Regional Updates It might be a good idea for all people in the grain business, with an eye to COVID-19, to read section 21 of GAFTA contract #27: “Prevention of Shipment”. This section, which is included in most GAFTA contracts, helps to clarify buyer/seller situation in the case of the “prohibition of shipment” or “force majeure”. Details of the contracts can be found on GAFTA’s website: www.gafta.com. MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA Iraq’s Trade Ministry is said to be looking for additional funding to help build strategic supplies of wheat and rice in the country. Larger grain supplies are needed due to the increase in demand related to COVID-19. Budgeting by the government ha...
Grains posted strong gains today, putting the bulls firmly in the driver’s seat. There was no shortage of fuel for the move, with three W’s driving the rally: weather, war and worry. Weather: Cooler temperatures are temporarily easing stress across the Northern Plains and Midwest, b...
Key Takeaways: Global and U.S. cotton demand has struggled since the post-COVID-19 pandemic surge, which has left cotton prices drifting lower in the U.S. The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, along with their impact on global energy markets, could boost cotton demand...
Key Takeaways: Persistent labor shortages are increasing operational challenges and costs across U.S. agriculture, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as specialty crops, dairy, and meat processing. Immigrant workers, including H-2A employees, remain essential to the agricultural work...
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.