Overview by AgriBrasilis (March 13th - 19th)

Soybean meal and oil exports suspended, with potential increase in “retenciones” (export taxes). Expectation is that new rate on soybeans will be 33%. (Argentine Sub-Secretary of Agricultural Markets)

Soybean harvest estimated at 43.5 million tonnes, and estimated exports of 2.75 million tonnes. (USDA)

Entities evaluate the environmental impact of beef production. Project will last 18 months and has 28 industrial establishments and 84 of primary production. (National Institute of Agricultural Technology)

Spain approves emergency purchases of Argentine corn for animal feed due to the crisis in Ukraine, the main Spanish supplier. The European Commission authorized member states to suspend restrictions on the maximum limit of pesticide residues allowed in animal feed, allowing the purchase of Argentine corn. (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture)

Declared a phytosanitary emergency due to yellow sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari/sorghi). (Senasa)

Small farmers in Potosí receive compensation equivalent to US$ 252,000 for lost cultivations. About 1730 hectares were affected by frost and hail in the region. (Agricultural Insurance Institute)

Administrative Council for Economic Defense authorizes without restrictions the purchase of Rotam by Albaugh, which will result in the creation of an agricultural pesticide company with total revenue of over US$ 2 billion. Completion of transaction still depends on approval of regulatory bodies located in Taiwan. (CADE)

Agribusiness exports hit a record in February, exceeding US$ 10 billion. Growth was driven by the increase in commodity prices and the volume exported. (Ministry of Agriculture)

Agricultural exports to Arab countries grew with economic recovery. The 22 countries of the bloc constitute third largest destination for exports, behind only China and United States. (Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce)

Canadian company Canpotex announces an increase in the volume of potassium shipments to Brazil until the first half of 2023, increasing the supply by 1 million tonnes per year. Currently, 4 million tonnes of potassium are shipped annually. With this addition, Brazil will become Canpotex’s largest market, surpassing the US. (Canpotex)

Volume of cassava available for sale remains below industrial demand, keeping prices high. (Cepea)

The 2021/22 summer harvest in Rio Grande do Sul will generate indemnities of approximately US$ 155 million due to the severe drought. It is estimated that around 14 million tonnes of grain were lost. (Tovese)

NASA will support the National Forestry Corporation of Chile in predicting forest fires and determining impacted areas. (CONAF)

End of first mandatory quarantine for live animals in 2022, a period in which animals are checked for diseases such as paratuberculosis and leukosis, and receive vaccines, antibiotics and antiparasitics. Around 4,000 heifers were shipped to the port of Talcahuano for Asian markets. (Ministry of Agriculture)

Seedlings of banana varieties received from Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura do Brasil for testing with tropical strain 4 of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, responsible for Fusarium wilt, the most destructive disease for banana cultivation, still without definitive control measures. (ICA)

With an investment of US$ 17.2 million, a new germplasm bank, will be instituted to preserve plant biodiversity, support agricultural research and continue to send seeds of beans, cassava and tropical forages to different parts of the world. (CIAT)

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease advances in 80% of the herd on the border with Venezuela. (ICA)

USA maintains certification of Mexican shrimp for export. Verification of Sea Turtle Excluder Devices on ships of the Mexican fleet in the south of the country is concluded with an overall positive result of 93%. (National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission)

Strong winds affect lemon cultivation in Bethany, causing loss of flowers and fruits and high prices due to the expectation of a shortage of the product. (Inforural)

New cattle traceability system aims to strengthen health records. Technological platform will accompany the cattle from birth to the consumer’s plate, including details on origin, food and medicines. (Secretary of Agriculture)

Garlic production grows in northwest region. Production in Sonora reaches 4,318 tonnes, contributing 5% of national production. (Secretary of Agriculture)

Ministry of Agriculture delivers laboratory inputs and new equipment to rural producers to boost sheep production. (MAG)

Government turns to Brazil for access to fertilizers, promoting joint imports to guarantee the supply of the local market, on a smaller scale than that of the neighboring country. (Ministry of Agriculture)

Confirmed purchase of meat from Paraguay, as a measure to counterbalance the 25% increase in prices. (Ministry of Agriculture)