Food prices

Urges Comprehensive Energy Solution to Combat Growing Costs

August 4, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Concerned about steep increases in commodity prices, on July 18th, Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and John Warner (R-VA) sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of a temporary waiver of the federal ethanol mandate. This waiver is intended to help Virginia’s agricultural community, including poultry, dairy and livestock producers, and consumers who have been hit hard by a dramatic rise in feed costs as a result of increased usage of corn-based ethanol.    » read more »

CAMDEN, N.J., July 1, 2008 -- Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) today outlined the evolution of several key strategies and detailed innovations planned for the upcoming fiscal year at a meeting with investors. Campbell's management described plans for its U.S. soup business and its expansion in Russia and China. A replay of the presentation can be accessed via a Web cast at campbellsoupcompany.com.    » read more »

Government actions behind two-thirds of food price increase

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 16 June 2008 – Business leaders at the World Economic Forum on East Asia highlighted the role of government in food price increases, warning of mounting unrest and protectionism if urgent actions are not taken.    » read more »

Urges Cooperative Approach To Global Problems

June 9, 2008 -- International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn today urged policy makers around the world to seek a cooperative approach to global challenges stemming from the rise in food and fuel prices and a worldwide economic slowdown linked to spillovers from the U.S. "Policymakers can respond in two ways: they can take the mercantilist approach, looking only at what is best for their country.

Or they can look for multilateral solutions. History has shown us the defects of the first approach and the difficulties of the second," Mr. Strauss-Kahn said in a speech at the International Economic Forum of the Americas in Montreal.    » read more »

Despite volatility, rise of foreign banks in developing countries holds promise

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 10, 2008 - In the wake of financial turmoil in high income countries and amidst high food and energy prices, developing countries' growth is easing but is still robust.

Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River, South Africa: Photo by Pet_r (CC)

Private capital flows to emerging markets, which hit a record $1 trillion in 2007, are expected to drop to around $800 billion by 2009, which would still be the second highest level ever, says a new World Bank report.    » read more »

June 2, 2008 -- With the summer harvest season right around the corner, and roadside produce stands popping up at country intersections across the state, the end of spring is a mouthwatering time to think about Michigan agriculture.

When, after months of delays, Congress recently passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the Farm Bill, the season was appropriate. This critical legislation – which was passed over a presidential veto – will offer a boost to the Michigan farmers who sell their produce locally and who send Michigan-grown agriculture across the country. The bill will also crack down on speculators who are driving high energy prices, and offer much-needed support for conservation, biofuels and nutrition programs.    » read more »

Farmers in 35 counties to participate in Illinois WIC and Senior Farmers Market programs for locally grown fruits and vegetables

May 29, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that an additional nine counties will participate in the 2008 Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market programs.    » read more »