Robert Kupstas

(USA 24.06.24) #peaches New Jersey growers getting the most out of their peaches [AG: The Call for an Australian Fresh Produce Data Platform - An Unmet Need] New Jersey is maximizing peach production, with yellow varieties dominating. Research on new varieties is funded by the state's Peach Council. Favourable climate results in a 60 million pound annual harvest. Despite cost and competition challenges, growers are exploring direct sales and on-farm marketing for growth. ----- [AG: As Australian growers, we are part of a vibrant, diverse and crucial industry of our economy - the fresh produce industry. We are proud of our work, producing high-quality fruits, vegetables and other crops that feed our nation. However, to continue thriving and growing, we need access to comprehensive, up-to-date market information. Internationally, there are several platforms providing this vital service. Agronometrics agronometrics.com, for example, offers a wealth of data on fresh produce markets, including pricing, volumes and trends. It's a trusted tool for growers, marketers and purchasers alike, providing a clear picture of the industry landscape. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a dedicated section for pricing and market data https://lnkd.in/emVHv6tJ , as well as a specific market news platform https://lnkd.in/d7xDDiuX These resources offer extensive, regularly updated information on a wide range of agricultural commodities. ProduceIQ produceiq.com is another excellent example. It's a platform that provides fresh produce industry insights, analysis and pricing information. It's a valuable tool for those involved in the industry, from growers and distributors to retailers and food service providers. These platforms are not just informative; they're freely accessible. They offer user-friendly interfaces and even smartphone applications, making it easy for anyone involved in the industry to stay informed, no matter where they are. So, the question arises: why doesn't Australia have a similar platform? Our fresh produce industry is dynamic and diverse, and it deserves an equally dynamic and diverse platform to support it. Such a platform would empower growers and other industry stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions. It would promote transparency, encourage competition and ultimately, lead to a stronger, more resilient industry. As Australian growers, we call upon our industry leaders and relevant government bodies to recognise this need. Let's work together to create a platform that serves our industry, supports our growers and strengthens our agricultural future.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gavGi7T6

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🚜🌰 Almond Market Update: Harvest is happening! The almond market is on a tightrope right now. Early harvests are showing a smaller crop and smaller sizes, so prices are doing a little dance upwards across almost all grades. 💸 Meanwhile, we’re seeing increased demand from the Middle East as buyers prepare for the upcoming winter season. ❄️ Curious about what’s next? Check out our full report for the scoop on these nutty trends! #AlmondMarket #AlmondReport #Namagro #BridgingtheBest

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Balance4ward (B4W) is a forward-thinking movement revolutionizing the traditional cattle industry. We’re committed to empowering mid-market cattlemen with the tools and insights they need to capitalize on opportunities and drive sustainable profitability. By shifting the focus from managing closeouts to proactively managing projections well in advance—18 months before a pen is empty—we help cattle feeders make data-driven decisions that set them up for success. Our goal is to provide a platform of services that enables cattle feeders to predict their financial outcomes with confidence, leading to more predictable profits and a more level playing field. B4W: The Cattle Projection Company.

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Israel supporting 'Aquaculture' with financial support Tel Aviv, Israel, July 31: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will support investments in "aquaculture" (the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants) in the amount of approximately 10 million Shekels (USD 2.65 million). The support will be given proportionally to the marketed ton, according to 5,500 Shekels (USD 1,462) The Ministry said the purpose of the support is to encourage investments in the aquaculture industry for breeders of fish such as bream, barramundi, bass, sea bass, mullet, and others. This, it explained, is being done to aid breeders following the lowering of tariffs on these types of fish by the government as part of a plan to reduce the cost of living in the country. Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Oren Lavi: "The management of the ministry sees great importance in promoting protein solutions for the population, including the development of food from water. These days, we are working to remove many barriers to the activity of this branch of all its types, while building a strategic plan, as part of the formulation of Israel's food security plan." The Ministry explained that the aquaculture industry is an important agricultural industry that it wants to strengthen. Today, fish production in artificial ponds (and fish cages in the sea, a method that is getting smaller and smaller) has become a large industry, which yields more produce than traditional fishing. Therefore, to continue to meet the demand for food from the sea, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security considers it appropriate to support and invest in the #aquaculture industry. In Israel, elementary fish farming started in the north in the early 50s for the production of common carp , the traditional species used for preparing Sabbath fish balls, or gefilte fish. In subsequent decades, large artificial ponds were built throughout the north, around the Sea of Galilee, and abutting the coastal areas, enabling farmers to expand their efforts and supply a large variety of fish for the Israeli palette. Today the country consumes some 70,000 metric tons of fish, 17,000 tons of which are produced by freshwater fish aquaculture, 3000 more via mariculture, but the rest — some 60% of the local demand — has to be imported. Most of Israel’s aquaculture still involves #tilapia (also known as St. Peter’s fish,Tilapia spp.) and #carp-family species for dining, but there is now an accent on high-profit ornamental carp varieties such as koi, goldfish (Carassius auratus) and other aquarium species. https://lnkd.in/d9eZpd6J #fishfarm #foodsecurity I Aquaculture Production Technology Ltd I AquaMaof Aquaculture Technologies Ltd. I Aquaculture Technologies I @BioFischency Limited I Aquatech Fisheries Ltd. I AGAM AQUACULTURE (The Trendlines Group)

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(USA 16.09.24) #growingproduce #agtech Top 50 Ag Tech and Food Tech Listings for 2024. SVG Ventures | THRIVE https://lnkd.in/gAWMn2BV has published its 2024 THRIVE Top 50 Ag Tech and Food Tech list, showcasing the world’s most innovative, venture-backed companies transforming the global agri-food value chain. Now in its seventh year, the report highlights significant shifts, with over half of the featured companies being new, emphasizing rapid innovation in ag tech and food tech. The Top 50 companies were selected for their leadership, cutting-edge technology, investment potential, and market impact. These organizations set the industry standard, covering sectors like Controlled Environment Agriculture, Animal Technology, On-Farm Automation, Novel Crop Inputs, and Agribusiness Platforms. SVG Ventures CEO John Hartnett praised these companies for their critical role in driving industry change. Meister Media Worldwide https://lnkd.in/gQzis_QS partnered as the official media sponsor for this year’s report. https://lnkd.in/gZEABmBJ

Great read, this is happening to many permanent crops. Especially in California. If you want to thrive in or survive markets like this think about: A) Looking to “niche down” and make your product much higher value-add (organic, specialty, niche marketplaces, etc) where prices and margins are higher B) Serving a niche or geographically isolated consumer market (the way we focus on TX wine grapes) 🍇 🍷 where margins are better due to local market conditions C) Getting your product closer to the consumer where margins get better (direct-to-consumer, direct-to-retailer, custom processing, etc)

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A recent industry study supported by members of The U.S. Sustainability Alliance 's shows that the U.S. agriculture sector’s impact on the American economy has grown 12% in the last year. Farmers are creating more jobs, earning higher wages and adding trillions in value to the economy. $181 billion of that is from exports. This fact says a lot, but more than anything it says U.S. agriculture is strong and growing stronger. Ag exports are essential to economic strength at home and abroad, and supporting ag means supporting a prosperous future for the United States and the world economy.

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This video from the lifesaving group which U.S. farmers fund — WISHH (The World Initiative for Soy in Human Health) — deserves everyone’s support. The video gives good reasons why the U.S. soybean industry should lead the world in reversing decades of protein declines. Farmers are losing revenue to declining protein. Rainforest and grassland losses are increasing. Natural feed is being replaced by synthetics, which increases livestock emissions. More bushels are required to produce the same amount of protein. The consequences of declining soy protein are not climate smart, regenerative, or sustainable. They are lethal. Let’s fix hundreds of millions of food system acres around the world — starting with the seed and the feed. Proactivism.com has more information. Hungry people say, “Hurry!”

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(USA 31.07.24) #tablegrapes Shifting Trends in California’s Table Grape Industry [AG: The Call for comprehensive, up-to-date fresh produce production & market information - An Unmet Need] California's table grape industry is experiencing shifting trends, with production volumes declining since 2018 due to labor shortages, water scarcity and increased competition. Despite this, average prices have risen, particularly for organic grapes. The industry is adapting by focusing on higher-value varieties and exploring new markets to maintain profitability. ----- [AG: Australian fresh produce growers and the fresh produce industry lack a national dedicated platform for freely available up-to-date production and market information, unlike international counterparts. Platforms like Agronometrics www.agronometrics.com, USDA https://lnkd.in/d7xDDiuX, ProduceIQ www.produceiq.com and Growing Produce www.growingproduce.com (just to name a few) provide comprehensive and freely available data on production, market trends, pricing and volumes, which are crucial for informed decision-making. These platforms are accessible and user-friendly, enabling stakeholders to stay informed anywhere. Australia's fresh produce industry is dynamic and deserves a similar national platform to support its growth. Such a platform would enhance transparency, encourage competition and strengthen the industry. We urge industry leaders and government bodies to recognize this need and collaborate to create a platform that empowers our growers and secures our agricultural future. ----- https://lnkd.in/ggtiiTwS

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USAID provides $2 mln to Suziria Group to launch wet pet food production The USAID Investments for Business Resilience Activity has provided $2 million to one of the leaders of the Ukrainian pet products market, Suziria Group. The group will additionally invest $4.5 million through loans from Ukrainian banks and its resources to increase its production capacity, according to a press release from the donor organization. "The grant funding is provided as part of the project's support for Ukrainian enterprises affected by the war. The funds will enable Suziria Group to launch its production of wet pet food in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where it relocated its grain feed production after missile strikes in Kharkiv and began producing meat treats for dogs and cats. At the same time, part of the production facilities in Kharkiv continues to operate," USAID said. With the launch of the new wet pet food production line, Suziria Group will be able to increase its production capacity, create 130 new jobs, and significantly reduce production costs. The company plans to use the increased production to expand its market share and strengthen cooperation with Ukrainian raw material suppliers and key retail chains for which it will produce wet pet food under their brands. "The armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine and the devaluation of the national currency negatively impacted the company's operations. All this prompted us to rethink our business model and focus on developing our production capacities in the west of the country," said Suziria Group co-owner Polina Kosharna. "Despite constant shelling of Kharkiv and the loss of some stores in temporarily occupied territories, Suziria Group has not stopped but continues to develop, adapting to new realities. The launch of modern production, the creation of additional jobs, and the potential entry into new foreign markets will contribute to Ukraine's economic recovery and GDP growth, benefiting both the company and the country as a whole," said Yulia Vitka, Deputy Project Leader of the USAID Investments for Business Resilience Activity. Currently, Suziria Group's wet pet food is produced at partner facilities in EU countries. The development of its production will allow it to gradually abandon the import of this product category and expand its sales geography. In three years, Suziria Group plans to begin exporting #wetpetfood to the European market, the donor organization explained. Suziria Group is a Ukrainian family group of companies that has been developing the pet products market for over 30 years. It includes companies Suziria Brands, Suziria Distribution, the MasterZoo pet store chain with 190 stores, and a network of grooming salons. The company operates throughout Ukraine and beyond, exporting its products under the brands Savory, Half&Half, Special One, Pet Fashion, Buddy Boo, Priroda, and Puramur. https://lnkd.in/djhD4VjE #petfood #dogfood #catfood

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Danish Crown acknowledges ‘negative spiral’ of pig supply and financial performace ‘crisis’ for owners Global meat industry giant Danish Crown has acknowledged it is in a ‘negative spiral’ with its supply of pig and in ‘crisis’ in terms of its financial performance. In a brutally honest assessment of its annual report, Niels Duedahl, who assumed the role of Group CEO at Danish Crown on September 1, said: “The quotation we pay to our owners has not matched our Danish competitors nor has it been close to the European benchmark in the past year. “Although the key figures in our report show that we are financially robust, Danish Crown is in a crisis when you look at our relative performance. “Right now, we are facing a further decrease in the supply of pigs of about 5% in this fiscal year. It is a negative spiral, so we are putting all our efforts into restoring our competitiveness.” The report shows that the payments received for pig deliveries during the year by the cooperatives pig producing owners were up to DKK 3/kg (33p/kg) lower than the EU index against which Danish Crown measures itself. The company’s latest financial year (October 23 to September 24) saw the closure of its large Ringsted abattoir, as part of a ‘massive’ savings and efficiency plan. Since the end of the fiscal year, Danish Crown has carried out a round of job cuts, reducing the number of salaried employees in the core business by 500. Together with other savings and efficiency measures, it said this should reduce total costs by at least DKK 500 (£55m). https://lnkd.in/dexnni-U #pork #meatindustry

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