Stories for March 2012

Tuesday, March 20th 2012 - 01:24 UTC
Rousseff administration will promote “buy Brazilian” policy to defend industry

“As of this year Brazil will follow the US example giving a 25% margin of preference to local goods in government procurement”, said Fernando Pimentel, Minister for Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Tuesday, March 20th 2012 - 01:19 UTC
Drought punishing soy crops and yields in southern Brazil

Drought over Brazil's southern soy growing states prompted analysts Agroconsult to strike 2.8 million tons from its forecast of the 2011/12 crop to 67.1 million tons from 69.9 million previously.
Tuesday, March 20th 2012 - 01:16 UTC
Argentine truckers call for indefinite strike as soy bean crop was taking off

Argentina’s truckers called Monday an indefinite strike to demand higher pay rates, parking their rigs in protest just as exporters were counting on them to haul freshly harvested soybeans to port.
Tuesday, March 20th 2012 - 00:24 UTC
Colombia tells Bolivia it deserves to have access to the Pacific Ocean

Colombia has consistently supported Bolivia in its mission to reclaim a passage to the Pacific Ocean and the country reiterated its support last week during a meeting between the two heads of state in Bogotá.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 23:28 UTC
China and IADB agree on one billion investment fund; warnings from Brazil

China and the Inter-American Development Bank said on Monday they are starting a 1-billion US dollars fund to invest in Latin America, though the Asian giant’s latest push to expand its influence in the region prompted words of caution from Brazil.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 23:23 UTC
Philip Morris sues Uruguay cigarette-labeling claiming violation of investment treaty

Measures taken by Uruguay to deter smokers have drawn a legal challenge by one of the world’s largest tobacco companies under a treaty designed to protect foreign investors, according to the Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 23:02 UTC
Cuba releases “Ladies in White”; tells them to keep away from Pope’s activities

Cuba released 70 members of the dissident Ladies in White group detained during the weekend but warned them not to attend activities related to next week's visit of Pope Benedict, the group's leader said.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 22:56 UTC
US court confirms graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging

United States federal law requiring large graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging and advertising does not violate the free speech rights of tobacco companies, a federal appeals court ruled on Monday.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 15:44 UTC
FAO Food price index rose 1% in February but is 10% below a year ago

The FAO Food Price Index rose 1% or 2.4 points from January to February. The Index climbed nearly 2% in January – its first increase in six months. The February increase was mostly driven by higher prices of sugar, oils and cereals while dairy prices fell slightly after a marked rise in January.
Monday, March 19th 2012 - 15:41 UTC
FAO forecasts second highest on record wheat crop for 2012 with 690 million tons

FAO forecasts that 2012 world wheat production will be the second highest on record at 690 million tonnes. According to FAO quarterly Crop prospects and food situation report forecast a 2012 wheat crop 10 million tons or 1.4% down from the record 2011 harvest but still well above the average of the past five years.