Meeting of the International Grains Council - January 2024

January 25, 2024 - At the invitation of the US government, members of the International Grains Council (IGC) convened for the 59th Council Session on 24 January 2024 at the Roosevelt New Orleans hotel. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anita Katial, USDA's Agricultural Counsellor for the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, US Embassy London. The IGC Grains Forum 2024, 'Biofuels market outlook and grains market development' was held in advance of the Session.

At the Forum, which was officially opened by Dr Mike Strain, Commissioner, Louisiana, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, government and private sector participants assessed the outlook for global biofuels sectors. Among a series of presentations, the IGC Secretariat delivered outlooks for world ethanol and biodiesel sectors, highlighting scenarios for production and trade, together with associated implications for grains, oilseeds and key raw materials markets. An overview of work undertaken by the IGC on modelling ethanol and biodiesel was also provided.

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The Secretariat presented supply and demand forecasts and market developments for grains, rice and oilseeds in 2023/24, as well as tentative projections for selected commodities in 2024/25.

Aggregate grains production was seen totalling a record 2307m t in 2023/24, with the two percent y/y increase tied mainly to a solid rebound in maize output. Consumption is expected to climb by two percent y/y, to 2314m t, with feed, food and industrial uptake seen at fresh peaks. Global inventories may contract to 590m (minus one percent), a seventh successive drawdown. Including smaller wheat, maize and barley shipments, cumulative word trade is forecast to retreat by three percent y/y, to 415m t.

Amid lower prices and less than ideal sowing weather in some countries, the Council noted that global wheat harvested area was predicted to drop by one percent in 2024/25. While rapeseed/canola plantings were likely to contract, they would remain well above average. 

Tied to prospects for a rebound in Argentina, global soybean production in 2023/24 was seen at a record of 392m t, a six percent y/y gain. Also linked to gains in Argentina, consumption was pegged at a peak, while aggregate inventories were set to climb for a second successive year, including accumulation in key exporters. After the prior year's solid expansion, world trade was predicted to retreat by two percent y/y, to 168m t, as China and Argentina likely buy less, with Brazilian exports also forecast to decline.

On the basis of reduced yield potential in Asian growers, outweighing gains elsewhere, global rice output in 2023/24 was predicted to decline by one percent y/y, to 511m t. As a consequence, a softening of demand was anticipated, while stocks were set to tighten, including in key exporters. Trade was projected to contract by two percent in 2024, most on weaker buying interest from Asian importers, including Indonesia. India was seen as the world's biggest exporter despite another sizeable fall in shipments.

The Secretariat updated members on developments about its ongoing programme of work including its work on the expansion of its coverage and monitoring of real-time shipping data for wheat, maize, barley, soybeans and rice. The additional layer of information would provide members with specialist data to assess logistics and infrastructural challenges.

Concering administrative issues, the council agreed to consider the Republic of Senegal's application to join the Grains Trade Convention. Members were also informed of the latest partnership agreement with the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) to exchange information on rice market developments. 

The Council received statements from the WTO and IGTC on recent developments affecting grains trade.

On 23 January 2024, delegates also participated in a field trip to the Port of New Orleans organised by the North American Export Grains Association (NAEGA). The visit underscored the importance of these facilities in ensuring sustained flows of agricultural commodities to global markets, while also highlighting investments by a range of global agribusiness companies.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

2024 provides best conditions for soybean cultivation in Europe

January 25, 2024 - The first Donau Soja Market Report in 2024 predicts that the soybean cultivation area in Europe could increase by up to 10 percent this year to 5.6 million hectares. There are numerous drivers, such as the relatively high prices for soya, the increasing demand for plant proteins or policy incentives within the EU. 

Soya already experienced a record harvest in Europe in 2023, with an increase of almost 24 percent to 12.2 million tonnes compared to the previous year. In the EU alone, three million tonnes of soya were harvested in 2023, 740,000 tonnes more than in 2022, which is an increase of a third on the previous year. This trend is likely to continue in 2024 - subject to this year's weather conditions. “The upward trend and the favourable forecast is a great opportunity for the food industry to switch to certified regional soya from Europe. The advantage for producers and consumers is that it is GMO-free and guarantees that certified European soya is deforestation-free and therefore also meets the criteria of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)”, says Donau Soja President Matthias Krön.

GMO-free soya comes mainly from Europe

The soya harvest began in Brazil in mid-January. In recent months, prices for GMO-free soya have been relatively low compared to genetically modified soya from Brazil. AS a result, demand from conventionally producing companies for GMO-free soya was higher and companies that process GMO-free soya felt a shortage in the market.

The supply of GMO-free soya in the EU shows some seasonal trend. Until April, demand can be met with GMO-free soya from the EU, Serbia and Ukraine. From May onwards, more GMO-free soya from the last harvest in Brazil will be used. However, Brazil as a whole produces less GMO-free soya than the EU. For 2024, the Brazilian GMO-free production is estimated at only around two to a maximum of 2.5 million tonnes. A total of more than 150 million tonnes of soya are produced in Brazil. The overwhelming majority of the Brazilian harvest is still genetically engineered soya.

Donau Soja is a pioneer against deforestation and for CO2 reduction

In the future, it will be important for the food industry that supply chains for soya meet the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These should be completely deforestation-free from farm to fork. This regulation will come into force at the end of December 2024. The final. criteria are currently being defined. The strict standards of Donau Soja/Europe Soya already meet the criteria of the EU Deforestation Regulation as far as they are known until now. Compared to Brazilian soya, the Donau Soja and Europe Soya certification achieve a reduction of up to 90 percent CO2, compared to non-certified soya from Europe a reduction of around 40 percent CO2.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Upgrade of Evonik's MetAMINO production in Singapore reaches first milestone

January 25, 2024 - Evonik's MetAMINO production facility upgrade at its Singapore site is progressing on schedule. After a three-month shutdown in the fourth quarter of 2023, MetAMINO production on Jurong Island is again running at full capacity. A shutdown of the second MetAMINO production plant will be necessary in Q2/2024.

The modification is part of the implementation of Evonik's methionine asset strategy to safeguard long-term sustainable global supply security based on its best-in-class production hubs in three parts of the world: Singapore, Mobile (Alabama, USA), and Antwerp (Belgium).

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"As the global methionine provider, we are able to offer our customers worldwide supply security. Beyond that, we constantly seek to raise the sustainability of our production plants," says Dr Dirk Hoehler, head of the Essential Nutrition business at Evonik's Animal Nutrition business line. For the ongoing upgrade in Singapore, another shutdown of one plant is needed in the second quarter since the necessary measures cannot be carried out during day-to-day operations.

The upgrade will improve the efficiency of the facility's processes and reduce the product carbon footprint of MetAMINO from the plants in Singapore by six percent (Scope 1+2+3).

The reduction of the carbon footprint results from several modifications: the use of green hydrogen, an intensive energy integration and an innovative solution for improved circularity that recovers MetAMINO and raw materials. The further reduction of the carbon footprint of MetAMINO from Singapore also helps Evonik's customers and partners along the food value chain reach their sustainability goals. Evonik has verified science-based targets to reduce emissions in line with a well-below 2ºC warming pathway, and a long-term intention to raise its ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

MetAMINO is used in livestock production to feed animals healthily, efficiently and sustainably. With its science-based approach, the Animal Nutrition business line of Evonik develops products, services and system solutions that help supply a growing world population with healthy, high-quality and affordable animal protein. Animal Nutrition is part of Evonik's Nutrition & Care division and contributes significantly to the profitable growth of Nutrition & Care through its self-financing power.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

JBT make proposal to takeover Marel

January 24, 2024 - Marel announced recently that it has received a third proposal from John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT) to acquire all issued and outstanding shares in Marel and stating an intention to merge the companies by launching a voluntary takeover offer in the first quarter of 2024.

This third proposal followed two previously announced proposals from JBT, the first proposal on November 24 and a revised proposal on December 12 in 2023 which the Marel Board reviewed with due care and process. Following positive discussions, the Board has carefully considered the revised Proposal both on price and its commitments to wider stakeholders and acknowledges the merits of the combination. The Board has decided to engage with JBT to further the discussions and the companies will henceforth enter into reciprocal confirmatory due diligence.

Arnar Thor Masson, Chairman of Marel, commented:

"Following a period of constructive discussions, we have received a revised proposal from JBT to enter into a merger with Marel. The board has carefully assessed the proposal and, whilst it continues to believe in Marel's standalone strategy, considers that there is compelling logic in combination for Marel's shareholders and its stakeholders. The proposed terms are attractive and offer an opportunity for the shareholders of Marel to participate in future value creation. Therefore, the Board supports working with JBT on confirmatory due diligence and the finalisation of its formal offer for Marel on these terms."

Terms of the Proposal

The Proposal sets out the following key terms and conditions, which are contingent on a favourable recommendation from the Marel Board of Directors.

• Proposed valuation/consideration: In the proposal, JBT proposes a valuation of EUR 3.60 per Marel share for 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Marel. 
• Consideration Mix: The Proposal notes that Marel shareholders would have the flexibility to elect to receive, in exchange for each Marel share, one of the following:
• EUR 3.60 in cash.
• 0.0265 JBT shares and EUR 1.26 in cash.
• 0.0407 JBT shares.

The Proposal adds that elections will be subject to proration such that the offer achieves a weighted average mix of approximately 65 percent JBT stock and approximately 35 percent in cash, which would result in Marel shareholders owning approximately 38 percent of the combined company. 

• Commitment to Marel's heritage: The proposal notes a long-term commitment to a significant Icelandic presence and to preserving Marel's heritage, expressed in the following ways:
• The combined company would be named JBT Marel Corporation.
• The combined company would have a secondary listing of its shares on Nasdaq Iceland with the main listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
• The combined company would maintain the Marel brand presence in the commercial marketplace.
• The combined company would operate their European headquarters and a technology centre of excellence in Gardabaer, Iceland and maintain a corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
• There would be proportional representation on the combined company's board for Marel shareholders based on pro forma ownership in the combined company.

• Conditions: The Proposal notes that the voluntary takeover bid would be subject to a favourable recommendation from the Board of Directors of Marel, acceptable confirmatory due diligence, customary regulatory approvals, valid acceptance of the offer from Marel shareholders representing a minimum of 90 percent of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights (on a fully diluted basis) of Marel, final approval by the Board of Directors of JBT and JBT shareholder vote.
• Timeline: The Proposal states that JBT intends to launch the takeover bid in the first quarter of 2024 which would include the full details of the offer including terms and conditions. Details of the offer would be contained in an offer document to be sent to all eligible shareholders in Marel following review and approval by the Icelandic FSA. Assuming this is successful, the transaction is expected to close during the second half of the year.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

EuroTier 2024 guiding theme 'We innovate animal farming'

January 24, 2024 - 'We innovate animal farming' is the guiding theme of this year's EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management, 12-15 November, 2024, held in Hanover, Germany. Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), EuroTier will once again be the central venue for international farmers, contractors, distributors and other experts from science and practice. Exhibiting companies will present a comprehensive overview of innovations, solutions and established standards for cattle, pig and poultry farming.

Information on sheep and goats, boarding horses, aquaculture, alternative proteins and direct farm sales round off the exhibition and technical program. The international poultry industry will be joining the World Poultry Show, once again held at EuroTier. EnergyDecentral, the international trade fair for decentralised power generation and agricultural energy, and the In-house Farming Feed & Food Show, DLG's new platform for self-contained agricultural and food systems of the future, we will be held parallel to the world's leading trade fair.

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Current social and political demands, greater concern both for the environment and for the welfare of animal pose challenges for the future of livestock farming throughout the world. EuroTier will show that these challenges can best be met by the livestock industry which provides new technological solutions and modern equipment designed to further the sustainable development of this high-growth sector of the economy.

"Under the guiding theme 'We innovate animal farming', exhibitors at EuroTier 2024 will present a variety of ways in which new and innovative approaches and strategies can be used to improve efficiency, sustainability and ethical standards of animal husbandry," says Ines Rathke, Project Manager of EuroTier, describing the central importance of EuroTier for international livestock farming.

Innovation platform for the global livestock industry

As the innovation platform for the global livestock sector, the EuroTier trade fair offers a complete overview of innovations and established standards, including technical solutions for cattle, pig and poultry farming. The EuroTier trade fair portfolio covers products and services for the entire value chain for the production of animal-based foodstuffs, including complete husbandry systems, genetics, feed, climate and environmental technology, milking and cooling technology, manure removal, transportation, operating resources, accessories, processing, distribution and marketing for agricultural production.

International technical program addresses topics of the industry

Under the guiding theme 'We innovate animal farming', the DLG, together with international partners, will present a high-quality technical program with several hundred events, including conferences, on the current focus topics of the livestock sector:

• EuroTier events like the 'TopTierTreff' (English: 'Top animal venue') where international dairy and beef breeding organisations present live animals.
• Autonomous and automatic systems play an increasing role in the sector. The 'Barn-Robot Event' presenting feed pusher robots for cattle housing.
• Interactive events will take place on the dedicated 'Expert Stages' featuring talks on topics and strategies across poultry, cattle, pig, horse, decontrol energy as well as agriculture and food systems.
• In the new 'AI in the poultry house spotlight', exhibitors will present innovative solutions for improving animal welfare, animal health, performance and energy efficiency in poultry production.
• A new spotlight in the pig sector focuses on the 'curly tail' and presents industry solutions as well as best practice examples from a range of countries.
• The cross-species spotlight 'On-farm slaughter' presents novel mobile slaughter units that entire slaughter to take place on the farm.
• The conference program, the International Cattle & Pig Event, the International Poultry Conference, the associated Poultry Event and the Animal Health Event offer a mix of international keynote speeches, round tables, award ceremonies and subsequent get-togethers.
• The 'agrifood start-ups' area presents innovative industry solutions from startup companies and is also networking area attracting investors.
• The DLG Prototype Club, teams of software engineers solve technical challenges set by exhibitors and present their prototypes.

World Poultry Show returns to EuroTier 2024

Conferences and events within the World Poultry Show offer international poultry professionals a wide range of opportunities for networking and professional exchange and information.

The main topics will be animal welfare and the CO2 footprint in poultry. The theme spotlight Artificial Intelligence 'AI in the poultry house' will present solutions for poultry housing. The Expert Stage 'Poultry' will provide information on current developments and innovations in the areas of poultry farming, animal health, feeding, management and marketing. The International Poultry Conference and the International Poultry Event round off the information and networking program.

Expanded exhibition offering for systems and components

For the first time at EuroTier, suppliers of livestock equipment will benefit from a dedicated exhibition area at EuroTier and will present their products to manufacturers of animal husbandry machinery. Named 'Supplier industry - powered by Systems & Components', the area is aimed at engineers, buyers ad system integration specialists offering feeding technology, milking systems, transport wagons, presses and mixing and dosing systems. EuroTier exhibitors can find suitable development partners in this new area. The area is a central venue for innovative solutions in the production of animal husbandry technology and is a further building block at the trade fair to represent the entire value chain in the animal husbandry industry.

Optimal complement: EnergyDecentral and Inhouse Farming

The EnergyDecentral trade fair and Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food show, a premiere, takes place in Hanover in parallel to EuroTier. Already recognised as the leading platform for decentralised energy supply, EnergyDecentral covers the entire value chain of sustainable energy production: Resource, energy generation and smart energy. The Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food Show will be the global B2B venue for self-contained agricultural and food systems of the future. Closely networked with agricultural practice, inhouse Farming offers practical solutions, specialist information, perspectives, innovations and business - from feed to food.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

The Fike DFI Explosion Isolation Flap Valve is now available

January 19, 2024 - Fike Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of explosion protection solutions, has announced its explosion isolation flap valve, Fike DFI, is now available in stainless steel assemblies for sizes 4 inches to 32 inches.

40" DFI and 32" Stainless DFI

Fike has also expanded its sizes of DFI up to 40 inches to meet the needs of larger dust collectors or other industrial applications that horizontally convey organic dust. The latest stainless-steel execution is safe for use within food production and chemical plants to protect against rust, paint or other contaminants from entering the products.

DFI includes two flaps on a vertical centre-bar hinge which are held open by normal process flow. When a deflagration occurs, the pressure reverses the flow and quickly closes the lightweight flaps into a locked position strong enough to contain the pressure and flames and protect upstream equipment. DFI is considered a 'passive' explosion isolation valve because it is activated by the pressure itself and not activated with electronics.

"Because it is designed for installation in both vertical and horizontal orientations, protects against a wide range of combustible dust hazards, and is now available in stainless steel, Fike DFI is suitable for most industrial applications when passive isolation explosion protection is achievable," said Jim Vingerhoets, Fike Global Product Manager, Explosion Protection.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Indo Livestock 2024 Expo & Forum: welcoming the 17th international exhibition and forum

January 19, 2024 - Indo Livestock, the leading international livestock industry exhibition and forum in Indonesia, is proud to announce its 17th Indo Livestock 2024 Expo & Forum, which will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), 17-19 July 2024. The exhibition and forum will become an important platform for livestock industry players to share knowledge, the latest technology and business opportunities.

Incorporating with Indo Dairy, Indo Feed, Indo Agrotech, Indo Vet, dan Indo Fisheries 2024 Expo & Forum, this international exhibition will highlight the latest developments in livestock, agriculture, animal feed, dairy processing, animal health, veterinary equipment, fish farmers, fish feed, fishing equipment, aquaculture industries, seafood and food precessing and cold storage.

Exciting Progress

Four months before the exhibition starts, the participation numbers continue to increase and almost all exhibition areas are filled. This reflects the high demands of all related industries, who need to expand their marketing reach globally, build networks and business opportunities, increase insight for human resources regarding product development and innovation, and explore export opportunities to destination countries through Indo Livestock 2024 Expo & Forum.

Why should you join?

In 2024, Indo Livestock will present many potential programs and various industries participating. With a total of 700 participants from 50 countries, 10 country pavilions and 18,000 visitors are targeted at this year's exhibition. Continuing the previous success, Indo Livestock brought back SDTI (Susu, Daging, Telur, Ikan) Socialisation to accelerate balanced nutrition through the consumption of animal protein and the importance of balanced nutrition for living a healthy lifestyle. This activity also invites the government, both central and regional, as well as professionals, society and the media in one place.

Meet their team at Swiss Expo

As organiser of Indo Livestock 2024 Expo & Forum, they are promoting this activity at Swiss Expo 2024 on 17-20 January 2024. Contact agnes@napindo.com to discuss participation.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.