agriculture | farmers | food

plus livestock, forestry, etc

LDP to offer farmers revenue insurance to cushion TPP impact
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to set up an insurance system to cushion the blow for farmers when the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact comes into effect
Israel fumes over planned EU labelling of ‘settlement’ products
Few issues have caused more friction between Israel and the European Union than EU plans to impose labelling on goods produced in Jewish settlements on occupied land.
LDP considering national 'farming MBA' program as part of TPP policy
The government may support "MBA in agriculture" programs across Japan as part of domestic agricultural policies to prepare for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact.
TPP set to worsen food insecurity in Mexico
The TPP’s free trade agenda, described by some as a NAFTA on steroids, would worsen economic, food security, and agricultural challenges in Mexico.
Obama punishes South Africa over chicken row
US president Barack Obama has suspended agricultural benefits to South Africa under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after its repeated refusal to resume imports of US chicken.
Japan, U.S. agree to protect alcoholic drinks linked to special areas by banning knock-offs
Japan and the United States have struck a deal to ban alcoholic beverages that are not produced in the geographical area included in its brand name under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact.
New Zealand/EU free trade talks criticised
Irish Farmers Association president Eddie Downey has already warned that farmers across Europe would resist any trade deal with New Zealand that could undermine the EU’s valuable domestic markets for beef, sheep, and dairy products.
TPP fishery impact to be ‘limited,’ for now: farm ministry
The impact on fishery products from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is likely to be “limited,” although tariffs are set to be axed for most of the 300 or so items listed in the free trade pact.
Food giant Metcash targets China’s middle class in online push
Australia’s largest food and liquor wholesaler is looking to Chinese middle-class shoppers to boost its fortunes, setting up space in one of China’s largest online shopping malls as part of a broader push into a huge market that is increasingly infatuated with Australia brands and produce.
No cheaper milk despite NZ FTA
Consumer prices of dairy products imported from New Zealand will most likely remain at the current level although the free trade agreement (FTA) between the southern country and Malaysia will fully kick off in 2016.