Page 20 of articles about raw material

FAO forecast that 2012 world wheat production will be the second highest on record at 690 million tonnes.

Production is expected to reach 2 327 million tonnes – up 4.6 million tonnes from the last estimate in December.

The forecast of grain exports from Russia became increased to the level of 27 mln tonnes.

The European Parliament published last January 19 a Resolution on the farm input supply chain in which it calls on the Commission and Member States to improve the transparency of farm input prices.

The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 179 points, slightly down compared with November. The decline was mainly driven by pig meat, whose price dropped by 2.2 percent

The medium-term prospects for EU cereal markets are characterised by tight market conditions, low stock levels and prices remaining above long term averages.

A weakening of the highs of 2011 in the price of grain is anticipated, but is unlikely to reach the levels of 2008/09

In a new research project, scientists from Aarhus University and from universities in Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, among others, will develop organic feeding strategies for the European pig and poultry market based solely on organic products.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov suggested Kazakhstan returning to the idea of a tripartite Black Sea grain pool, involving Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia.

The Commission has launched a new webpage on Europa to provide regular information on the EU markets for cereals, oilseeds and rice.

According to first market report from the Agricultural Market Information System, which was established after June's G20 meeting of farm ministers, 2011/12 global cereal supply outlook has improved in recent weeks as production forecasts have been revised upwards.

The protection of consumers and industry against a possible dioxin contamination will soon improve significantly thanks to a Commission proposal.

China uses 105 million tons of corn a year for animal feed, with another 60 million to 70 million tons used in the processing sector for such products as starch, citric acid and ethanol.

According to the forecast of the Ministry of Agriculture, the general grain production in 2011 will reach the level of nearly 90 mln tonnes against 60.9 mln tonnes in 2010, and 97 mln tonnes in 2009.