The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is like most government bureaucracies in that it is slow-moving and over-reaching. However, Donald Trump’s call this week to eliminate the “FDA food police” is the equivalent of using a machete to remove someone’s tonsils. Dubious Wisdom He is the longest-serving agriculture secretary in nearly 50 years, so more profound and prophetic commentary would have been expected from Secretary Tom Vilsack this week. First, he called on the new administration to create a food council to coordinate the activities of the 15 different federal agencies with some jurisdiction over food and agriculture. This raises two questions: If that is such a good idea, why did it have to wait for an administration different...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.