World Perspectives

From Weekend Reading

In addition to attacking China, populist politicians on both the American right and left are finding audience encouragement when they attack big companies. Business is going to have to spend more on politics if they are to avoid getting slaughtered.  Farm subsidies will not be disciplined because it is no longer a North-South issue. China and India are now the largest subsidizers.  Trade is no longer about development (the Doha Development Round failed); trade is now being tied to the environment. The U.S. is absent in Geneva and the WTO is struggling as a result.  Politicians in Brussels refuse to give patent protection to seeds developed using new genomic techniques for fear it will just benefit the large companies. As...

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Agreement to End Government Shutdown Reached in Senate, Ag Highlights

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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