Taxes on sugary soft drinks are on several municipal ballots tomorrow, but will they achieve their desired results? Meanwhile, TPP is practically dead and the EU will adopt subsidies to encourage precision farming. Sugar Tax Election A tax on sugary soft drinks is on the ballot in at least four cities tomorrow. Three California jurisdictions each propose a tax of one cent per ounce. A similar UC-Berkley tax found that only around half the tax cost is passed on to consumers, meaning the result will be about six cents per 12-ounce can of soda. With vending machines charging a minimum of $1/can, any change in actual behavior is likely to be minimal. Health advocates are hoping for a consumption decline like that experienced when cigarette ta...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...