The Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearing is now closed. All final arguments had to be submitted by 1 April. From 23 August 2023 through 30 January 2024, there were 49 days of hearings, the longest on record, with more than 12,000 pages of transcribed oral arguments in addition to all written documents submitted for the record as exhibits and final and closing arguments. Unlike other regulatory changes, the process is conducted in a legal setting presided over by an administrative law judge. USDA now has until 1 July to review all briefs and make its recommendations based on the petitions and testimony, after which there will be a final comment period before dairy producers get to vote. In all, there were 21 proposals put forth in fi...
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) enters its mandated six-year review on July 1. 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...
Key Takeaways: Drought remains a major threat to global agricultural production, particularly in regions with limited rainfall and growing water scarcity. Commercially available drought-tolerant traits in corn, soybeans, and wheat have generally delivered modest yield improvements, limiting th...
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.