This week the National Organic Standards Board discussed emerging ag production systems and their role in organic agriculture – just as they have since 2002.Ever-developing technology poses ever-changing questions about agriculture, policy and regulation. Consider the relatively new boom in indoor farming, also referred to as “vertical,” “stacked” or “controlled environment.” Can such systems be certified to produce organic food? This was the topic of USDA’s National Organic Standards Board (NSOB) webinar yesterday in preparation for its October semi-annual meeting, and it was convened specifically to “discuss the development of proposals on aeroponics/bioponics/hydroponics....”The following terms refer to the medium surrounding the roots o...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
Let’s return briefly to the fake meat hype cycle, now sitting somewhere in a dusty corner of your mind, not entirely forgotten. What happened to all those products, known as plant-based alternative proteins? They were supposed to be as good as real meat—cheaper, more environmentally...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.