The Week in Agribusiness: Greener Pastures for Russian Bovines

The week saw ups and downs for the Mexican agri-sector. Tequila and Mezcal continue to surge in global popularity and everyone wants to have their share. Meanwhile, a dispute over tomato dumping has the potential to hurt the Mexican greenhouse industry.

Efforts to curb environmental degradation are being met with fierce protests in Europe, where farmers see their group as being unfairly targeted. In more cheerful news, British dairy farmers are setting ambitious goals to let go of single-use plastic.

Technology is being adopted in creative ways, with this week’s examples coming from Kenya and Russia.

Ready for more? Here’s your weekly roundup!

Mexican Markets

The French spirits group Pernod Ricard has expressed interest in broadening its Tequila portfolio, a profitable niche in the industry.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), Mexico is the biggest per capita consumer of eggs. The poultry sector is considered vital in rural employment.

The US International Trade Commission voted in favor of American tomato growers by calling out what it deems as Mexican dumping practices. The vote could affect future price agreements between both countries.  

US-China Tariff Conflict

Agricultural machinery maker John Deere lowers its profit forecast amid uncertainty regarding the US-China trade war.

Since September 2018, farm bankruptcies in the US have gone up 24 percent. The tariff conflict with China is a likely factor.

Fight for Our Environment

In several European cities, including Paris and Berlin, farmers are holding mass protests against new environmental laws.

The UK dairy industry aims to be the first to eliminate single-use plastic from its products.

The US National Biodiesel Board has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider small refinery exemptions. These have allowed smaller refineries to avoid biofuel quotas.

Around the World

In an effort to spread farming advice, the Kenyan government has created a game where farmers can win prizes by guessing the start of the rainy season.

The increase in ethanol consumption and maize-feeding of cattle will likely lead to a drop in Brazilian maize exports in 2020.

Russian dairy farmers are experimenting with virtual reality kits to lift their cows’ mood.