AGRAFOOD LATIN AMERICA

摘要

Trade news: Talks for a Free Trade Area of the Americas have stalled again. But Colombia and the US are to start bilateral free trade talks. Brazil is sending a mission to boost trade with China. Policy: A new wave of land invasions is putting pressure on the Brazilian government, Argentine cattle ranchers are paying a heavy price for a crime wave hitting rural areas. Grains and oilseeds: Mexico is expected to import more corn from the US this year, Meanwhile, as commodity prices rise, the cost of Brazilian farmland is rising fast. Meat and Poultry: Mexico and Colombia have eased restrictions on US meat products. Brazilian pork exports are expected to fall this year. Fruit and vegetables: Mexican vegetable sales to the US are rising fast, Spain is set to reopen its market to Argentine citrus. Sugar and ethanol: Jamaica could begin producing fuel ethanol for the local market In Brazil, sugar and ethanol prices are beginning to pick up. Dairy: Parmalat is looking for buyers for several of its Latin American operations. Meanwhile, Venezuela is suffering from shortages of powdered milk. Food and Drink: Nestle is still hoping to persuade Brazilian regulators to allow its purchase of the Garoto chocolate company. Large numbers of Mexicans are switchingaway from traditional foods.