Anti-Big is Anti-Competitive White House economic advisor Lael Brainard bragged at last week’s anti-monopoly summit meeting that the Biden Administration’s “Meat Action Plan” subsidizing small meat-packing operations is providing more and better options to farmers and ranchers and consumers. Because it is barely underway, is dwarfed by the large incumbent system, and will not provide lower prices to consumers, Brainard’s comments amounted more to cheerleading than any factual claims. Confronting consolidation is part of the Administration’s industrial strategy of boosting competition and diversifying supply chains. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is promoting his creation of a dozen new Regional Food B...
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.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) enters its mandated six-year review on 1 July. The original intent of the review is outlined in Article 34.7, which obligates members to: Provide recommendations and decide on appropriate actions. Extend the USMCA for another 16 years and meet aga...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...