AgraFood Latin America

摘要

Trade news: Brazil continues to increase sales of foods and farm goods on world markets. The Central American Free Trade Agreement could be blocked by US opposition. Political: Venezuela aims for greater self sufficiency by boosting farm output. Landless farmers have launched a new wave of protests in Brazil. Grains and oilseeds: Brazilian soy crushers are calling for tax breaks to produce biodiesel. Meanwhile, Mexico looks set to import record quantities of wheat this year. Meat and Poultry: Argentine beef producers are being urged to cut prices. Mexico is tightening controls on poultry imports, while Uruguay is shipping more beef to the US market. Dairy: Brazil has renewed an agreement to limit imports of Uruguayan powdered milk. Chile's dairy sector is targeting further export growth. Sugar and ethanol: Brazil is testing new GM sugarcane varieties. Paraguay's ethanol sector has been hit by a shortfall of raw materials. Fruit and vegetables: Peru is shipping more organic bananas, while Brazil aims to boost sales of papaya to the US. Orange juice: Brazilian citrus growers have accused processors of paying artificially low prices for their fruit. Food and drink: Mexican food company Sigma has launched an ambitious expansion programme. Argentine supermarkets are losing market share to convenience stores.