Big Ag continues to be the focus of attacks by populists who nostalgically, though without substantiation, insist that food from small and local is environmentally and socially superior. It is important to first understand the unique role played by agriculture. The agriculture sector contributes only 2.34 percent of the employment in the OECD 24 and its share of R&D spending was just 1.24 percent, and yet it contributed a third of the economic productivity growth. Productivity is the core economic function that enables increased consumption with lower levels of work. Imagine what would happen if R&D spending were increased.
While small farms contribute to the sector, it is large enterprises that deliver large value t...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
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...
