Page 305 of articles about markets-economics

Pig producers in Belgium continue to send out alarm signals as they feel they continue to be underpaid for their pigs by large retailers.

In the first half of the year, the declining performance of certain pork export markets was largely offset by gains in the two leading destinations for U.S. pork (Mexico by volume, Japan in terms of value). While Mexico and Japan continue to perform above their record pace of 2008, the gains achieved in these markets are no longer sufficient to overcome the decline in exports to China and Russia, which are at least partially the result of market access restrictions.

Between January and March the number of sacrificed pigs has fallen by 1%. Exportations of pig meat have also suffered a decrease in the first seven months of this year with a 5.9% fall compared to 2008, due in a large part to a fall in purchases from Russia and several other Asian countries.

According to a financial analysis prepared by Danish Agriculture and Food Council the prospects are that pig producers will have decreasing costs during 2010.

U.S. Senate and House members have requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide assistance to U.S. pork producers to help them out of an economic crisis they’ve faced for two years.

Canada’s government launched a World Trade Organization (W.T.O.) dispute settlement process Oct. 7 over U.S. mandatory country-of-origin labeling (C.O.O.L.).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced Wednesday that the loan limit for its Guaranteed Loan Program has been increased to $1.112 million, effective Oct. 1.

LEI Wageningen UR has taken part in a European research project in order to ascertain what this means for agricultural incomes within the European Union. It appears that income fluctuations are increasing over time.

An important market for pork has been re-opened following lengthy negotiations. South Korea used to be a valuable export market which was closed following the last outbreak of foot and mouth, in 2007.

Danish Agriculture and Farming Council expect a pig quote of € 1.2 during the fourth quarter of 2009 and of € 1.67 during the first quarter of 2010.

Canadian pork producers can start applying for government-backed loans. Starting Monday, October 5, 2009, many financial institutions, including Farm Credit Canada, will be ready to work with pork producers to develop long-term business plans and deliver government-backed loans.