World Perspectives
livestock

Policy Roundup

Soda and Nutrition Programs USDA policy forced New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's imposition of a 16-ounce maximum cup size for soft drinks. Although no economic group is immune to obesity, it disproportionately affects the poor due to education and, some argue, as a result of the higher cost of vitamin rich foods that are concurrently less nutrient dense. Ten months ago, USDA rejected NYC's request to bar federal food assistance benefits (SNAP) for sweetened drinks, arguing practical concerns that it would be "too large and too complex" to manage. However, beneficiaries are already banned from using benefits to purchase cigarettes and alcohol. Instead, some argue that limiting the foods the poor can purchase smacks of paternalism:...

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Market Commentary: China Headlines and Technical Buying Lift CBOT

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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.

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