Responding to Trump Protectionism European farm ministers answered Donald Trump’s “protectionism” with, well more protectionism. German Farm Minister Julia Klöckner summarized the ministers CAP reform discussions this week by saying, “We need greater European autonomy on food supply.” In Orwellian fashion, the ministers supported country of origin labeling not for protectionism but because EU consumers have an increased interest in local and regional products. And it cannot be protectionist because it will be administered at the EU-level rather than by member states. Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski was more direct, complaining Europe was too dependent on imports, particularly fe...
What You Need to Know Today: President Trump claimed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was over, as both sides accused one another of violating the terms of the agreement. Commercial vessels are increasingly steering clear of the Strait of Hormuz as security risks escalate following Iran...
Key Takeaways: The CME Group is launching new 90 percent Lean Beef and 50 percent Lean Beef futures and options contracts in July. There are five key factors that must be present in physical markets and futures contract specifications for futures contracts to become successful. The two l...
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.