Stories for June 10th 2013

Monday, June 10th 2013 - 22:31 UTC
Slower global agricultural production in next decade but prices above historic average, says FAO

Global agricultural production is expected to grow 1.5% a year on average over the coming decade, compared with annual growth of 2.1% between 2003 and 2012, according to a new report published by the OECD and FAO released this week.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 22:01 UTC
Ex-CIA employee leaked info “to protect basic liberties for people around the world”

An ex-CIA employee has said he acted to “protect basic liberties for people around the world” in leaking details of US phone and internet surveillance. Edward Snowden, 29, was revealed as the source of the leaks at his own request by the UK's Guardian newspaper.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 21:43 UTC
Bachelet pledges new legitimate, transparent constitution, plus fiscal and education reforms

Former Chilean president (2006/2010) and Socialist candidate, Michelle Bachelet (61), pledged to elaborate a new constitution during her first year in office, if she is elected in the coming November presidential election.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 20:41 UTC
Argentina celebrates: China accepts three GM types of soybean for consumption

China approved three genetically modified soybean types for consumption, including the RR2BT seed resistant to the imidazolinonas and the glufosinat-ammonium herbicides. The announcement was made following a meeting between Agriculture ministers from Argentina and China in Beijing.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 19:44 UTC
S&P upgrades US credit outlook to ‘stable’; government debt 84% of GDP

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's On Monday upgraded its credit outlook for the United States government to “stable” from “negative,” saying the chances of a downgrade of the country's rating is “less than one in three.”
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 19:17 UTC
Influenza ‘A’ strain hits Argentina: 7 dead in Buenos Aires province, one in Cordoba

Buenos Aires province health authorities confirmed on Monday that seven people have died in the last month from the influenza A virus and 40 people have been reported infected by the H1N1 strain. However the authorities do not consider it an epidemic behaviour similar to that of 2009.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 14:08 UTC
Brazil JBS becomes largest chicken producer; purchases main tannery in Uruguay

Brazil’s JBS SA, the world’s largest beef producer, agreed to buy assets from Marfrig Alimentos SA in Brazil and Uruguay, which will make it the world’s largest chicken producer. JBS will take on 5.85 billion Reais (2.74bn dollars) in debt for the Seara poultry and pork unit in Brazil and the Zenda tannery unit in Uruguay, the Sao Paulo-based company said in a regulatory filing today.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 14:02 UTC
Paraguay soy exports reach 1.55bn dollars in first five months of 2013

Soybeans, electricity and beef figure as the main export items of landlocked Paraguay, during the first five months of the year. According to a release from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, exports at the end of May reached 4,12bn dollars compared to 2.96bn a year ago, which represents a 57.3% increase.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 12:46 UTC
Brazil world’s top orange juice exporter conditioned by rising labour costs

High production costs have orange growers in Brazil, the world's top orange juice exporter, bracing for a tough citrus season, despite last season's record harvest and high juice prices.
Monday, June 10th 2013 - 12:41 UTC
Brazilian economy eroding Rousseff’s support, but remains favourite for 2014 election

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's approval rating fell for the first time since her term began in January 2011 as concern about inflation and sluggish economic growth grew. Rousseff's presidency was rated as “good” or “excellent” fell to 57% from 65% in the previous poll.