* Tainan residents protest relaxed beef imports in Taipei Nov 11, 2009
If a case of the disease were discovered, it would deal a significant blow to the agricultural sector, he said. Criticizing the Presidential Office as the main culprit in the controversy, Huang Ching-lin said he doubted whether Ma made the concession in exchange for Washingtons -agreement to keep quiet about his green card status. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
What climate change looks like on the front lines Nov 11, 2009
Changes in rain patterns don't make for exciting headlines but they disrupt the agricultural sector in a country that prides itself as being the "Spice Isle" for its production of exotic spices like nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. But more than the slight change in precipitation is the repeated onslaught of powerful hurricanes that concerns David. (Xinhuanet, China)
PM: Advance with technology Nov 11, 2009
Malaysia, he said, had done well in the past by growing an industrial base while expanding its agricultural sector and nurturing a strong oil and gas industry. But our prior focus on attracting foreign investment as a low-cost producer has now created a dilemma, as we are not keeping pace with global leaders and remain somewhat underdeveloped in this respect, he said in his opening remarks at the launch of the 12th International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting at the Putrajaya International... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
U.S. Peace Corps to Bring New Focus to Food Security Nov 11, 2009
I want to see us having a broad, expanded role in food security, especially because in Africa women play an instrumental role in the agricultural sector. I want to see us reach out to women who are involved in agriculture. (allAfrica.com)
4th Ministerial Conference of FOCAC concludes in Egypt Nov 10, 2009
The representative of South Africa said that the Millennium Development Goals could only be implemented through cooperation between South-South and work on strengthening the agricultural sector to achieve food security and fight poverty. The FOCAC, a collective consultation and dialogue mechanism between China and African countries launched in 2000, is the first of its kind in the history of Sino-African relationship, which is a major and future-oriented move taken by the two sides in the... (Xinhuanet, China)
GDP data to be released for states Nov 10, 2009
Sabah and Sarawak led in the agricultural sector while manufacturing was centred in Selangor, Penang and Johor, which together contributed 56. 4% of total value-added at national level. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Agriculture: Nerpo calls for budget review Nov 10, 2009
It urged Gordhan to "acutely review his budget allocation for the agricultural sector". - Sapa. (Business Report, South Africa)
Come write to me personally your complaints, suggestions or praises, invites PM Najib Nov 10, 2009
The Prime Minister also said, Malaysia has done very well in the past by growing an industrial base while expanding the agricultural sector. At the same time he said, the country had also nurtured a strong oil and gas industry. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Nigeria: Central Bank Will Rid Banks of Criminals, Says Governor Nov 9, 2009
Sanusi noted that the growth has come mainly from the agricultural sector and trading. "The economy has not noticed the lack of lending from banks," he said. (allAfrica.com)
Nerpo wants beefy budget Nov 9, 2009
It urged Gordhan to "acutely review his budget allocation for the agricultural sector". Nerpo managing director Aggrey Mahanajana said the cut went against the Maputo declaration of 2004 "in which all Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries committed themselves to ensuring that the agriculture and food security budget progressively increases to 10 percent of the national budget between 2004 and 2010". (iAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Five Shot As Dispute Over Farm Turns Bloody Nov 6, 2009
A total of 12 farmers and 34 workers have been convicted to date, heightening insecurity in the agricultural sector countrywide. He said due to the ongoing violations of commercial farmers and their workers, prosecution threats and lack of security of tenure, the majority of commercial farmers will not be able to plant crops this season. (allAfrica.com)
Afghan resources Nov 6, 2009
He also says there is huge potential in the agricultural sector, which currently accounts for 80% of gross domestic product - despite only 12% of the country being arable. Steps have been taken to encourage poppy growers, which account for most of the world's heroin supply, to switch to legitimate crops. (BBC News -- Business)
Market-driven workshop on agriculture ends in Sunyani Nov 6, 2009
She expressed grief over the numerous problems plaguing the agricultural sector notwithstanding government's efforts and commitments to boost food production. These include lack of modern agricultural infrastructure like storage and processing facilities and access to credit, low level of technical-know how exhibited by farmers and their inability to produce to meet specific international market demands. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Survey: Wisconsin Home to 180 Dairy Goat Herds Nov 6, 2009
He added that it is not a typical Wisconsin agricultural sector. Comments. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Zimbabwe: Six Tonnes Fake Seed Seized Nov 4, 2009
"Buying fake seed will affect the agricultural sector in that yields will be compromised at the end of the day," said Chief Supt Mandipaka. He said the busy Mbare Musika was most likely to prove popular with sellers of fake seed. (allAfrica.com)
ETS won't destroy agriculture: ABARE Nov 4, 2009
Ms Tulloh said the federal government was expected to decide whether the agricultural sector would be included in the scheme in 2013, which could see the sector competing to purchase carbon emissions permits as early as 2015. Agriculture was the second-largest emitting sector in Australia, she told the ABARE regional outlook conference in Darwin on Wednesday. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Southern Africa: Regional Summit Called on Zimbabwe Nov 3, 2009
The ones denied inputs by Biti when he procrastinated on the USD210 million that was earmarked for the agricultural sector. What will result in a "poor agriculture season" this year is the sabotage done by MDC-T of denying farmers the necessary. (allAfrica.com)
Zambia: Fuel Prices Hangs in the Balance [editorial] Nov 3, 2009
Fuel drives the engines of the economy and already, the Zambia National Farmers Union has warned that if the shortage persists, the agricultural sector will be affected as farmers depend on diesel to operate their machinery like tractors. There are other sectors like the manufacturing and transport sectors whose operations risk grinding to a halt if the current shortage continues. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Food for Thought on Food Security [guest column] Nov 3, 2009
Investments in the agricultural sector also contribute to overall economic growth by increasing efficiency in the marketing chain - reducing the share of poor people s income spent on food, and enabling them to purchase other goods and services, like education, health care, and housing ... If Africa s chronic food crises are to be addressed, then the agricultural sector must be transformed. (allAfrica.com)
Syrian bonusesbring little change Nov 3, 2009
Government officials continue to blame economic difficulties on external factors, like the international financial crisis and drought that has severely affected the agricultural sector. Some observers point the finger at the rapid shift from a state-run economy to a more market-oriented one, but say that remedies to these economic woes would not be difficult to implement. (Asia Times Online)
Bangladesh—2009 Article IV Consultation: Preliminary Conclusions of the IMF Mission Oct 31, 2009
The strong performance of the agricultural sector in FY09 will also be hard to exceed substantially. The ample availability of liquidity is likely to help drive up inflation throughout FY2010, possibly to double digits by the summer. (IMF News)
Lack of finance hindering agricultural development in Africa Oct 30, 2009
Mr George Essegbey, Director of Science and Technology Policy and Research Institute, Ghana, who undertook the research on innovative systems in agriculture in Ghana, said lack of finance in the agricultural sector in terms of funding innovations was a problem ... Mr Philip Abayori, President of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, and a participant, stressed the need for financing in the agricultural sector. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Sierra Leone: New Agriculture Plan Sprouts Oct 30, 2009
com: Sierra Leone: New Agriculture Plan Sprouts (Page 1 of 1). New Agriculture Plan Sprouts. (allAfrica.com)
Tanzania: Farmers to Receive Help to Expand Access to Markets Oct 29, 2009
The nearly $3 million project, funded by Germany, aims to help the African nation's agricultural sector shift from subsistence to commercial farming. Most of Tanzania's farmers are traditional smallholders and will receive technical assistance in farm management and marketing and will be encouraged to join producers' groups. (allAfrica.com)
Central Valley near the bottom for income Oct 29, 2009
We know that educational outcomes, as well as the region s agricultural sector, are closely tied to our economy here in the Central Valley. The Central Valley s agriculture production led by Fresno and Tulare counties tops $20 billion-plus per year, from table grapes in Kern County to the rice fields in Yolo County. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Staff Mission to Zambia Oct 29, 2009
Mining and agriculture have shown strong gains in output; nonetheless, there have been job losses in mining and some financial difficulties in the agricultural sector. Inflation is moderating, assisted by a softening of food prices and a limited reversal of the earlier depreciation of the Kwacha; the revised inflation target of 12 percent by end-2009 is well within reach. (IMF News)
* Bayer confirms year forecast despite sharp quarterly drop Oct 28, 2009
The weakest results were turned in by the CropScience division, which produces fertilizers and other products for the agricultural sector and which had helped support the groups overall earnings until this quarter. SALES. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Work on Accra Plains Irrigation Project to begin Oct 28, 2009
Participants at the two-day conference will map up strategies for the development and growth of the agricultural sector in line with medium term plans for the next six years designed to take the country into self sustained growth. The conference will also culminate in the signing of the country-led Ghana Compact by development partners, to support the country's agricultural development. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lawmakers Have a $5.3 Billion Question on Their Minds (3) Oct 25, 2009
By having farmers from every major farm group and commodity in the state taking part, our legislative leaders have no doubt about the needs and opportunities for a growing agricultural sector in Wisconsin. Ag Day at the Capitol traditionally draws the largest numbers of farmers from across the state. (Agri-View, WI)
Here are the 2009-10 Legislative Leaders (2) Oct 25, 2009
The benefits of these projects not only help meet our need for more energy security and renewable fuels, they provide a direct economic stimulus to our state s agricultural sector and help our rural communities stay strong. Fuels grown in Wisconsin can be a sustainable source of energy and should be a part of future electric generation plans. (Agri-View, WI)
We are in govt to improve the people's standard of living- Mills Oct 25, 2009
Vice President John Dramani Mahama underscored the need to support Ghana's agricultural sector, expressing worry that agriculture had not been given the need attention in the past despite its contribution to national development. Agriculture employs about 60 per cent of Ghana's labour force and the mainstay of her economy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Interview: Kenya's economy on recovery path Oct 24, 2009
The fund manager says enhanced credit extension by banks, a recovery of the agricultural sector and easing of the inflation will fuel the country's economic growth. Senior Investment Manager Edward Gitahi says the positive growth for 2009 further reflects the resilience of the economy that has weather the severe shocks of the post-election crisis, adverse weather and the effects of the global financial meltdown that happened in the latter part of 2008. (Xinhuanet, China)
Liberia: Women Security, Youth And Rural Development Examined At Stockholm Forum Oct 24, 2009
Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma, who also participated in the roundtable, said the development of the agricultural sector was essential in creating opportunities for young people to return to the rural areas. President Koroma also agreed that the lack of amenities was making it difficult to get young people to return to rural areas. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: The Continent and Agriculture: A Winning Combination for Success [opinion] Oct 24, 2009
This is possible since 50% to 70% of the African population derives income from the agricultural sector formally or informally ... The business and investment opportunities in the agricultural sector are not just in production. (allAfrica.com)
Land free - in return for a good feed Oct 23, 2009
Congo-Brazzaville is in the throes of an oil boom but has no commercial agricultural sector. Most of the food on sale is very expensive as it has to be imported, mainly from France. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
GDP seen growing 6.75% Oct 22, 2009
Releasing the outlook, PMEAC chairman C Rangarajan said the ongoing global financial crisis and the impact of drought on farm output which led to a forecast of a negative 2% growth for agricultural sector are two key factors impacting growth. The agricultural sector accounts for about 18% of the GDP. The global crisis has affected the export sector, which has also impacted the economic growth. (India Times, India)
GAWU Marks Golden Jubilee in the Volta Region Oct 20, 2009
The statement encouraged farmers and unorganized workers in the agricultural sector to join GAWU to build the desired unity for the accelerated development of the country. It said GAWU would support government policies inasmuch as they were. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rwanda: Country is Food Secure, Says Minister Oct 19, 2009
The Minister noted that to sustain the growth in the agricultural sector, government is doing its best to provide the necessary farm inputs to ensure good yields. "We are giving fertilizers and improved seeds to farmers; we are putting agronomists per 500 hectares to support the existing ones so that we can have more strength, more energy in terms of supporting farmers," she said. (allAfrica.com)
Jairam Ramesh for major shift at climate talks Oct 19, 2009
It would increase the cost of all goods, especially food items; the government assessed that it would increase unemployment especially in the rural agricultural sector. It had also warned that even if the country were to undertake such actions, it would have no impact on the costs of climate change adaptation that India would have to bear. (India Times, India)
Africa: Nyerere's Vision of Economic Development Oct 18, 2009
The agricultural sector that supported the livelihood of the majority of people of Tanganyika was allocated nearly a quarter of the development budget ... Similarly, the first Five Years Plan (1964 to 1969) aimed at reducing poverty through an Improvement approach in developing the agricultural sector but in the long run it employed a Transformation approach. (allAfrica.com)
Afdb Joins International Community in World Food Day Celebration Oct 17, 2009
The food crisis of 2008 has clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of the quantity and quality of investment in Africa's agricultural sector. The AfDB strongly supports the need to invest in the continent's agricultural sector ... 8 million (US$ 337 million) in 2009 in support of Africa's agricultural sector. (allAfrica.com)
More than one billion people are hungry worldwide - Ki-moon Oct 17, 2009
He said for the medium term, Ghana had drawn a programme targeting six per cent growth in the agricultural sector that must be sustained for at least 10 years to ensure food security and rapid economic growth. Ms Maria Helena de Morais Semedo, Acting Director General and Regional Representative for FAO in a speech on her behalf, said the global economic crisis was stalking the small-scale farms and rural areas of the world, where 70 per cent of the world's hungry lived and worked. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Zimbabwe: 'The Rule of Law Just Isn't There' Oct 17, 2009
Recently a two-day conference was held to review the status of the agricultural sector and come up with a recovery strategy. Issues of compensation and respect for property rights came under the spotlight. (allAfrica.com)
Funding for Youth In Agriculture Programme to increase by 500% Oct 16, 2009
The Vice President said government's interventions in the agricultural sector coupled with the level of food production going on nationwide indicated that the country was on course to reducing her food imports drastically within the next three years. He observed that the youth had not embraced agriculture as a means to earning livelihood and urged them to take to farming because it could make them have meaningful living. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Mechanization Centres to be established in all 170 districts Oct 16, 2009
Besides, the Ministry is strengthening its collaboration with the assemblies, private sector, farmer based organizations and development partners to achieve maximum growth of the agricultural sector. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rwanda: Economy Grew By Nine Percent in First Half of 2009 Oct 14, 2009
The Finance minister attributed good performance in the agricultural sector to the on-going programs on crop intensification, land consolidation, fertiliser application, introduction of good variety of seeds and an intensified terracing exercise. Despite the on-going economic meltdown, Musoni said Rwanda's economy is partly saved by the good fiscal and monetary tools it implemented as mitigating factors. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Climate Change Worsening Farming's Trade-Related Woes Oct 14, 2009
Gerald Nelson, leading author of the report, told IPS that, globally, some seven billion dollars per year must be additionally invested in climate change adaptation programmes such as "research, rural infrastructure and irrigation in the developing world to offset the negative effects of climate change on human well-being. "Sub-Saharan Africa requires the greatest overall investment - some 40 percent of the additional amount estimated - and a greater share of investments in roads," Nelson added.... (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Zanu PF Will Stand in the Way of Transparent Land Audit - Jag Oct 13, 2009
The agreement that formed the basis for the coalition promised to undertake a comprehensive land audit that would set the stage for an orderly and equitable reform programme in the collapsed agricultural sector. But the government has refused to follow through on this particular promise, citing a lack of resources. (allAfrica.com)
Peace and water Oct 13, 2009
Experts say a whole array of measures is urgently needed to ease the situation: from reforming the agricultural sector which consumes most water across the Middle East, to introducing better water management and better water-sharing agreements. Running out of time. (BBC News -- Africa)
Zimbabwe: Land - Why We Deserve Justice Oct 12, 2009
Instead of looking ahead white farmers used the prevailing reconciliation mood to continue with their misguided systems of unbalanced economic activities in the agricultural sector. Today the white farmer has been given the undeserving status of victim while the real victims are suffering under a harsh sanctions regime. (allAfrica.com)
5% of Ghana's population is still hungry Oct 11, 2009
Mr Mbenga lauded government's strategies towards addressing the food security and accessibility in the country but called for increased investment in the agricultural sector to ensure adequate nutrition for the citizenry. He called for increased investments in sustainable land management, irrigation, good and well developed roads and storage facilities especially in the rural areas. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
With Dr Andrew Freris Oct 10, 2009
If something happens to the agricultural sector in India, it will impact the economy significantly but it will not have the same effect on Singapore or Hong Kong, he says. Most Viewed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Brittany gateway for Msia to halal market in Europe Oct 9, 2009
Jamil said Benefiqs vast experience in the agricultural sector and HDCs knowledge of the halal industry would forge a winning partnership for both parties. Benefiqs primary focus will be to position Malaysia as a strategic hub and centre of excellence for the halal market in Asia and the rest of the world, he added. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
GHACHIFA to establish a Cultural Centre in Ghana Oct 9, 2009
" He suggested the need for Ghana to position itself to be able to join the global competition and attract its due share of the global investment by creating the right conditions for investment such as opening up the economy. He expressed appreciation to China for its numerous support to the nation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and roads construction. Mr. Mallet said China was the number one on the League of Nations with 383 registered projects from 1994 to 2008 10 of which were in the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Sherry Ayittey urges farmers to ensure proper use of pesticides Oct 9, 2009
Ms Ayittey noted that the improper use of pesticides, were more serious and pervasive in the agricultural sector, mostly in developing countries such as Ghana. She said those practices invariably tend to impact negatively on the environment and human health as well as the economy and stressed the need to intensify education on the use of pesticides among the farming and fishing communities to address the issue. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Namibia: Outlook Positive for Agriculture Oct 9, 2009
THE agricultural sector for South Africa and some of its neighbours like Namibia faces quite a prosperous future over the next five years, economists told a conference in South Africa last week ... "Higher producer prices experienced in 2008 together with the lower input costs had a positive influence on the agricultural sector in South Africa which should do well for the next five years," said Janovsky. (allAfrica.com)
An aid worker's diary from the Pacific tsunami Oct 7, 2009
They operate in 150 rural villages across Samoa, supporting a range of community-based projects aimed at creating sustainable village economies and revitalising the agricultural sector. Janna and members of Women in Business speaking with displaced families living in makeshift shelters [Photo credit: Jane Ussher/Oxfam] Here on the south coast of Upolu, WIBDI has provided agricultural training and business skills support to farmers who earlier this year secured a valuable contract - the exclusive... (AlertNet)
Merrill Bringing Down Lewis Gives Bank of America 30% Profits as `a Steal' Oct 6, 2009
Bank of America advised on its proposed takeover of Orangina Schweppes and on its sale of a 15 percent stake to China Investment Corp., marking the biggest investment to date in the agricultural sector by Chinas sovereign wealth fund. The bank is a joint manager of the pending initial public offerings of Wynn Macau, the Asian assets of U.S. casino operator and Koreas Posco Engineering & Construction. (Bloomberg)
Africa: Agricultural Development Gets Boost Oct 6, 2009
The AGRA-AWEPA partnership aims to help translate this goal into concrete action through increasing political support for agriculture development, improving the governance of the agricultural sector and strengthening the capabilities of parliamentary committees to craft practical and effective policies that can have an immediate impact on African smallholder farmers. "Our partnership with AWEPA is critical because any improvements that occur in farmers' fields cannot be sustained over the long... (allAfrica.com)
GrainCorp to Buy United Malt for $655 Million; Increases Profit Forecast Oct 6, 2009
Were likely to see more consolidation in the agricultural sector. . (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
South Africa: We Have Land Rights But No Water Rights - Farmers Oct 6, 2009
"Like many aspects of our lives, particularly in the agricultural sector, we are still very far from achieving equity on the use of water," Sihadi says ... Despite the water rights Sihadi says another challenge that the agricultural sector faces is the increasingly declining quantity and quality of water. (allAfrica.com)
A non-violent bomber? Oct 6, 2009
The boyish-looking 31-year-old planted 17 bombs earlier this decade to raise awareness of the plight of the island's agricultural sector, and his agenda remains very much the same, only now he pursues it by peaceful means. "The bombs were meant to attract attention, not to hurt anyone," said Yang, who has turned into a practitioner and proponent of organic farming. (iAfrica.com)
State and Local People on the Move for Sunday, October 4, 2009 Oct 6, 2009
She currently serves as chairperson of the Hawai i Crop Improvement Association s Outreach Committee, and is a member of the Kaua i Economic Development Board Food and Agriculture Committee, Kaua i Farm Bureau Outreach Committee and the Agricultural Leadership Program, which works to contribute to a better future for Hawai i s agricultural sector and rural communities. Syngenta has a long history in Hawai i, beginning more than 40 years ago with operations in Waimea, Kaua i which offers a winter... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Ecuador indigenous groups, president spar Oct 5, 2009
QUITO, Ecuador (CNN) -- On the edge of Ecuador's Amazon Basin, the Upano River gives life to a vibrant agricultural sector that keeps the economy of the southeastern city of Macas beating. Bananas, papayas and coffee are some of the foods farmed by the largely indigenous population. (CNN -- World)
Seed Industry flourishing Oct 5, 2009
According to a July study commissioned by the Hawai'i Farm Bureau Federation, 14 percent of the seed industry's jobs are in the high-tech sector, helping produce an average annual wage last year of $39,824, compared with $30,960 for the state's agricultural sector overall and $41,630 for all Hawai'i jobs. Seed companies employed 1,863 people last year. (Honolulu Advertiser)
