the impact from the situation in the Southeast Asian country will be felt by local consumers. Although the floods in Thailand -- the largest rice exporter in the world -- might have caused the loss of some 5 million tons of rice, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said it was not yet able to predict the impact of the flooding on international rice prices. The COA added that compared with the flooding, the Thai government’s pledge to raise the minimum rice price for farmers by 50 percent will have a bigger impact on international prices.
Recent flooding in Thailand and the new Thai government’s promise to raise rice prices have caused concern over rice prices in Taiwan, but officials said Thursday that there is little likelihood that the impact from the situation in the Southeast Asian country will be felt by local consumers. Although the floods in Thailand -- the largest rice exporter in the world -- might have caused the loss of some 5 million tons of rice, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said it was not yet able to predict the impact of the flooding on international rice prices. The COA added that compared with the flooding, the Thai government’s pledge to raise the minimum rice price for farmers by 50 percent will have a bigger impact on international prices.
2011-09-06
Global News: Rice Exports From Vietnam Reach 5.32 Million Tons, Group Says
(News resource: Bloomberg, Sep 5, 2011)
Vietnam, the world’s second-largest rice exporter, shipped 5.32 million metric tons from the start of the year to Aug. 31, the Vietnam Food Association said. Shipments were 697,642 tons in August, the association said in a statement on its website Sept. 1.
Vietnam, the world’s second-largest rice exporter, shipped 5.32 million metric tons from the start of the year to Aug. 31, the Vietnam Food Association said. Shipments were 697,642 tons in August, the association said in a statement on its website Sept. 1.
2011-09-02
Global News: Thai Govt's rice mortgage scheme starts Oct 7
(News resource: MCOT, Sep 1, 2011)
The Thai government's rice mortgage scheme is set to start Oct 7, with the pledging price of white rice at Bt15,000/tonne and Thai jasmine rice at Bt20,000/tonne, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittarat Na Ranong. Led by Mr Kittirat, a two-hour meeting on the rice mortgage scheme drew concerned agencies, farmers and rice exporters to discuss the scheme.
The Thai government's rice mortgage scheme is set to start Oct 7, with the pledging price of white rice at Bt15,000/tonne and Thai jasmine rice at Bt20,000/tonne, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittarat Na Ranong. Led by Mr Kittirat, a two-hour meeting on the rice mortgage scheme drew concerned agencies, farmers and rice exporters to discuss the scheme.
2011-08-31
Taiwan News: Japanese Rice Farmer Troubled by the Threats of Radiation
According to local media news in Taiwan, a Japanese rice exporter faces trouble while selling his rice to Taiwan restaurants since the buyers are worry about the threats of radiation pollution.
After 311 earthquake, most of rice buyers in Taiwan, who are used to purchase Japanese rice, cancel their deals with their Japanese suppliers because they are concerned about the pollution by the radiation from Fukushima power plant. Recently, a Japanese rice farmer tried hard to promote his rice to his old Taiwanese customers. But his crop from Niigata, a place located in central Japan, was rejected until he accepted a 5% discount on the sale price.
After 311 earthquake, most of rice buyers in Taiwan, who are used to purchase Japanese rice, cancel their deals with their Japanese suppliers because they are concerned about the pollution by the radiation from Fukushima power plant. Recently, a Japanese rice farmer tried hard to promote his rice to his old Taiwanese customers. But his crop from Niigata, a place located in central Japan, was rejected until he accepted a 5% discount on the sale price.
Taiwan News: The Result of the 2nd SBS Tender for Rice Imports
Today, COA has completed the 2nd SBS tender for 12,000 MT of CSQ (Country Specific Quota). SBS means selling and buying at the same time. In the 12,000 MT, there will be 5,500 MT of U.S. origin rice, 4,000 MT of Thailand origin rice, and 2,500 MT of Egyptian origin rice. All the cargo shall be shipped before next April.
P.S. all the quantity is on brown rice basis, which means that the actual import quantity will be less than 12,000 MT since most of Taiwan traders imports milled rice instead of brown rice.
2011-08-26
Global News: Vietnam Rice Exports Forecast at 600,000 Tons in August
(News resource: Bloomberg, Aug 25, 2011)
Vietnam, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, may ship 600,000 metric tons this month, according to figures released today from the General Statistics Office in Hanoi, 2.44 percent less than in the same period last year.
Vietnam, the world’s second-biggest rice exporter, may ship 600,000 metric tons this month, according to figures released today from the General Statistics Office in Hanoi, 2.44 percent less than in the same period last year.
2011-08-17
Global News: More non-basmati rice exports may get nod
(News resource: Financial Express, Aug 16, 2011)
New Delhi: More export of non-basmati rice may be allowed to prevent a storage crisis when summer crops start flooding the market by October.The food ministry, whose recommendation is crucial to grain exports, is in favour of more non-basmati rice shipments, as the country is expecting a record harvest of grain for a second straight year, an official source said. The commerce and the agriculture ministries, too, have expressed their willingness for more non-basmati rice exports than the 1.15 million tonne already approved, he added.
New Delhi: More export of non-basmati rice may be allowed to prevent a storage crisis when summer crops start flooding the market by October.The food ministry, whose recommendation is crucial to grain exports, is in favour of more non-basmati rice shipments, as the country is expecting a record harvest of grain for a second straight year, an official source said. The commerce and the agriculture ministries, too, have expressed their willingness for more non-basmati rice exports than the 1.15 million tonne already approved, he added.
2011-08-16
Global News: Thai government says to implement policies within 6 months
(News resource: Reuters, Aug 15, 2011)
Thailand's new government wants to implement within six months the policies promised during its election campaign such as a minimum wage of 300 baht ($10) per day and a higher guaranteed farmgate price for rice, a deputy prime minister said on Monday.
Thailand's new government wants to implement within six months the policies promised during its election campaign such as a minimum wage of 300 baht ($10) per day and a higher guaranteed farmgate price for rice, a deputy prime minister said on Monday.
2011-08-05
Global News: Philippines Government releases $34 million rice subsidy program
(News resource: PhilStar.com, 04 Aug., 2011)
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government has released P1.44 billion ($34 million) for its rice subsidy program benefiting 678,621 small-scale farmers and fishermen in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said today.The department said in a statement that under the rice subsidy program, which started in May this year, the beneficiaries embarked on Cash-for-Training (CFT), a four-day program, where they were trained on disaster management and mitigation that included family and community preparedness.
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government has released P1.44 billion ($34 million) for its rice subsidy program benefiting 678,621 small-scale farmers and fishermen in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said today.The department said in a statement that under the rice subsidy program, which started in May this year, the beneficiaries embarked on Cash-for-Training (CFT), a four-day program, where they were trained on disaster management and mitigation that included family and community preparedness.
2011-08-04
Global News: Iraq issues tender for minimum 30,000T of rice
(News resource: TradeArabia, 03 Aug., 2011)
Iraq issued a tender on Wednesday to buy a minimum of 30,000 tonnes of rice from any origin, a trade ministry statement said. Offers must be submitted by August 14 and will be valid until August 19, the statement said.Iraq is one of the world's largest importers of wheat and rice, much of which goes to supply a massive public food ration programme.
Iraq issued a tender on Wednesday to buy a minimum of 30,000 tonnes of rice from any origin, a trade ministry statement said. Offers must be submitted by August 14 and will be valid until August 19, the statement said.Iraq is one of the world's largest importers of wheat and rice, much of which goes to supply a massive public food ration programme.
2011-07-20
Global News: Viet High prices forecast until end of year
(News resource: VNN, July 19, 2011)
HA NOI — The price of many essential goods is expected to remain high until the end of the year, following a report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade today. The price of rice would rise slightly due to an increase in Thailand's export rice price while other food prices were at their highest ever due to crop diseases, higher input costs and a boost in exports to China and Cambodia. However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had predicted the price of livestock products on the domestic market would fall 10 to 15 per cent in August.
2011-07-08
Global News: Thailand's Yingluck says to let baht appreciate: report
(News resource: Reuters, July 7, 2011)
Thailand will continue to let the baht appreciate against the dollar to limit import price inflation, the country's incoming prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Thursday. Yingluck also told the newspaper she would continue to allow the baht to float freely and had no plans to change the existing exchange-rate system. Suchart Thadathamrongvej, an economic advisor and possible Finance Minister candidate for Yingluck's Puea Thai Party, had told Reuters on Monday that Thailand should move to a managed fixed exchange-rate system for the baht, like China or Singapore, pegging the baht to a basket of currencies.
Thailand will continue to let the baht appreciate against the dollar to limit import price inflation, the country's incoming prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Thursday. Yingluck also told the newspaper she would continue to allow the baht to float freely and had no plans to change the existing exchange-rate system. Suchart Thadathamrongvej, an economic advisor and possible Finance Minister candidate for Yingluck's Puea Thai Party, had told Reuters on Monday that Thailand should move to a managed fixed exchange-rate system for the baht, like China or Singapore, pegging the baht to a basket of currencies.
2011-07-05
Global News: India Farm Ministry Won't Push for Grain Exports
(News resource: WSJ, July 5, 2011)
India Farm Minister Sharad Pawar said he isn't pushing for grain exports, reversing his previous stand with food inflation remaining high and as the government will require more supplies of rice and wheat for its welfare programs. India's food-grain stocks are at an all-time high of 65.47 million metric tons, about two-and-a-half times the annual requirement for state welfare programs. Still, the government is cautious on exports due to inflation fears and its plan to enact a law that seeks to expand the supply of subsidized grains. "We are not in a position to push for exports as we are waiting for the national food security bill, which is likely to come up in parliament," Mr. Pawar said Tuesday. This is a marked change in Mr. Pawar's stand. As late as last month, he favored exports of rice and wheat, citing surplus stocks and estimates of a bumper harvest this crop year.
India Farm Minister Sharad Pawar said he isn't pushing for grain exports, reversing his previous stand with food inflation remaining high and as the government will require more supplies of rice and wheat for its welfare programs. India's food-grain stocks are at an all-time high of 65.47 million metric tons, about two-and-a-half times the annual requirement for state welfare programs. Still, the government is cautious on exports due to inflation fears and its plan to enact a law that seeks to expand the supply of subsidized grains. "We are not in a position to push for exports as we are waiting for the national food security bill, which is likely to come up in parliament," Mr. Pawar said Tuesday. This is a marked change in Mr. Pawar's stand. As late as last month, he favored exports of rice and wheat, citing surplus stocks and estimates of a bumper harvest this crop year.
Global News: California rice project to strengthen carbon credit market?
(News resource: Western Farm Press, Jun. 30, 2011)
USDA announced in June it would fund nine projects across the country focused on various aspects of greenhouse gas mitigation practices. The Obama administration hopes the projects will strengthen the backbone of markets concerned with carbon credits. Among the projects announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was a $1.1 million grant to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to “develop and implement a first-of-its-kind initiative to demonstrate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in rice production. ”For the project, EDF will partner with Arkansas-based Winrock International.
USDA announced in June it would fund nine projects across the country focused on various aspects of greenhouse gas mitigation practices. The Obama administration hopes the projects will strengthen the backbone of markets concerned with carbon credits. Among the projects announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was a $1.1 million grant to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to “develop and implement a first-of-its-kind initiative to demonstrate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in rice production. ”For the project, EDF will partner with Arkansas-based Winrock International.
2011-06-24
Global News: Thai Commerce Ministry Draws up Plan to Boost Thai Rice Exports
(News resource: TAN, Jun. 23, 2011)
Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai yesterday presided over an opening ceremony for the Thailand Rice Convention and World Rice Standard Summit 2011at Grand Hill Resort and Spa Hotel in Nakhon Sawan Province. An academic seminar titled “Thai Rice: The Best Rice of the World” was hled with 500 representatives of 50 countries worldwide participating. Porntiva said the seminar is aimed at boosting confidence of trade partners and showing Thailand’s potential as the world's top rice exporter.
Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai yesterday presided over an opening ceremony for the Thailand Rice Convention and World Rice Standard Summit 2011at Grand Hill Resort and Spa Hotel in Nakhon Sawan Province. An academic seminar titled “Thai Rice: The Best Rice of the World” was hled with 500 representatives of 50 countries worldwide participating. Porntiva said the seminar is aimed at boosting confidence of trade partners and showing Thailand’s potential as the world's top rice exporter.
2011-06-23
Global News: Price of Asia rice firm due to African demand, Thai elections
(News resource: Asiaone.com.sg, Jun. 22, 2011)
Demand from African countries supported Vietnamese rice prices this week even though supply from its new crop is about to peak, while Thai prices were pushed up by local demand for grain that traders said was linked to the general election there on July 3. Vietnam has contracted to sell around 100,000 tonnes of 25 percent broken rice to African countries this month, traders said on Wednesday.
Demand from African countries supported Vietnamese rice prices this week even though supply from its new crop is about to peak, while Thai prices were pushed up by local demand for grain that traders said was linked to the general election there on July 3. Vietnam has contracted to sell around 100,000 tonnes of 25 percent broken rice to African countries this month, traders said on Wednesday.
2011-06-20
Global News: Food insecurity no longer poses threat in Vietnam
(News resource: Veitnam Net, Jun. 21, 2011)
Held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Development (MARD), the conference brought together leading technical experts, researchers and authorities from the agricultural sector to discuss a vision for the country's rice production following a report issued by the World Bank. When the country is on track to become a prospering middle-income country, it is about time to ‘chart out a vision of how the agricultural sector can evolve,' said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank's country director in her opening remark. "The role of rice is changing," she said, noting that rising per capita income had induced demand for higher quality and more diversified diets apart from rice.
2011-06-17
Global News: VFA to buy rice from farmers
(News resource: SGGP, Jun. 16, 2011)
VFA chairman Truong Thanh Phong said the volume of commercial rice to be harvested now in the Mekong Delta is estimated at two million tons. As local enterprises have problems in exporting rice, the association will ensure that farmers are able to sell all their produce, he added. Mr. Phong said VFA will buy rice at a minimum price of VND5,000 per kilogram to ensure a profit for the rice growers. VFA has worked with banks to offer reasonable lending interest rates to rice companies, he added.
VFA chairman Truong Thanh Phong said the volume of commercial rice to be harvested now in the Mekong Delta is estimated at two million tons. As local enterprises have problems in exporting rice, the association will ensure that farmers are able to sell all their produce, he added. Mr. Phong said VFA will buy rice at a minimum price of VND5,000 per kilogram to ensure a profit for the rice growers. VFA has worked with banks to offer reasonable lending interest rates to rice companies, he added.
2011-06-16
Global News: SunRice loses CEO
(News resource: Sky News, Jun. 15, 2011)
Rice Growers Ltd, which trades as SunRice, says it's losing its managing director to another agri-business co-op. The departure of Gary Helou to run Murray Goulburn Co-operative from September follows Rice Growers shareholders' rejection of a takeover bid from Spanish group Ebro Foods.There is no indication that the two events are linked. SunRice chairman, Gerry Lawson, said the company would begin a search for a new chief executive officer.
Rice Growers Ltd, which trades as SunRice, says it's losing its managing director to another agri-business co-op. The departure of Gary Helou to run Murray Goulburn Co-operative from September follows Rice Growers shareholders' rejection of a takeover bid from Spanish group Ebro Foods.There is no indication that the two events are linked. SunRice chairman, Gerry Lawson, said the company would begin a search for a new chief executive officer.
2011-06-10
Global News: India Govt hikes paddy MSP by Rs 80/qtl
(News resource: MSN India, Jun. 10, 2011)
The government today increased the support price of paddy to the farmers by Rs 80 per quintal for the current Kharif season to encourage production and meet the requirement of the proposed National Food Security Act. "The minimum support price (MSP) of paddy (common) has been fixed at Rs 1080/quintal and of paddy (grade A) at Rs 1,110/quintal, which represents an increase of Rs 80/quintal over the last year's MSPs," said an official statement after the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
The government today increased the support price of paddy to the farmers by Rs 80 per quintal for the current Kharif season to encourage production and meet the requirement of the proposed National Food Security Act. "The minimum support price (MSP) of paddy (common) has been fixed at Rs 1080/quintal and of paddy (grade A) at Rs 1,110/quintal, which represents an increase of Rs 80/quintal over the last year's MSPs," said an official statement after the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
2011-06-08
Global News: Sunrice shareholders turn down Ebro bid
(News resource: AFN, Jun. 01, 2011)
Ebro Foods has seen its bid to buy Ricegrowers fall through, after the Spanish food maker failed to win over enough of the company’s investors. The results of a vote of Ricegrowers’ investors showed that Ebro had not secured the backing of both types of the Australian firm’s shareholders for its A$600m takeover offer. Ebro needed the support of 75% of both Ricegrowers’ Class A and Class B shareholders. However, although 76% of Class B investors accepted the offer, only 67% of the Class A shareholders approved the bid.
Ebro Foods has seen its bid to buy Ricegrowers fall through, after the Spanish food maker failed to win over enough of the company’s investors. The results of a vote of Ricegrowers’ investors showed that Ebro had not secured the backing of both types of the Australian firm’s shareholders for its A$600m takeover offer. Ebro needed the support of 75% of both Ricegrowers’ Class A and Class B shareholders. However, although 76% of Class B investors accepted the offer, only 67% of the Class A shareholders approved the bid.
2011-06-03
Dragon-boat Festival is coming
Next Monday (Jun. 5th) is Dragon-boat Festival, a big traditional holiday in Chinese. And it's also a big day for glutinous rice consuming.
Global News: Buy Grains Before China Runs Out: Expert
(News resource: CNBC, Jun. 2, 2011)
China’s self-sufficiency in wheat, rice and corn could be reversed in dramatic fashion in the next few years offering investors a chance to make big returns, according to Richard Ferguson, the global head of agriculture at Renaissance Capital in London. "China’s changing diet, which has seen meat consumption per capita increase by 21 percent in the past decade, has had a dramatic impact on demand for soybeans and corn," said Ferguson in a research note. "We believe that the interaction of the key variables defining prices - output, consumption, yields, planted areas, imports, exports and inventories – are at a major inflection point."
China’s self-sufficiency in wheat, rice and corn could be reversed in dramatic fashion in the next few years offering investors a chance to make big returns, according to Richard Ferguson, the global head of agriculture at Renaissance Capital in London. "China’s changing diet, which has seen meat consumption per capita increase by 21 percent in the past decade, has had a dramatic impact on demand for soybeans and corn," said Ferguson in a research note. "We believe that the interaction of the key variables defining prices - output, consumption, yields, planted areas, imports, exports and inventories – are at a major inflection point."
2011-06-01
Global News: Iraq Agrees to Buy 132,000 Tons of Rice of Thai, U.S. Origin
(News resource: Bloomberg, Jun. 1, 2011)
Iraq agreed to buy 132,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand and the U.S., the country’s grain board said in an e-mailed statement today. The grain was bought from Louis Dreyfus and Ameropa, according to the statement. The original tender was for 30,000 tons and the bidding deadline was May 29. “Iraq consumes as much as 1.2 million tons of rice per year, most of which has to be imported because of the lack of local production mostly due to a shortage of water,” the board said. The country produces about 70,000 tons of rice a year, it said.
Iraq agreed to buy 132,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand and the U.S., the country’s grain board said in an e-mailed statement today. The grain was bought from Louis Dreyfus and Ameropa, according to the statement. The original tender was for 30,000 tons and the bidding deadline was May 29. “Iraq consumes as much as 1.2 million tons of rice per year, most of which has to be imported because of the lack of local production mostly due to a shortage of water,” the board said. The country produces about 70,000 tons of rice a year, it said.
2011-05-31
Global News: SunRice shareholders vote against Ebro Rice takeover offer
(News resource: The Australian, May 31, 2011)
A LATE revolt by rice growers today saw Spanish giant Ebro Foods's $610 million bid for the SunRice Group thwarted, with the major grower group of shareholders supporting the move by an inadequate 67 per cent. It required 75 per cent of A class shareholder support before being considered by the B class shareholders, who in fact voted in favour of the deal by 76 per cent to 24 per cent. To pass, the deal needed 75 per cent of both classes.
A LATE revolt by rice growers today saw Spanish giant Ebro Foods's $610 million bid for the SunRice Group thwarted, with the major grower group of shareholders supporting the move by an inadequate 67 per cent. It required 75 per cent of A class shareholder support before being considered by the B class shareholders, who in fact voted in favour of the deal by 76 per cent to 24 per cent. To pass, the deal needed 75 per cent of both classes.
2011-05-30
Global News: Rains Reach China’s Drought-Stricken Agricultural Land
(News resource: Bloomberg, May 31, 2011)
Rains reached China’s drought-affected regions along the Yangtze River today, two days earlier than forecast, which may limit damage to rice and other crops. Bloomberg's Susan Li also speaks. (Source: Bloomberg)
Global News: Philippine may import only 400,000 MT rice by 2012
(News resource: GMA News, May 27, 2011)
The Philippines may import only 300,000 to 400,000 metric tons of rice next year if this year's harvest exceeds the 17.4-million MT target, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Friday. “It is likely that we may produce more than our self-imposed target of 17.4 million metric tons for 2011," he told reporters in a forum in Quezon City. Under the National Food Authority’s importation program, the 860,000 MT of rice to be imported this year is a third of the total importation in 2010.
The Philippines may import only 300,000 to 400,000 metric tons of rice next year if this year's harvest exceeds the 17.4-million MT target, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Friday. “It is likely that we may produce more than our self-imposed target of 17.4 million metric tons for 2011," he told reporters in a forum in Quezon City. Under the National Food Authority’s importation program, the 860,000 MT of rice to be imported this year is a third of the total importation in 2010.
2011-05-27
Global News: India Remains Cautious on Food Exports
(News resource: WSJ, May 25, 2011)
India will not allow any wheat or rice exports from government stocks, despite ample supplies as the country is gearing up to soon introduce a food security law that guarantees cheap grains to 70% of the population, food minister said Wednesday. "Our draft (food security) bill is ready. We should have enough stocks. Any decision on exports will need to be taken on that basis," K.V. Thomas said in an interview. However, the minister added that he was open to allowing limited exports to private trade.
Please link to the webpage of WSJ for more details.
India will not allow any wheat or rice exports from government stocks, despite ample supplies as the country is gearing up to soon introduce a food security law that guarantees cheap grains to 70% of the population, food minister said Wednesday. "Our draft (food security) bill is ready. We should have enough stocks. Any decision on exports will need to be taken on that basis," K.V. Thomas said in an interview. However, the minister added that he was open to allowing limited exports to private trade.
Please link to the webpage of WSJ for more details.
2011-05-26
Global News: Tension on Ebro rice offer
(News resource: WEEKLY TIMES, May 26, 2011)
Tensions over the attempted takeover of NSW rice processor SunRice by Spanish food company Ebro Foods have increased. And both sides have been trying to win growers' votes. Most of the argument has centred on whether Ebro's $610 million offer fairly valued SunRice. Claim and counterclaim emerged after top shareholder Julian Menegazzo released a second evaluation of the company. Mr Menegazzo's independent expert DMR Corporate claimed SunRice adviser Lonergan Edwards and Associates had undervalued the company by about $100 million.
Tensions over the attempted takeover of NSW rice processor SunRice by Spanish food company Ebro Foods have increased. And both sides have been trying to win growers' votes. Most of the argument has centred on whether Ebro's $610 million offer fairly valued SunRice. Claim and counterclaim emerged after top shareholder Julian Menegazzo released a second evaluation of the company. Mr Menegazzo's independent expert DMR Corporate claimed SunRice adviser Lonergan Edwards and Associates had undervalued the company by about $100 million.
2011-05-24
Global News: India govt may allow wheat, rice exports
(News resource: Business Standard, May 22, 2011)
With its godowns overflowing with foodgrains on the back of a bumper crop in 2010-11, the government may finally allow wheat and rice exports, sources said. The decision in this regard is expected to be taken by an empowered group of ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the next two weeks, they said. Even though food inflation remains above the comfort level of 4-5%, prices of wheat and rice have remained generally stable in the last one year.
With its godowns overflowing with foodgrains on the back of a bumper crop in 2010-11, the government may finally allow wheat and rice exports, sources said. The decision in this regard is expected to be taken by an empowered group of ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the next two weeks, they said. Even though food inflation remains above the comfort level of 4-5%, prices of wheat and rice have remained generally stable in the last one year.
2011-05-23
Global News: China's Three Gorges Dam accelerates water discharge to relieve downstream drought
(News resource: Xinhua news, May 20, 2011)
China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, began to increase its water release on Friday to ease severe drought plaguing downstream rice-growing areas.From May 20 to 24, the dam will accelerate its discharge rate to 10,000 cubic meters per second, about 3,000 cubic meters faster than its inflow rate, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH) said in a statement.The rate will be increased to 11,000 to 12,000 cubic meters per second between May 25 and June 10.
China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, began to increase its water release on Friday to ease severe drought plaguing downstream rice-growing areas.From May 20 to 24, the dam will accelerate its discharge rate to 10,000 cubic meters per second, about 3,000 cubic meters faster than its inflow rate, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH) said in a statement.The rate will be increased to 11,000 to 12,000 cubic meters per second between May 25 and June 10.
2011-05-16
Global News: (U.S.) Delta Farmers Brace For Record Flood
(News resource: KFGO, May 14, 2011)
Troops are guarding Mississippi levees and Vicksburg fuel barges already are having difficulty maneuvering under bridges, according to local news reports. Such hazards mean the Coast Guard could close the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the Gulf when it hits the 18-foot level at Carrollton, Miss., perhaps as soon as Monday, AP reported. The Mississippi Levee Board now expects Greensville, Miss., to crest at 65 feet on May 16, 4 feet above the 100-year flood level and 7 feet above the 1973 highwater levels. The Delta Council expects it would take five days for the river to cover more than a million acres in the South Delta, erasing farmers' dreams of $2 cotton and $7 corn for the 2011 crop. Already, 12,000 acres of corn and soybeans are under water at the northeast corner of Louisiana where an abandoned levee was overrun by the Mississippi River. All told, it is estimated 3 million acres are flooded.
2011-05-11
Global News: Flooding to cost Arkansas agriculture over $500 million?
(News resource: Delta Farm Press, May 10, 2011)
With more than 1 million acres of Arkansas cropland underwater, the impact of flooding to Arkansas crops and forage is expected to top $500 million dollars, according to preliminary research by agricultural economists at the Arkansas Farm Bureau. A total of 63 counties in Arkansas have been declared disaster areas as a result of storms and flooding that have ravaged the state since late April. As the state’s largest industry segment, agriculture annually accounts for $16 billion of Arkansas’ economy, so any significant impact will have effects far beyond the farmers’ and ranchers’ direct losses.
With more than 1 million acres of Arkansas cropland underwater, the impact of flooding to Arkansas crops and forage is expected to top $500 million dollars, according to preliminary research by agricultural economists at the Arkansas Farm Bureau. A total of 63 counties in Arkansas have been declared disaster areas as a result of storms and flooding that have ravaged the state since late April. As the state’s largest industry segment, agriculture annually accounts for $16 billion of Arkansas’ economy, so any significant impact will have effects far beyond the farmers’ and ranchers’ direct losses.
2011-05-10
Global News: Cambodia offers rice to Philippines at much lower rates
(News resource: Manila Standard Today, May 9, 2011)
Cambodia has offered to sell rice to the Philippines at lower prices if the country will pour in investments in their agriculture sector as well as allow direct flights from Phnom Penh to Manila. Cambodia made the offer during the bilateral meeting betweenPresident Aquino and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Ramon Carandang said.
Cambodia has offered to sell rice to the Philippines at lower prices if the country will pour in investments in their agriculture sector as well as allow direct flights from Phnom Penh to Manila. Cambodia made the offer during the bilateral meeting betweenPresident Aquino and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Ramon Carandang said.
2011-05-03
Taiwan News: Government to crack down on rice hoarding and price gouging
(News resource: Focus Taiwan, May 3, 2011)
Taipei, May 3 (CNA) The government will release reserves of rice onto the market and crack down on rice hoarding and price gouging to help stabilize the price of the staple, officials said Tuesday. Council of Agriculture (COA) Deputy Minister Huang Yu-tsai said the COA will release 10,000 metric tons of its rice reserves ahead of a NT$3 per kilogram increase in the government's buying price this month. "The COA will also work with the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Justice to crack down on rice hoarding and price gouging." Huang said.
Taipei, May 3 (CNA) The government will release reserves of rice onto the market and crack down on rice hoarding and price gouging to help stabilize the price of the staple, officials said Tuesday. Council of Agriculture (COA) Deputy Minister Huang Yu-tsai said the COA will release 10,000 metric tons of its rice reserves ahead of a NT$3 per kilogram increase in the government's buying price this month. "The COA will also work with the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Justice to crack down on rice hoarding and price gouging." Huang said.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Focus Taiwan.
Global News: S. Korea aims to boost grain self-sufficiency
(News resource: Yonghap News, May 02, 2011)
South Korea aims to raise the self-sufficiency rate of wheat, corn, bean and various cereals to 14.3 percent by 2015 to ensure their steady supply, the government said Monday. The move comes as climate change, bad harvests and rises in overall demand have caused international grain prices to jump roughly 2.5-fold from 2005 to this year, which is exerting inflationary pressure, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.
South Korea aims to raise the self-sufficiency rate of wheat, corn, bean and various cereals to 14.3 percent by 2015 to ensure their steady supply, the government said Monday. The move comes as climate change, bad harvests and rises in overall demand have caused international grain prices to jump roughly 2.5-fold from 2005 to this year, which is exerting inflationary pressure, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Yonghap News.
2011-04-28
Taiwan News: The Result of the 3rd TRQ tender for rice imports
(News resources: TRCIA, Apr. 28, 2011)
The 3rd TRQ tender for rice imports is end this morning, and 17 private sectors share the 15,000 MT of import quota in the tender. The bidder's offer price at this tender is obviously higher than the last 2 tenders, and it's because of the rice price suddenly rocketing due to the promise of President Ma to raise Taiwanese rice price.
After joinning WTO, each year, Taiwan has to import 144,720 MT of rice, including 94,068 MT by Taiwan Council of Agriculture, COA, and 50,652 MT by private sectors. Every year, the government opens three TRQ tenders for the 50,652 MT private quota: the 1st tender for 15,000 MT, the 2nd for 20,000 MT, and the 3rd for 15,000 MT. All the quota expires at Dec. 31 of the year.
2011-04-26
Taiwan News: Government to mull raising rice prices
(News resource: Taipei Times, Apr. 25, 2011)
The government will consider increasing the price of rice when commodity prices rise and it will augment reserve supplies in case of a shortage, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said on a visit to Chiayi County yesterday. Ma said the agriculture council has been discussing a possible price increase since the price of rice was adjusted three years ago, from NT$21 per kilogram to NT$23 per kilogram.
The government will consider increasing the price of rice when commodity prices rise and it will augment reserve supplies in case of a shortage, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said on a visit to Chiayi County yesterday. Ma said the agriculture council has been discussing a possible price increase since the price of rice was adjusted three years ago, from NT$21 per kilogram to NT$23 per kilogram.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Taipei Times.
2011-04-22
Global News: India Grain Output Expected to Rise
(News resource: Wall Street Journal, Apr. 21, 2011)
India, the world's second-largest grower of rice and wheat, expects to produce between 240 million and 242 million tons of foodgrains in 2011-12, Mr. Basu said in an interview. The weather office Tuesday predicted rainfall in 2011 would be 98% of a 50-year average, which is considered normal. The June-September monsoon is crucial as more than 60% of farmland is rain-fed and crops such as rice, sugarcane and cotton are sown on its arrival. "The indication is that there is no cause for worry about the monsoon. So we are confident of achieving the desired production target in 2011-12," Mr. Basu said.
India, the world's second-largest grower of rice and wheat, expects to produce between 240 million and 242 million tons of foodgrains in 2011-12, Mr. Basu said in an interview. The weather office Tuesday predicted rainfall in 2011 would be 98% of a 50-year average, which is considered normal. The June-September monsoon is crucial as more than 60% of farmland is rain-fed and crops such as rice, sugarcane and cotton are sown on its arrival. "The indication is that there is no cause for worry about the monsoon. So we are confident of achieving the desired production target in 2011-12," Mr. Basu said.
For more details, please link to the webpage of WSJ.
2011-04-07
Global News: Iraq Receives Wheat, Rice From U.S., Australia, Thailand
(News resource: Bloomberg, Apr. 6th, 2011)
Iraq took delivery of 400,000 metric tons of wheat and 127,000 tons of rice, said Hassan Ismail Ibrahim, director general of the country’s Grain Board. Eight ships delivered the wheat from U.S. and Australian suppliers and four more boats unloaded the rice imports from Thailand at the southern port of Umm Qasr, Ibrahim said in an e- mailed statement. The board in February signed 12 contracts to buy 850,000 tons of wheat from the U.S. and Australia. Iraq plans to import 4 million tons of wheat this year, mainly from the U.S. and Australia, Trade Minister Khairallah Hassan said March 24. Local output of the grain is forecast to be 1.5 million tons this year, he said.
Iraq took delivery of 400,000 metric tons of wheat and 127,000 tons of rice, said Hassan Ismail Ibrahim, director general of the country’s Grain Board. Eight ships delivered the wheat from U.S. and Australian suppliers and four more boats unloaded the rice imports from Thailand at the southern port of Umm Qasr, Ibrahim said in an e- mailed statement. The board in February signed 12 contracts to buy 850,000 tons of wheat from the U.S. and Australia. Iraq plans to import 4 million tons of wheat this year, mainly from the U.S. and Australia, Trade Minister Khairallah Hassan said March 24. Local output of the grain is forecast to be 1.5 million tons this year, he said.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Bloomberg.
2011-04-06
Global News: 13 bidders win Philippine rice import rights
(News resource: GMA News, Apr. 4th, 2011)
Eleven private companies and two cooperatives have won the rights to import 255,348 metric tons (MT) of rice — two-fifths of the allocated volume for private sector importation, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Angelito Banayo disclosed Monday. “The winning bidders were already informed. They can already place their orders as early as tomorrow if they want," Banayo told reporters in an interview at the NFA’s Quezon City office. The NFA will award the remaining three-fifths to 17 more companies and a number of cooperatives “within the week," he added.
Eleven private companies and two cooperatives have won the rights to import 255,348 metric tons (MT) of rice — two-fifths of the allocated volume for private sector importation, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Angelito Banayo disclosed Monday. “The winning bidders were already informed. They can already place their orders as early as tomorrow if they want," Banayo told reporters in an interview at the NFA’s Quezon City office. The NFA will award the remaining three-fifths to 17 more companies and a number of cooperatives “within the week," he added.
For more details, please link to the webpage of GMA News.
2011-03-31
Global News: Ebro’s SunRice acquisition to boost business
(News resource: AFN, Mar. 30, 2011)
Ebro Foods’ two planned acquisitions in the rice sector will be a “new step forward” for the Spanish food group, the company’s chairman and CEO has insisted. Antonio Hernandez Callejas said Ebro’s move to buy Australian rice processor Ricegrowers, as well as the rice assets of fellow Spanish food maker SOS Corporacion Alimentaria - deals that are both yet to be finalised - would benefit the business. Speaking at the Consumer Analyst Group Europe (CAGE) conference in London on Monday, Callejas said Ricegrowers, which trades as SunRice, was a strong business. “SunRice is a very powerful business which is very complimentary to us,” Callejas said.
For more details, please link to the webpage of AFN.
2011-03-29
Taiwan TRQ tender for rice imports in April
The third, also the last tender for tariff rate quota, TRQ, of rice imported into Taiwan in 2011 will open on April 28th.
There were 35,652 MT of quota released through the first and second rice TRQ tenders, which the dates are Nov. 26th, 2010 and Feb. 24th, 2011. And there will be 15,000 MT of import quota released in the last tender. And the total quantity should be 50,652 MT.
The 50,652 MT of rice should be imported into Taiwan market by private sectors before Dec. 31, 2011.
There were 35,652 MT of quota released through the first and second rice TRQ tenders, which the dates are Nov. 26th, 2010 and Feb. 24th, 2011. And there will be 15,000 MT of import quota released in the last tender. And the total quantity should be 50,652 MT.
The 50,652 MT of rice should be imported into Taiwan market by private sectors before Dec. 31, 2011.
Taiwan should import 144,720 MT of rice every year, which 94,068 MT to be imported by Taiwan Council of Agriculture, COA, and 50,652 MT by private sectors.
2011-03-28
Global News: Traceability for Thai rice to be introduced
(News resource: THE NATION, Mar. 28, 2011)
Thailand will implement a traceability system for rice as a strategy to add value to Thai rice and boost the confidence of consumers and, in particular, Japanese importers. The plan came out of a recent meeting between Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai and Japanese rice traders, who called for Thailand to adopt the traceability system. The development will not only better serve demand from Japanese buyers, but also increase trading opportunities for Thai rice in other markets.
Thailand will implement a traceability system for rice as a strategy to add value to Thai rice and boost the confidence of consumers and, in particular, Japanese importers. The plan came out of a recent meeting between Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai and Japanese rice traders, who called for Thailand to adopt the traceability system. The development will not only better serve demand from Japanese buyers, but also increase trading opportunities for Thai rice in other markets.
For more details, please link to the webpage of THE NATION.
2011-03-23
Global News: Philippines bags Hanoi rice deal, seeks Thailand supply
(News resource: ABS-CBN, Mar. 23, 2011)
The Philippines on Wednesday agreed to import 200,000 tons of rice from Vietnam, a deal expected to push up prices in the world's second-largest exporter of the grain, but still below rival Thailand. The Philippines state grains agency is seeking to bring in this year's rice imports before the lean harvest season starts in July. It is also in talks for a similar deal with Thailand, the world's top exporter. But traders in Thailand said they were unlikely to supply a big portion of Manila's rice needs with Thai prices well above those in Vietnam.
For more details, please link to the webpage of ABS-CBN.
The Philippines on Wednesday agreed to import 200,000 tons of rice from Vietnam, a deal expected to push up prices in the world's second-largest exporter of the grain, but still below rival Thailand. The Philippines state grains agency is seeking to bring in this year's rice imports before the lean harvest season starts in July. It is also in talks for a similar deal with Thailand, the world's top exporter. But traders in Thailand said they were unlikely to supply a big portion of Manila's rice needs with Thai prices well above those in Vietnam.
For more details, please link to the webpage of ABS-CBN.
2011-03-22
Global News: Kerala Millers resume rice export
(News resource: Hindu.com, Mar. 21st, 2011)
Millers in Kerala have resumed the process for export of rice from Kerala as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has permitted conditional export of non-basmati rice. The DGFT has allowed millers to export 25,000 tonnes of ‘matta' variety of rice from the Kochi sea port till September 30 this year. The rice exporters in Kerala had been demanding that the ban on export of non-basmati rice be lifted.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Hindu.com.
Millers in Kerala have resumed the process for export of rice from Kerala as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has permitted conditional export of non-basmati rice. The DGFT has allowed millers to export 25,000 tonnes of ‘matta' variety of rice from the Kochi sea port till September 30 this year. The rice exporters in Kerala had been demanding that the ban on export of non-basmati rice be lifted.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Hindu.com.
2011-03-18
Global News: Gov't ready to release rice stockpile
(News resource: Japan Today, Mar. 17, 2011)
Farm minister Michihiko Kano said Wednesday the government is ready to release its stockpiled rice and that there is ample supply, in an effort to ease concerns about rice shortages in some parts of the country. While the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry projected about 8.11 million tons of rice to be needed in a year from last July through the end of this June, it has secured a supply of 10.13 million tons and also has 920,000 tons of rice in its stockpile.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Japan Today.
2011-03-16
Global News: Japan Says Has Enough Rice Stocks, Ready to Release If Needed
(News resource: Bloomberg, Mar. 16, 2011)
Japan has sufficient stockpiles of rice and is ready to release them if required, farm minister Michihiko Kano said today, as fears of a nuclear radiation leak after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami led to hoarding in some parts of the country. “There are shortages in some areas” but the country has enough in reserve, Kano said in a statement today. Road congestion, scant fuel supplies and the government’s prioritizing aid to earthquake-affected regions were the cause of the rice deficiencies, the statement said.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Bloomberg.
USDA Creates a New Report of Taiwan Foodservice
Last Firday, USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAO) uploads a new report named "Taiwan Foodservice - Behind the Scenes (PDF) ".
The report is a monthly publication providing an in-depth look at the foodservice industry in Taiwan.
It's good to have a official report informing us more market tones in my country. But the first report is empty from the general information, page 2. Maybe this one is just a demonstration, and we have to wait until April to read the full report.
The report is a monthly publication providing an in-depth look at the foodservice industry in Taiwan.
It's good to have a official report informing us more market tones in my country. But the first report is empty from the general information, page 2. Maybe this one is just a demonstration, and we have to wait until April to read the full report.
Global Snapshot: Rice May Extend Decline, Limiting Food Costs, UN's Calpe Says
(News Resource: Bloomberg, Mar. 15, 2011)
Rice, the staple for half the world, will probably drop on increased supplies, trailing other grains and curbing record food costs. Global stockpiles will increase 4.6 percent to 137 million metric tons by the end of this season, the highest level since 2002, Concepcion Calpe, senior economist at the UN Food & Agriculture Organization, said in an interview. Rice may drop 9.3 percent to $12 per 100 pounds in two months, said Jonathan Barratt, managing director at Sydney-based Commodity Broking Services Pty, who correctly predicted last year’s advance to $15.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Bloomberg.
2011-03-15
Global Snapshot: Thai Cabinet approves B200m assistance for Japan
(News Resource: Bangkok Post, Mar. 14, 2011)
The cabinet on Monday approved a 200 million baht budget for providing assistance to victims of the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that have devastated northeast Japan, and will send a medical team and supplies to help rescue efforts. It resolved to send 10,000 tonnes of Jasmine rice and 5,000 tonnes of glutinous rice to Japan, a team of medical personnel and medical supplies.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Bangkok Post.
2011-03-11
Global News: Philippine Gov't to start tender for rice import rights next week
(News Resource: ABS-CBN)
The state grains agency may start the bidding process for private sector rice import rights next week, as it seeks to secure supplies to counter any risk of bad weather causing major crop damage. Angelito Banayo, administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA), told Reuters the private sector, which was allowed to buy up to 660,000 tons, could purchase rice from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. "We may publish the invitation to bid by next week, with actual bidding to be held 10 days after," he said in a phone interview on Thursday.
For more details, please link to the webpage of ABS-CBN.
The state grains agency may start the bidding process for private sector rice import rights next week, as it seeks to secure supplies to counter any risk of bad weather causing major crop damage. Angelito Banayo, administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA), told Reuters the private sector, which was allowed to buy up to 660,000 tons, could purchase rice from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. "We may publish the invitation to bid by next week, with actual bidding to be held 10 days after," he said in a phone interview on Thursday.
For more details, please link to the webpage of ABS-CBN.
2011-03-08
Taiwan News: Government Meeting For Food Safety
(News Resource: Agriculture and Food Agency, AFA, Taiwan)
On March 7th, Taiwan Council of Agriculture (COA) held a cross-institute meeting to discuss the potential threat of international food safety. In the meeting, COA announced that there won't be shortage on rice, wheat, and soil bean in Taiwan. According to the estimation from COA, the stockpile of rice in Feb is 480,000 MT and will reach 520,000 MT in Dec. The amount is higher than the standard of FAO, Japan, and South Korea.
For more detail of the news, please link to the webpage of AFA (traditional Chinese version).
On March 7th, Taiwan Council of Agriculture (COA) held a cross-institute meeting to discuss the potential threat of international food safety. In the meeting, COA announced that there won't be shortage on rice, wheat, and soil bean in Taiwan. According to the estimation from COA, the stockpile of rice in Feb is 480,000 MT and will reach 520,000 MT in Dec. The amount is higher than the standard of FAO, Japan, and South Korea.
For more detail of the news, please link to the webpage of AFA (traditional Chinese version).
2011-02-17
Taiwan News: Taiwan to use rice to stabilize animal feed supply
(News resource: FOCUS TAIWAN NEWS CHANNEL)
Taipei, Feb. 16 (CNA) Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) plans to allocate 65,000 tonnes of its old rice reserves to be used as raw material for livestock feed to stabilize the feed supply in the country, council officials said Wednesday. The old-crop rice will be sold to owners of pig, duck, goose and other livestock farms at 10 percent below the cost of imported maize, the council said.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Focus Taiwan News Channel.
Taipei, Feb. 16 (CNA) Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) plans to allocate 65,000 tonnes of its old rice reserves to be used as raw material for livestock feed to stabilize the feed supply in the country, council officials said Wednesday. The old-crop rice will be sold to owners of pig, duck, goose and other livestock farms at 10 percent below the cost of imported maize, the council said.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of Focus Taiwan News Channel.
2011-02-15
Global Snapshot: Why is the Philippines slashing rice imports?
(News resource: Reuters)
The Philippines plans to import less than 1 million tonnes of rice this year, about two-fifths of its record purchases of the national staple in 2010 as it seeks to contain government costs. Here are some questions and answers on why the Philippines is slashing rice imports and how this impacts on world rice prices...
For more details, please link to the webpage of Reuters.
The Philippines plans to import less than 1 million tonnes of rice this year, about two-fifths of its record purchases of the national staple in 2010 as it seeks to contain government costs. Here are some questions and answers on why the Philippines is slashing rice imports and how this impacts on world rice prices...
For more details, please link to the webpage of Reuters.
2011-02-09
Global Snapshot: Philippine Private Traders Allowed To Import 163,000 Tonnes Of Rice This Year
(News resource: Rice Online Via Bernama.com)
Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Philippine government has allowed the private sector to import 163,000 metric tonnes of rice this year as it needs to stockpile on the staple before world commodity prices increases further, the authorities said Monday. Rice is a politically-sensitive crop and it's only the state-owned National Food Authority (NFA) that's allowed to import it to ensure food security, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Bernama.com
Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Philippine government has allowed the private sector to import 163,000 metric tonnes of rice this year as it needs to stockpile on the staple before world commodity prices increases further, the authorities said Monday. Rice is a politically-sensitive crop and it's only the state-owned National Food Authority (NFA) that's allowed to import it to ensure food security, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Bernama.com
2011-01-31
Chinese New Year Coming
Tomorrow, Feb. 2nd, is Chinese New Year's Eve. From tomorrow there will be a 6-day Chinese New Year vacation in Taiwan until Feb. 7th.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
2011-01-30
Global Snapshot: Big Asian rice buys raise spectre of scramble for supply
(News resource: Rice Online via Khaleej Times)
Fresh demand for rice in two big Asian countries is sending a worrying signal the region’s main staple may join a surge in prices for other grains, worsening Asia’s spiralling food inflation. Asian rice traders say aggressive buying in heavily populated Indonesia and Bangladesh could spread, pushing up world rice prices even though bumper crops in Thailand and Vietnam should mean ample supplies.
“This is only the start of the panic buying,” said Ker Chung Yang, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures, referring to Bangladesh’s recent tripling of its rice import target and Indonesia’s purchase this week of 820,000 tonnes of Thai rice, nearly five times the volume initially sought. “I expect we’ll have more countries coming in and buying grain.” Still, analysts see little risk of a 2008-like food crisis, when rice prices rose above $1,000 a tonne, double their current level.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage.
Fresh demand for rice in two big Asian countries is sending a worrying signal the region’s main staple may join a surge in prices for other grains, worsening Asia’s spiralling food inflation. Asian rice traders say aggressive buying in heavily populated Indonesia and Bangladesh could spread, pushing up world rice prices even though bumper crops in Thailand and Vietnam should mean ample supplies.
“This is only the start of the panic buying,” said Ker Chung Yang, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures, referring to Bangladesh’s recent tripling of its rice import target and Indonesia’s purchase this week of 820,000 tonnes of Thai rice, nearly five times the volume initially sought. “I expect we’ll have more countries coming in and buying grain.” Still, analysts see little risk of a 2008-like food crisis, when rice prices rose above $1,000 a tonne, double their current level.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage.
2011-01-27
Global Snapshot: Vietnam firms call for calm amid plastic rice scare
(News resource: Thanh Nien News.com via http://www.riceonline.com)
Vietnamese rice companies say it's unlikely that Chinese rice has entered the local market, easing concerns about a fake rice made from plastic which was reportedly being sold in China. On Saturday, Tuoi Tre newspaper cited rice traders as saying that Vietnam has an ample rice supply. They also said as local prices are now low, so there is no chance that Chinese exporters would succeed in exporting Chinese grain.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Thanh Nien News.
Vietnamese rice companies say it's unlikely that Chinese rice has entered the local market, easing concerns about a fake rice made from plastic which was reportedly being sold in China. On Saturday, Tuoi Tre newspaper cited rice traders as saying that Vietnam has an ample rice supply. They also said as local prices are now low, so there is no chance that Chinese exporters would succeed in exporting Chinese grain.
For more details, please link to the webpage of Thanh Nien News.
2011-01-26
Global Snapshot: Japan Purchases 61,000 Tons of Foreign Rice in Tender
(News resource: http://www.bloomberg.com)
Japan bought 61,000 metric tons of rice in a tender today, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Of the total, the government bought 12,000 tons from the U.S., 49,000 tons and from Thailand, the ministry said in a statement.
To see more details, please link here to the webpage of Bloomberg.
2011-01-19
Global Snapshot: Japan Seeks 61,000 Tons of Foreign Rice in Tender
(News resource: http://www.bloomberg.com)
Japan is seeking to import 61,000 metric tons of rice in a tender on Jan. 25, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said today. Of the total, the government plans to buy 12,000 tons from the U.S., 24,000 tons from Thailand, and the rest from any country, according to the ministry’s grain-trade division.
For more details, please link to the webpage.
2011-01-17
Global Snapshot: Indo-Sino wins Bangladesh rice dealat US$459.22 per tonne
(News resource: http://www.riceonline.com)
Singapore-based Indo-Sino Trade Limited has secured a tender to supply 50,000 tonnes of white rice to Bangladesh at US$459.22 ($593.22) a tonne, including C&F liner out. The state grains importer issued the tender late last month as part of efforts to ensure food security for the country's more than 150 million people in the wake of rising global food prices.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage.
Singapore-based Indo-Sino Trade Limited has secured a tender to supply 50,000 tonnes of white rice to Bangladesh at US$459.22 ($593.22) a tonne, including C&F liner out. The state grains importer issued the tender late last month as part of efforts to ensure food security for the country's more than 150 million people in the wake of rising global food prices.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage.
2011-01-14
Global Snapshot: VN Rice exporters face foreign competition
(News resource: RiceOnline/ VN Net)
According to Truong Thanh Phong, Chair of the Vietnam Food Association, until now, foreign food enterprises had to set up joint ventures with Vietnamese enterprises, if they wanted to trade rice. However from this year, all enterprises, Vietnamese and foreign, will “play in a level field”, as Vietnam has to open the food market to foreign enterprises under the international commitments.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of RiceOnline.
According to Truong Thanh Phong, Chair of the Vietnam Food Association, until now, foreign food enterprises had to set up joint ventures with Vietnamese enterprises, if they wanted to trade rice. However from this year, all enterprises, Vietnamese and foreign, will “play in a level field”, as Vietnam has to open the food market to foreign enterprises under the international commitments.
For more details of the news, please link to the webpage of RiceOnline.
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