The summer wheat harvest is ongoing across Europe amid bleak production and price outlook for major exporters, Russia and Ukraine. In Ukraine, low export prices have exacerbated the situation and forced farmers to stockpile for a better day. Hence, shipments were just 1/3rd of their usual progress this time of the year by July 25, 2025. Weekly Black Sea’s deliveries were...
Municipal Philippines tames food prices in Iligan city
The municipal authorities of the populous city of Iligan in Northern Mindanao, south-east Philippines have reinstated normal food prices after early 2025 surges. According to the PIA News on July 31, 2025, prices of rice, fish and vegetables are undergoing suggested retail price (SRP) controls. Retail rice valuation dropped from a January-May 2025 peak of 59-60 pesos ($1.01-1.03) a kg, to 49...
The Brazil lobster industry anticipates staggering 50% tariffs
U.S.’ President Donald Trump on July 30, 2025 enforced 50% tariffs on 47.4% of imports from Brazil including lobster, effective August 6. In the executive order, some 43.4% of imports, inclusive of Embraer planes and orange juice, escaped tariffs. But it is bilateral seafood trade for key frozen commodities from sea bream to lobster that has attracted considerable interest. According to Cadu...
Coffee imports by Russia from Indonesia break records manifold
Coffee orders by Russia from Indonesia between January and May 2025 have eclipsed corresponding 2024 imports by 10 times. A July 30, 2025 report reveals that coffee shippers in Indonesia earned $33.4 million from dispatches to Russia in these five months. This is versus $3.4 million in a mirror timeline in 2024. Shipments from Russia’s third biggest traditional coffee origin occasionally break...
Heifer International links “listening to the voices of smallholder farmers” to food systems transformation
The nonprofit Heifer International on July 23, 2025 aired the voices of smallholders farmers towards a global food systems transformation. During which, farmer interviewees suggested solutions ahead of the UN Food Systems +4 Stocktaking Moment on July 27-29 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the actual summit, the UN Deputy-Secretary General Ms Amina J. Mohammed labeled transforming food systems “one of...
Sugar millers in Brazil toy with ethanol as prices stagnate
Ethanol is regaining clout in Brazil with sugar millers favoring it to counter stagnant international sugar rates, currently at US¢16-17 a pound. Helping along is the switch by the government of Brazil to the E30 ethanol blending standard, beginning August 1, 2025. This means engine fuel makers will have to use 30% ethanol for every 70% of petrol/gasoline blending share. Since...
Blueberries harvest rocks the Northwest and Northeast U.S.
Two opposite sides of the United States are recording impressive respective 2025 harvest seasons of conventional and wild blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). The wild blueberries crop in the Northeast is ripening while the cultivated one in the Pacific Northwest is courting early marketing stages. On the East Coast, Maine will kickstart its reaping proper with the annual Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend...
Ag consumption in China back on world map with new plan
China on July 27, 2025 unveiled a consumer-oriented consumption vision for Ag products, including quality fresh greens from sustainable sources. Regarding the plan, the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs intends to bridge consumer needs across many levels, Reuters reported. The ministry will achieve this goal through produce quality improvements, food safety emphasis and eco-friendliness. More poignantly, the government will meet “multi-level...
United States-European Union 15% tariffs agreement favors agriculture
A United States-European Union (EU) trade concession on July 27, 2025 lowered bilateral tariffs including agricultural, echoing a similar U.S.-Japan deal. Negotiations took place at the unlikely location of Turnberry golf pitch in post-Brexit Scotland. While vacationing in this personally-owned pitch, President Donald Trump welcomed the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. After an hour of discussions, the...
Mango prices in AP, India bow down to earth amidst glut
Mango farmers in Andhra Pradesh (AP) in southeast India are coping with uncompetitive prices due to a post-monsoon surplus and low procurement. According to the Hindustani Times on July 23, 2025, the Amaravati farmers’ consortium was blaming pulp industries for limiting purchases. The bestselling mango varietal Totapuri is currently in ample supply but is garnering only minimal industrial procurement. Regarding which, a successful 2024-25 production season...