South America

Scientists warn major investment in ag needed
11/29/2011 7:30:00 AM
In order to avoid widespread hunger in the next few years, scientists warn that billions of dollars are needed to invest in agriculture and food distribution systems.

In a report issued last week, the scientists said, “If that investment is directed toward sustainable forms of agriculture, then farming can also be made into a weapon in the fight against dangerous global warming … as more environmentally friendly farming methods can result in soils absorbing carbon dioxide rather than releasing it.” FULL STORY »

Pork exports pay dividends; expect future growth
11/04/2011 5:30:00 AM
“It’s been a successful year for U.S. pork and beef exports,” says Keith Miller, out-going U.S. Meat Export Federation chairman. With a strong fourth quarter, both sectors could exceed $5 billion in annual sales for the first time ever. FULL STORY »

Brazilian pork will head to China in 2012
10/21/2011 6:00:00 AM
Brazil is back in China’s market as the first shipments of Brazilian pork are expected to start moving in early 2012. Some authorized production companies can export the meat starting in November, according to an official with the Brazilian Association of Pork Meat Producers. FULL STORY »

AGree video promotes collaborative dialogue, policy
10/18/2011 6:30:00 AM
A new series of micro-documentary films released today by AGree underscores the complexity of our food and agriculture system and stresses the need to find common ground on food and agriculture issues. FULL STORY »

Agriculture energized by FTAs' approval
10/13/2011 12:30:00 PM
While skeptics and critics remain over Congress’ long-awaited approval of the South Korea, Colombia and Panama free-trade agreements, it’s not a stretch to say that folks in agriculture are nearly giddy at the outcome. FULL STORY »

NCGA applauds House for passing FTAs
10/13/2011 6:30:00 AM
National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer was quick to compliment the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the free-trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama. FULL STORY »

House and Senate approve 3 FTAs; here’s what they offer
10/13/2011 5:15:00 AM
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the South Korea, Panama and Colombia free-trade agreements late on Wednesday, and the Senate was quick to follow. In both houses the trade pacts passed by comfortable margins. FULL STORY »

McConnell: FTAs to be submitted soon
09/20/2011 10:30:00 AM
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said Tuesday he expects free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to be submitted to Congress soon, as debate got underway on a tariff bill that could pave the way for passage of the long-delayed trade pacts. FULL STORY »

Corn growers sharpen focus on FTAs
09/08/2011 6:00:00 AM
Pork producers aren’t the only ones who have their eyes focused on Congress’ action on free-trade agreements. Of course, beef producers are anxiously awaiting the outcome, but so are crop growers. FULL STORY »

Senate Finance panel reschedules FTA debate
07/06/2011 3:26:20 PM
The Senate Finance committee plans to make another attempt to start informal debate on proposed trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama on July 7, after Republicans on the panel boycotted last week's meeting. FULL STORY »

Progress on free trade agreement process slowed
07/05/2011 7:05:00 AM
The fates of three pending Free Trade Agreements (FTA) appeared to swing wildly last week, with an announcement of a deal to move them forward, a mock-mark up scheduled and then cancellation of the meeting because of stark political division, all in fewer than three days. FULL STORY »