The truth is that the extreme low levels of quantification available via organic chemistry means that very little in the food system will test at pure or an absolute zero level of foreign material. All of this creates an opportunity for Big Ag and the conventional foods industry. Test Organic Quaker Oats is being sued by a consumer activist law firm for claiming its product is “100% natural” after the firm detected trace elements of herbicide in it. If the courts agree, it is likely that no food product will be able to make a claim that it is natural. The trace of herbicide found was at a level 96 percent below what is actionable by the FDA. Separately, MyDx, Inc. has correctly determined that buyers of organic foods erroneously believe t...
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...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
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...
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.