Mediterranean/Middle East/North Africa/Africa – MEA Region Pakistan has just held its first meeting of the Committee on GM Corn. The Committee was established to "undertake an objective, science-based, and evidence-driven review of Pakistan’s policy regarding the commercialization of genetically modified maize." Libya’s grain imports for 2026/27 are expected to increase by 7 percent, according to the FAO, to 3.3 MMT, including 1.5 MMT of wheat. Grain production in Libya is minimal, with total production expected to reach only 154,000 MT across wheat, barley, and millet. Iran’s grain storage facilities in one region are reported to have been damaged by U.S. attacks. This is said to be the first attack on food infrastr...
What You Need to Know Today: U.S. and Chinese officials are expected to discuss agriculture and non-tariff trade barriers ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington later this month, potentially opening the door to additional U.S. agricultural purchases or improved marke...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets are mixed this week with larger vessel classes seeing strong demand from iron ore and coal while Supramax and Handysize rates remain steady. Congestion at the Panama Canal has eased but forward booking slots are showing signs of bottlenecks as draft levels...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.