AgraFood Latin America

摘要

Special report: After a decade of relentless growth, cracks are beginning to show in the Brazilian farm sector. Grains and oilseeds: Parts of Brazil are reporting the worst soybean losses for three decades China has approved imports of Brazilian GM soy. Colombia is struggling to boost productivity levels. Meat and Poultry: Sheep farming is making a comeback in Argentina. Meanwhile, Argentine consumers are being encouraged to switch from beef to pork. Elsewhere Brazil's leading meat producer is to build a meat processing plant in Russia. Sugar and ethanol: A reduction in the ethanol blend in Brazil could free up more of the fuel for export markets. Coffee: Colombia is focusing on quality improvements, while Brazil's instant coffee exports have been hit by higher EU import tariffs. Fruit and vegetables: Chilean fruit production has been hit by adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, Panama is failing to take advantage of improved access to EU banana markets. Food and drink: Brazil is growing in importance both as a market and a source of raw materials for US fast food chain McDonald's. Retail: Brazilian consumers are buying more goods on credit. Meanwhile, Carrefour is exporting more fresh produce from Argentina.