Agriculture

Friday, April 12th 2019 - 21:33 UTC
Instead of agrochemicals, Uruguay uses wasps to develop non-genetically modified soy

In Uruguay, non-genetically modified soy (GMO) soy is being developed in order to compete in a market saturated by the volume of crops in the region. Nevertheless, the country’s government hopes Uruguayan soy will stand out for its quality rather than for the volume of harvests motivating soy producers to use “biological controls” to combat pests.
Friday, April 12th 2019 - 18:06 UTC
Swiss government wants to get rid of its coffee emergency stockpile

The Swiss government wants to put an end to its emergency stockpile of coffee after declaring that it is “not essential” for human survival. Switzerland began storing emergency reserves of coffee between World War One and World War Two in preparation for potential shortages.
Friday, April 12th 2019 - 17:32 UTC
A leading Brazilian coffee exporter files for bankruptcy, hoping to restructure a debt of US$ 282 million

Terra Forte, one of the largest Brazilian coffee exporters, has filed for bankruptcy protection in a Sao Paulo state court, lawyers for the company said. Law firm Freire, Assis, Sakamoto e Violante said Terra Forte was looking to restructure 1.1 billion reais (US$ 288.2 million) in debt.
Friday, April 12th 2019 - 00:18 UTC
French court finds Monsanto legally responsible for ill health of farmer who ingested weed-killer

US biotech giant Monsanto is legally responsible for the ill health of a farmer who ingested its weed-killer product, a French court has ruled.
Thursday, April 11th 2019 - 17:56 UTC
Argentina chairs the World Wine Trade Group in London, amidst record numbers of observers

Under the current Argentine Presidency, the meeting of the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG) is being hosted in London over the course of today and tomorrow.
Thursday, April 11th 2019 - 09:27 UTC
Bumper harvest of soybeans and corn expected in Argentina, says Rosario grains exchange

Argentina's soy production will likely reach 56 million tons for the 2018/2019 season, two million tons more than previously estimated, the Rosario grains exchange said on Wednesday, a fillip for the sector that was battered by drought last year.
Thursday, April 11th 2019 - 06:45 UTC
US/China closer to a deal: they agree to establish “enforcement officers”

The United States and China have largely agreed on a mechanism to police any trade agreement they reach, including establishing new “enforcement offices,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday.
Monday, April 8th 2019 - 10:57 UTC
Grain loaders say the collapse of a bridge in north Brazil will not impact harvest transport

Hidrovias do Brasil SA, a Brazilian logistics company, said the collapse of a bridge on the Moju River in Pará state on Saturday will not have any impact on its operations in the region, according to a statement on Sunday.
Monday, April 8th 2019 - 10:40 UTC
Argentine soy harvest with “excellent” yields expected to reach 53 million tons

Argentina's soy harvest has progressed at a brisk pace over recent days, showing “excellent” yields that could push the crop higher than the currently forecast 53 million tons, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange said in a report last week.
Monday, April 8th 2019 - 10:18 UTC
Barking drones in New Zealand to help herd sheep: much cheaper than Border Collies

Farmers in New Zealand have found a new way to herd their sheep. They are now herding sheep with a drone, the DJ1 Mavic 2 Enterprise, outfitted with a speaker that barks like a dog. The farmers say that a single drone can do the work of multiple dogs. Check out the video below for the drone in action and some of the other sounds effects the farmers use.