05/09/2013: Grain loss in China; Alltech Global 500 held in Ireland; Japan imports feed wheat

A report compiled by the American Chemical Society (ACS) that looked at food waste in the People's Republic of China has concluded that approximately 19 out of every 100 pounds of grain produced in the country goes to waste. 

The report, which was published in Environmental Science & Technology identifies the problem of food waste with an estimated one-third to one-half of food produced worldwide lost or wasted from farm to fork. Estimates suggest that the United States wastes about 40 percent of food crops. According to estimates, China needs to feed 21 percent of the world's population, harvesting just 6 percent of the worlds water resources and 9 percent of arable land.

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For the fist time ever, Alltech’s Global 500 conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland. Taking place from 2nd - 3rd October 2013, dairy and beef producers from around the world will gather at the event to network, share experiences and discuss a profitability plan for 2014.

The conference offers a unique opportunity to get answers to questions and generate creative thinking with farmers from all over the world.

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According to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, the country will import 59,350 tonnes of feed-quality wheat, and 3,000 tonnes of barley for livestock use. These figures are the result of a simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) auction that closed earlier this week.

The ministry had sought 120,000 tonnes of feed wheat and 200,000 tonnes of feed barley in the tender. It is seeking the same amounts for each grain in a similar tender that will be held on September 11, 2013.
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English: A field of ripening barley, the Palouse, USA Deutsch: Gerstenfeld während der Abreifephase in der Palouse, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

14/11/12: Indian millers sanctioned; Carr's reports profits;

Hello,

• Thirty-two mills in India have been penalised for failing to meet the target for custom milled rice. The Food and Consumer Protection department has vowed to imposed strict sanctions against the offending mills. Read more...

• Carr's Milling Industries, UK has reported an increase in pre-tax profits of 30 percent for the 2012 fiscal year. The company made £13.1 million in 2012 compared to £10 million in the same period last year. Richard Inglewood, Chairman, said: "The challenge for Carr's after the strong period of financial performance experienced is how to build on it and grow further. We view 2013 with optimism, boosted by the likely benefits of the considerable investments we have made and are making across all three divisions." Read more...

English: Close up of fully mature long grain rice on stalk. Taken in the 2008/2009 harvest season in Bakan district, Pursat Province, Cambodia. Rice harvested three days later (and delicious). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)