HOW HAS THE TRADE WAR BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA AFFECTED THE US MEAT INDUSTRY?
ROBERT PRESKA (RP), TRADE MANAGER FOR WEST AFRICA AT LAMEX FOODS: Even before the tariff war, there were issues with China that inhibited trade, hence the current dispute. For example, due to mechanisation, the US can often process meat more cheaply than China can, and yet it has always been difficult to export processed meat to China, with regulations constantly changing. So this is something that’s part of the discussions on current tariffs. Recently, before the trade dispute, the Chinese also opened their market to beef exports from the US but again with numerous restrictions.
One of the repeated themes within the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) over the last few decades is that we’re not getting the job done in terms of favourable trade deals. We’re always pushing to cut better deals and it would never have worked if we’d maintained the status quo in terms of trade with China. President Donald Trump has stepped in to bring reforms, but unfortunately his way of doing things has slowed down negotiations.
Grains and meats are two of the US’s biggest exports, so when we go into a trade war, those will be the first two items that are hit. In 2018, China was among the top five importers of US red meat, so it’s a significant chunk of our exports that are being affected. As an industry we can see what the goal is and we’re willing to take the punch. Unfortunately, we’re talking about farmers and their families here, and they’re struggling. If the situation is prolonged, we could significantly damage our agricultural production.
Denne historien er fra September 6, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 6, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
