World Perspectives

Right and Wrong

Half Right = Half Wrong: Economists can probably get science half right. Botanist Ian Crute this week showed that scientists can get economics half right, but then also be half wrong. Speaking to the spring meeting of Britain's Institute of Food Science and Technology, Crute correctly asserted that Europe needs to boost its agricultural productivity. However, his rationale is that import dependence is dangerous since Brazil agrees to exclusively sell food to China, causing shortages in Europe. Sellers do not like to be beholden to a single buyer; Brazil would prefer to have China and Europe trying to outbid one another for its products. Someone needs to advise the scientist that the largest threat to Europe's food security is its macroeco...

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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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