Friday, January 29, 2016

29th january,2016 Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Indonesia Hopes to Control Price Hikes with Sufficient Supplies

Jan 28, 2016
Description: http://oryza.com/sites/default/files/field/image/160128indonesiariceprices.jpg
The government of Indonesia is planning to prioritize achieving a supply-demand balance to control rice and food price hikes, Tempo.Co quoted the Trade Minister as saying.
"The ups and downs in prices are market signals. We do not wish to be inflexible as we try to control prices but would rather decide on the best course of action to restrain prices from rising," he said. "If the prices were too high, some sort of incentive or market operation could be carried out, and if prices are too low, more stocks would be bought," he added.
He noted that in order to exercise this activity, the government needs to check and enhance the capacity of warehouses. He assured that the government was already in the process of building more warehouses.
The Minister stated that a mechanism to set the floor and ceiling prices for various commodities, including rice, would be proposed at a coordination meeting involving all the concerned officers and Ministers.
According to the Staples Market Monitoring System of the Trade Ministry, the average retail price of the medium-quality rice increased to Rp 10,904.55 per kilogram (around $787 per ton) this week from around 10,748.14 per kilogram (around $776 per ton) in December last week. The Ministry stated that prices increased despite an increase of supply.
Based on the data of staples price development of the Ministry, rice supply at the Cipinang Rice Market increased about 17.61% y/y as of January 18, 2016.
The President reportedly held a meeting with the Chief Economic Minister, Agriculture Minister, Trade Minister and other concerned Ministers, to discuss the issue of increase in food prices over the past few weeks.

Bangladesh Plans to Build Five Steel Silos to Store 345,000 Tons of Rice; May Invite Bids in August 2015
Jan 28, 2016

The government of Bangladesh is planning to build five steel silos with total capacity to store about 345,000 tons of rice, Bloomberg quoted a news release by the Directorate General of Food.
It is proposing to build rice silos of 48,000 tons capacity each in Dhaka, Narayangani,     Barisal, Madhupur, Mymensingh and a silo of 105,000 tons capacity in Ashuganj.
The government is also proposing to build two wheat silos of 190,500 tons capacity in Chittagong (114,300 tons) and Maheshwaspasha (76,200 tons).
The Bangladesh government is planning to invite bids from interested companies in August. Meanwhile, it has asked interested companies to submit application by March 14, 2016 for pre-qualification purposes. Companies can apply for pre-qualification of one or more contracts.

India 2015-16 Winter Crop Rice Planting So Far Lags Behind Last Year

Jan 28, 2016
India 2015-16 winter/rabi rice (November - May) planting area has reached around 2.241 million hectares as of January 28, 2016, down about 7% from around 2.408 million hectares planted during the same period in 2014-15, according to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The decline is reportedly due to scanty rains and low moisture in some of the rice growing regions. However, this year's planting is ahead of the previous 4-year average of about 2.0195 million hectares.
The total rabi planting of all crops stood at around 59.15 million hectares as on January 28, 2015, down about 3% from last year's 60.93 million hectares.
In 2014-15, the rabi rice acreage reached around 4 million hectares, down about 9% from around 4.488 million hectares in 2013-14.

Malaysia to Distribute 20 Kilograms of Rice per Month to Families in Need Under New Aid Program


The Malaysian Prime Minister has announced that the government has decided to distribute 20 kilograms of rice per month to families registered with the government’s welfare database under the new aid scheme, according to local sources.
The government reported introduced MyBeras program as one of the recalibration measures in the 2016 Budget. The program will being from March 1, 2016, and will last until December 31, 2016. Around 200,000 people are expected to benefit from the program.
The Prime Minister noted that the program was aimed to reduce the burden of financially weaker families amid the increasing living costs. The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister added the Ministry would work with the relevant agencies, including Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs), to identify individuals who deserved the aid. "The government would strive to provide the best quality rice to the recipients through the programme," he said.
MyBeras program will reportedly be implements besides the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) program.

EU Rice Imports Increase Sharply in September 1, 2015 - January 19, 2016

Jan 28, 2016
According to the latest data issued by the European Union (EU), rice imports by the EU increased sharply since the beginning of the crop year 2015-16 (September 1, 2015 - August 31, 2016).
The EU imported about 441,465 tons of rice during the period September 1, 2015 - January 19, 2016, up about 28% from around 345,163 tons imported during the same period last year.
Japonica rice imports increased about 8% to around 32,114 tons in September 1, 2015 - January 19, 2015 period from around 29,619 tons during the same period last year. Indica rice imports increased about 30% to around 409,351 tons during the said period from around 315,544 tons last year.
The UK remained the largest importer in September 1, 2015 - January 19, 2016 period with around 105,407 tons followed by France (78,689 tons), The Netherlands (49,535 tons), Germany (33,480 tons), Poland (31,047 tons) and Italy (30,404 tons). Other EU countries imported 112,903 tons.
During the week ended January 19, 2015, the EU imported around 21,941 tons of rice, down about 17% from around 26,514 tons imported during the week ended January 12, 2015.
The EU imported around 1.143 million tons of rice in the crop year 2014-15, up about 12.7% from around 1.013 million tons imported in the crop year 2013-14.

Philippines Must Focus on Achieving Rice Self-Sufficiency as El Nino Impact Lesser than Expected, Says Official

Jan 28, 2016

The government of the Philippines must focus on achieving rice self-sufficiency as the El Nino impact on rice production has been lesser than expected, Bloomberg quoted the Economic Planning Secretary.
Speaking at a media briefing in Manila following the release of the GDP data, he noted that though the government estimated that the El Nino would get worse during November and December 2015, the forecast didn't turn out to be true in many provinces.
He also noted that the government is still monitoring the impact of El Nino on rice production and supplies.
Yesterday, the National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator said that the government has decided to stop rice imports for the lean season due to adequate stocks. However, there is reportedly no information on rice imports under the minimum access volume (MAV).

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Higher Prices Seen as U.S. and China Agree to Phytosanitary Protocol

Jan 29, 2016

The U.S. cash market was slightly firmer today although the trade was mostly quiet as buyers and sellers could not come together on price. 
This week’s firming of prices has been partially fueled by news that the U.S. and China have come to an agreement regarding a phytosanitary protocol that would allow the U.S to export rice to China, the world’s largest importer.
Analysts note that although the agreement has not yet been formally signed, once the first sale to China is confirmed, it will likely change the sentiment of the market for the foreseeable future. 
Global Rice Quotes

January 28th, 2016
Long grain white rice - high quality
Thailand 100% B grade          375-385           ↔
Vietnam 5% broken    350-360           ↔
India 5% broken         355-365           ↔
Pakistan 5% broken    340-350           ↔
Myanmar 5% broken   415-425           ↔
Cambodia 5% broken             425-435           ↔
U.S. 4% broken           465-475           ↔
Uruguay 5% broken    465-475           ↔
Argentina 5% broken 460-470           ↔
Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 350-360           ↔
Vietnam 25% broken 340-350           ↑
Pakistan 25% broken 305-315           ↔
Cambodia 25% broken           405-415           ↔
India 25% broken       325-335           ↔
U.S. 15% broken         445-455           ↔
Long grain parboiled rice
Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            370-380           ↔
Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    405-415           ↔
India parboiled 5% broken stxd         345-355           ↔
U.S. parboiled 4% broken       500-510           ↔
Brazil parboiled 5% broken    520-530           ↔
Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔
Long grain fragrant rice
Thailand Hommali 92%          685-695           ↔
Vietnam Jasmine         425-435           ↔
India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔
Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔
Cambodia Phka Mails             750-760           ↔
Brokens
Thailand A1 Super      320-330           ↔
Vietnam 100% broken            325-335           ↑
Pakistan 100% broken stxd    290-300           ↔
Cambodia A1 Super   345-355           ↔
India 100% broken stxd         260-270           ↔
Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔
U.S. pet food 280-290           ↔
Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com



Thailand Hopes to Regain Top Rice Exporter Status from India in 2016

Jan 28, 2016

The President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) expressed optimism that Thai rice exports will increase this year after passing the lowest point for the last three years, according to local sources.
Thai 2015 rice exports declined about 10.7% to around 9.8 million tons from around 10.97 million tons in 2014. The TREA reported that Thailand lost its top rice exporter status to India, which exported about 10.23 million tons in 2015.
The TREA President attributed the fall in exports to a global economic slowdown. He also noted that falling oil prices and extending drought conditions in many countries are expected to impact rice trading this year also.
"Thailand's rice shipment this year will not increase. Although world rice production and stockpiles will decrease from the drought impact and more trading, the falling oil price will hit the purchasing power of many rice-importing countries, mainly in Africa and the Middle East," he said. The official noted that rice prices are also unpredictable but may gradually increase by 10% on lower supplies.
He, however, noted that Thailand could again reclaim its top rice exporter status from India in 2016 as the South Asian nation expects to export only 8.5 million tons during the year. He also noted that there are several positive signs for Thailand's rice exports this year, including the depreciation of Thai baht, competitive Thai rice prices, and support from the government. "The Commerce Ministry is also striving to expand the market for Thai rice while maintaining the market share," he added.

Oryza CBOT Rough Rice Futures Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Add Slightly to Gains but Close off of Session High as Recent Rally Runs into Resistance

Jan 29, 2016

Chicago rough rice futures for Mar delivery settled 4.5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $11.310 per cwt (about $249 per ton). The other grains finished the day lower; Soybeans closed about 1.7% lower at $8.6775 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.9% lower at $4.7225 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 1% lower at $3.6550 per bushel.
U.S. stocks tried for gains Thursday, amid declines in biotech stocks, as oil prices rose and Facebook soared on a solid quarterly report. U.S. crude oil futures pared gains but still held about 3.5% higher, near $33.50 a barrel in afternoon trade. WTI surged above $34.50 to their highest since Jan. 6. Brent traded just above $34 a barrel in afternoon trade after earlier topping $35.50 a barrel on speculation that major producers may cooperate to cut production.
 Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Thursday that Saudi Arabia had proposed to cut oil production by up to 5% by each country in order to support weak oil prices, Reuters reported. But Saudi Arabia has not proposed cutting back production or asked Russia to do the same, Dow Jones reported, citing a senior Gulf OPEC delegate. In afternoon trade, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 63 points, or 0.40%, to 16,011. The S&P 500 rose 9 points, or 0.46%, to 1,891, with energy leading nine sectors higher and health care the only laggard. The Nasdaq composite gained 30 points, or 0.66%, to 4,498. Gold is seen trading about 0.1% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 2.3% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.4% lower at about  1:45pm Chicago time.
Wednesday, there were 429 contracts traded, down from 467 contracts traded on Tuesday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Wednesday increased by 158 contracts to 13,381. 


Vietnam Rice Sellers Increase Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged

Jan 28, 2016

Vietnam rice sellers increased their quotes for 25% broken rice and 100% broken rice by about $5 per ton each to around $340-$350 per ton and $325-$335 per ton respectively today.  Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today.                                
5% Broken Rice
Thailand 5% rice is indicated at around $365 - $375 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $350 - $360 per ton. India 5% rice is indicated at around $355 - $365 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice shown at around $340 - $350 per ton.
25% Broken Rice
Thailand 25% rice is indicated at around $350 - $360 per ton, about $10 per ton premium o Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $340- $350 per ton. India 25% rice is indicated at around $325 - $335 per ton, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton.
Parboiled Rice           
Thailand parboiled rice is indicated at around $370 - $380 per ton. India parboiled rice is indicated at around $345 - $355 per ton, about $60 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice last shown at around $405 - $415 per ton.
100% Broken Rice
Thailand broken rice, A1 Super is indicated at around $320 - $330 per ton, on par with Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $320 - $330 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $260 - $270 per ton, about $30 per ton discount to Pakistan broken sortexed rice shown at around $290 - $300 per ton.


 Exclusive News have been shared with written permission of ORYZA.com with thanks

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

26th january 2016 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine-Latest Rice News Updates

Oil and rice prices to remain steady this year–WB report

by Cai Ordinario - January 26, 2016
By Cai U. Ordinario
The World Bank (WB) expects oil prices to remain below $60 per barrel until 2020.
In its latest Commodity Markets Outlook released by the WB, oil prices will average $37 per barrel (bbl) in 2016, lower than its $52-per-bbl forecast in October 2015.
Beyond 2016, the WB expects oil prices to average $48/bbl in 2017; $51.4/bbl in 2018; $54.9/bbl in 2019; and $58.8/bbl in 2020.“Low prices for oil and commodities are likely to be with us for some time,” said John Baffes, senior economist and lead author of the Commodities Markets Outlook. “While we see some prospect for commodity prices to rise slightly over the next two years, significant downside risks remain.”

Oil prices fell by 47 percent in 2015 and are expected to decline, on an annual average, by another 27 percent in 2016.However, the WB said there is a gradual recovery in oil prices this year. This expected uptick in prices will be smaller than the rebounds that followed sharp drops in 2008, 1998 and 1986.The Washington-based lender’s data showed that average oil prices has been low throughout 2015 at an average of $50.8/bbl. Oil prices dropped below $100/bbl in 2014 when oil prices averaged $96.2/bbl.Dubai Crude, which is the country’s main oil import, averaged $51.2/bbl on 2015 and $96.7/bbl in 2014.

“First, the sharp oil price drop in early 2016 does not appear fully warranted by fundamental drivers of oil demand and supply, and is likely to partly reverse,” WB said.“Second, high-cost oil producers are expected to sustain persistent losses and increasingly make production cuts that are likely to outweigh any additional capacity coming to the market. Third, demand is expected to strengthen somewhat with a modest pickup in global growth,” it added.Apart from oil, the WB said rice prices are also expected to remain below $400 per metric ton (MT) in 2016 and beyond.
For 2016, rice prices are expected to average $370/MT, and in 2017 it will average $374/MT. Rice prices are expected to average $379/MT, $383/MT and $387/MT in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Rice prices reached $506/MT in 2013 and $423/MT in 2014. In 2015 global rice prices averaged $386/MT.However, the El Niño phenomenon is expected to cut rice production globally. In the Philippines, rice production is forecasted to slow to 11.5 million metric tons (MMT) in 2016.
“Global rice production is also expected to decline marginally (from 478 to 470 million tons) on weakening output prospects in Asia, particularly in India, the Philippines and Thailand, the world’s top rice exporter,” the report stated.“The stocks-to-use ratio for rice is expected to drop to 18.6 percent, down from last season’s 21.7 percent. The ongoing tightness in the rice market has been linked to El Niño,” it added.

Overall, the WB said that prices for 37 of the 46 commodities were revised downward for 2016.
The global lender said emerging market economies have been the main source of commodity demand growth since 2000 but weakening growth prospects in these economies are weighing on commodity prices.
The bank estimates that a further slowdown in major emerging markets would reduce trading partner growth and global commodity demand.“Low commodity prices are a double-edged sword, where consumers in importing countries stand to benefit while producers in net exporting countries suffer,” said Ayhan Kose, Director of the World Bank’s Development Prospects Group. “It takes time for the benefits of lower commodity prices to be transformed into stronger economic growth among importers, but commodity exporters are feeling the pain right away.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/oil-and-rice-prices-to-remain-steady-this-year-wb-report/









Phoney rice data threaten Indonesia supply

January 26, 2016 1:00 am

JAKARTA - Indonesian agriculture officials routinely inflate rice harvest data to present a rosy picture to the government and keep farm subsidies flowing, but their latest phoney numbers could lead to a severe shortage of the staple in coming months, officials say.

If the data had been correct, Indonesia would be awash in rice supplies and President Joko Widodo would have less to worry about. The number rigging, critics say, flies in the face of food self-sufficiency targets that he has been aggressively pursuing since taking office in 2014.

"These numbers are so exaggerated," said a senior government official who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. "We're scrambling right now to build stocks in case there's a failed harvest in February and March."

Only last month, supply shortages forced the government to import rice hurriedly from Thailand and Vietnam to avoid a surge in prices, which in the past has sparked civil unrest and contributed to the downfall of autocratic leader Suharto.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/MEGA-PROJECTS-TO-BE-UNDER-WAY-BY-MIDYEAR-30277712.html




Vietnam rice exports increase due to unexpected year-end demand

1/25/2016 - by World Grain Staff
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WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. —Vietnam’s rice exports for market year 2014-15 are revised up from 6.3 million tonnes to 6.5 million tonnes, due to unexpected demand from Vietnam’s traditional markets at the end of calendar year 2015. For the 2015-16 market year, rice exports are revised down from 7.1 million tonnes to 6 million tonnes, due to expected low carry-over stocks from the market year 2014-15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) reported on Jan. 8.
Total rice production for the market year 2014-15 is expected to reach 45.18 million tonnes of paddy rice, or approximately 28.24 million tonnes of milled rice, according to the report. This is a slight increase compared to market year 2013-14 production (about 100,000 tonnes of paddy). The increase in production is mainly due to the larger planted and harvested area of winter crop, due to low level flooding in the Mekong River Delta (MRD).
The autumn crop is mainly located in the southern provinces. The MRD typically accounts for more than 80% of the total autumn crop planting area. As of Dec. 15, 2015, the harvest of the market year 2014-15 autumn crop is nearly completed, due to decreased water supply caused by lower flooding water level. For crops in some planted areas, yield is expected down (from 5.58 tonnes per hectare to 5.5 tonnes per hectare) resulting in lower production (from an expected 16.06 million tonnes to 15.84 million tonnes).
Also due to the lower flooding water level, farmers were able to expand their areas for winter crop, the latest crop of the year. The harvested area for winter crop was revised from 1.7 million hectares to 1.8 million hectares, the report said. The market year 2014-15 winter crop production was revised up from 8.16 million tonnes to 8.64 million tonnes.
In the recent year, Vietnam has exported rice to neighbor countries, mainly China, via border trade. However, the trade volumes have not been recorded in the official numbers of both selling and buying countries. The report therefore cannot include the number of such trade volumes into the export numbers and has to consider these volumes as a part of local consumption.
Rice stock in market year 2014-15 is estimated to be very low due to unexpected increases in demand from Indonesia and the Philippines. Rice stock in market year 2015-16, however, is expected to be at an identical low level compared to market year 2014-15, which will prevent Vietnam from exporting large amounts in market year 2015-16.
http://www.world-grain.com/articles/news_home/World_Grain_News/2016/01/Vietnam_rice_exports_increase.aspx?ID={AF56332C-6074-4B54-A97C-7C1414DB34F3}




01/26/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report
Rice
High
Low
Long Grain Cash Bids
- - -
- - -
Long Grain New Crop
- - -
- - -


Futures:
ROUGH RICE
High
Low
Last
Change
Mar '16
1110.0
1092.0
1107.5
+6.5
May '16
1132.5
1120.0
1135.5
+6.5
Jul '16
1151.0
1151.0
1163.0
+6.5
Sep '16
1172.0
+12.0
Nov '16
1195.0
+12.0
Jan '17
1195.5
+12.0
Mar '17
1195.5
+12.0
   

Rice Comment

Rice prices close slightly higher today. The market remains near the bottom of the recent trading range as prices continue to be pressured by January's bearish USDA report. The market will be closely watching tomorrow's export sales report to see if lower prices are stirring additional demand.

4-crop yielding pattern stressed in Barind

RAJSHAHI: Agricultural scientists and researchers have unequivocally called for promotion of four crop-based yielding pattern through the best uses of modern technologies in the vast Barind tract for sustaining soil fertility and crop productivity specially BARI Sharisha15. They viewed there has been an enormous prospects of bringing harvesting intensity coupled with increasing food production through successful promotion of the Aush-Aman-Mustard-Mungbean cropping pattern. Farmers have vital role to play in this regard. To maintain sound soil health, it could be advisable to grow mustard, particularly BARI Sharisha15 using a different system in order to improve compatibility between monsoon rice and upland winter crops.
This would also suit the shift in economic importance towards the winter crops over monsoon rice. They were addressing a farmers training and field day programme titled "Four Crop-based Cropping Pattern Development Programme towards intensifying cropping intensity and Yield" held at Belpukur under Godagari upazila of the district on Sunday. Barind Centre of On-Farm Research Division (OFRD) under Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) organised the training in a bid to sensitize the farmers towards adopting the cropping pattern. The initiative has been taken to increase agricultural production and income of marginalised farming families of the Barind tract by adapting climate adaptive sustainable agricultural technologies, diversifying income generating activities and skill development. Additional Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension Shamsul Haque addressed the training as chief guest with Dr Alim Uddin, Principal Scientific Officer of BARI, in the chair.
 Principal Scientific Officer of Regional Wheat Research Station Dr Ilias Hossain, Scientific Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Barind Center Dr Shakhawat Hossain and its Scientific Officer Enayet Ali Pramanik also spoke. They also visited some projection plots of BARI Sharisha15, a high yielding mustard variety innovated by Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), that has gained popularity among farmers in the region including its vast barind tract for the last couple of years. The newly innovated variety has opened up a door of boosting oil seed production along with mitigating the adverse impact of climate change.
 Speaking on the occasion, the visiting scientists and researchers have urged upon the farmers to promote the new mustard variety for better yield to meet up the country's gradually increasing edible oil demand. Dr Shakhawat Hossain said the short duration mustard variety should be incorporated in the cropping diversity in the region for welfare of the farmers in general as well as the nation. The cash crop is now being cultivated everywhere in the region as it had immense prospects to achieve self-reliance in oil seed productions.-Asfar 

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2016/01/25/12388







USDA: China rice-export pact near

This article was published January 26, 2016 at 2:43 a.m.
The U.S. and China are in the "last phase" of completing an agreement that would allow exports of U.S. rice to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday.The deal, 15 years in the making, would give U.S. rice producers access to the world's largest rice market. It would not guarantee sales.The chairman of USA Rice, a trade group, said he expected the first shipments of U.S. rice could be on their way to China by late spring or early summer."We've been told by our government that it's a done deal," said Dow Brantley, a Lonoke County farmer who is chairman of the trade group representing producers, millers and exporters.
U.S. Department of Agriculture officials laid out the details of the agreement to USA Rice officials Thursday, Brantley said, and USA Rice announced the deal late Friday.Brantley said Monday that he could not confirm that the so-called phytosanitary protocol for rice had yet been signed by representatives of the U.S. and Chinese governments.A USDA spokesman said Monday there was still work to be done."USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service can confirm that we and China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine are in the last phase of finalizing this regulatory process," the spokesman said in an emailed statement. "However, an agreement has not yet been signed.
"Greg Yielding, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Growers Association, said U.S. rice cannot be shipped to China until officials sign the protocol.The agreement covers rice packaged for sale in grocery stores, not bulk shipments, Yielding said. He and other industry representatives in Arkansas said affluent Chinese consumers want to be able to buy high-quality U.S. rice in their stores.None of the industry officials was prepared Monday to estimate how much U.S. rice the Chinese might purchase.
"China is the largest rice producer and consumer," said Bill Reed, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Riceland Foods, Inc. in Stuttgart. "Just a small percentage of the Chinese market would be big."Keith Glover, president and chief executive officer of Producers Rice Mill, Inc. in Stuttgart, agreed, noting China has a population of 1.3 billion people."We wouldn't have to have much of that market to make a material difference for our industry here," Glover said.Even though the protocol hasn't been signed, Arkansas rice mills are preparing to meet its standards, Yielding said.Trade groups have already forwarded lists of Arkansas mills that wish to participate to USDA, Yielding said, so that they can be scheduled for inspection under the terms of the phytosanitary protocol.
Two Chinese demands extended the negotiations, Yielding said.The first was that U.S. mills agree to lay out traps for the Khapra beetle and fumigate their rice packages when the insect is found, Yielding said. Mills also will have to keep records of what is found in the traps and make that information available to the Chinese, he said.Producers said the beetle is rare in the U.S. and initially argued that putting out traps for it was unnecessary.The second Chinese demand was for U.S. mills to use labels that list all of the varieties of rice contained in each of their packages, Yielding said. Some mills objected, noting that mixing of rice varieties is common in the United States.Brantley said 30 varieties of long-grain rice are grown in Arkansas, further complicating the task for the state's mills. Under the final agreement, Brantley said, the labels will state that the packages "may contain" any of a list of varieties.
Business on 01/26/2016
Print Headline: USDA: China rice-export pact near
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/jan/26/usda-china-rice-export-pact-near-201601/



Rice Leadership Grad Named Rice Farmer of the Year 

MEMPHIS, TN -- Mark Isbell of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was named 2016 Rice Farmer of the Year at the Cotton & Rice Conference here.  Isbell is part of a multi-generation rice farm in central Arkansas focused on zero-grade farming and rice behind rice rotation.  He earned both a BA and an MA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he teaches part time.

Isbell also is a graduate of the Rice Leadership Development program and gave the class commencement address at their graduation ceremony during the 2015 USA Rice Government Affairs Conference.  Isbell's speech focused on his main take-away from the two-year program:  "We have learned leadership is not about position; it is about affecting change and carrying your load wherever you are."

"I'm not surprised to see Mark acknowledged as Farmer of the Year at this major ag conference," said Chuck Wilson, executive director of The Rice Foundation and manager of the Rice Leadership Development program.  "He is an exceptional individual, recognized for his commitment and leadership by both his peers and the industry.  Program participants are chosen for their leadership potential and it's obvious Mark has already begun making the most of his."

The Rice Leadership Program is generously sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc. and American Commodity Company through The Rice Foundation and managed by USA Rice.  

 

USDA: China rice-export pact near


Posted: January 26, 2016 at 2:43 a.m.
·          
The U.S. and China are in the "last phase" of completing an agreement that would allow exports of U.S. rice to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday.The deal, 15 years in the making, would give U.S. rice producers access to the world's largest rice market. It would not guarantee sales.The chairman of USA Rice, a trade group, said he expected the first shipments of U.S. rice could be on their way to China by late spring or early summer.
"We've been told by our government that it's a done deal," said Dow Brantley, a Lonoke County farmer who is chairman of the trade group representing producers, millers and exporters.U.S. Department of Agriculture officials laid out the details of the agreement to USA Rice officials Thursday, Brantley said, and USA Rice announced the deal late Friday.Brantley said Monday that he could not confirm that the so-called phytosanitary protocol for rice had yet been signed by representatives of the U.S. and Chinese governments.A USDA spokesman said Monday there was still work to be done.
"USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service can confirm that we and China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine are in the last phase of finalizing this regulatory process," the spokesman said in an emailed statement. "However, an agreement has not yet been signed."Greg Yielding, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Growers Association, said U.S. rice cannot be shipped to China until officials sign the protocol.
The agreement covers rice packaged for sale in grocery stores, not bulk shipments, Yielding said. He and other industry representatives in Arkansas said affluent Chinese consumers want to be able to buy high-quality U.S. rice in their stores.None of the industry officials was prepared Monday to estimate how much U.S. rice the Chinese might purchase.
"China is the largest rice producer and consumer," said Bill Reed, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Riceland Foods, Inc. in Stuttgart. "Just a small percentage of the Chinese market would be big."Keith Glover, president and chief executive officer of Producers Rice Mill, Inc. in Stuttgart, agreed, noting China has a population of 1.3 billion people."We wouldn't have to have much of that market to make a material difference for our industry here," Glover said.Even though the protocol hasn't been signed, Arkansas rice mills are preparing to meet its standards, Yielding said.Trade groups have already forwarded lists of Arkansas mills that wish to participate to USDA, Yielding said, so that they can be scheduled for inspection under the terms of the phytosanitary protocol.
Two Chinese demands extended the negotiations, Yielding said.The first was that U.S. mills agree to lay out traps for the Khapra beetle and fumigate their rice packages when the insect is found, Yielding said. Mills also will have to keep records of what is found in the traps and make that information available to the Chinese, he said.Producers said the beetle is rare in the U.S. and initially argued that putting out traps for it was unnecessary.The second Chinese demand was for U.S. mills to use labels that list all of the varieties of rice contained in each of their packages, Yielding said. Some mills objected, noting that mixing of rice varieties is common in the United States.Brantley said 30 varieties of long-grain rice are grown in Arkansas, further complicating the task for the state's mills. Under the final agreement, Brantley said, the labels will state that the packages "may contain" any of a list of varieties.
Business on 01/26/2016
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2016/jan/26/usda-china-rice-export-pact-near-201601/


International Benchmark Price
Price on: 26-01-2016
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Apricots
1
Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)
4875
2
Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)
4375
3
Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)
3625
Sultanas
1
Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t)
2736
2
South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t)
2609
3
Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t)
1925
White Sugar
1
CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t)
816
2
Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t)
691
3
Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t)
546
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 23-01-2016
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Rice
1
Aroor (Kerala)
Other
3000
3200
2
Srirampur (Assam)
Common
2900
3200
3
Gajol (West Bengal)
Other 
1750
1850
Wheat
1
Dahod (Gujarat)
Lokwan
1800
1950
2
Bangalore (Karnataka)
Local
2600
3200
3
Bolpur (West Bengal)
Other
1660
1700
Guava
1
Batala (Punjab)
Other
1300
1500
2
Solan (Himachal Pradesh)
Other
2200
2400
3
Nasik (Maharashtra)
Other
1250
2250
Brinjal
1
Jagraon (Punjab)
Other
1000
1240
2
Jalgaon (Maharashtra)
Other
1500
2500
3
Gajol (West Bengal)
Other
1100
1300
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 25-01-2016
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Ahmedabad
439
2
Hyderabad
400
3
Namakkal
415
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 26-01-2016
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Potatoes
Package: 50 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Colorado
Russet
16
16.50
2
Chicago
Idaho
Russet
15
18
3
Detroit
Wisconsin
Russet
16
16.50
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
Mexico
Long Seedless
20
21
2
Chicago
Canada
Long Seedless
14
15
3
Dallas
California
Long Seedless
15
16.50
Apples
Package: cartons tray pack
1
Atlanta
Virginia 
Red Delicious
27
28
2
Chicago
Washington
Red Delicious
21
22.50
3
Miami
Washington
Red Delicious
22
22
Source:USDA

Traffic, agriculture, economy dominate Aquino, Japanese Emperor meeting
Published January 27, 2016 4:52pm
Updated January 27, 2016 4:52pm
Manila’s severe traffic problem, the economy and agriculture dominated the talks between President Aquino and Japan Emperor Akihito on Wednesday.The two leaders made no mention of World War II, during which the Philippines suffered tremendous loss of life during the Japanese occupation, a senior Japanese official said.Hatsuhisa Takashima, press secretary to the Emperor, described the meeting between Aquino and the Emperor and his wife, Empress Michiko, who arrived in the country on Tuesday for a historic five-day visit, as “very cordial, friendly, and a family-type gathering.” The meeting took place at Malacañang Palace

At one point, Takashima said Aquino admitted to the Emperor that traffic congestion remains a biggest challenge to Philippine authorities.“The President mentioned the biggest issue of the Philippines is traffic infrastructure, how to modernize and how to make it better for the sake of the Philippine economy,” Takashima said.Aquino took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Emperor for Japan’s development assistance to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure.In return, Akihito acknowledged the “enormous effort” being done by the Philippine government “to tackle with all those issues.”
Japanese cars
On the economy, Takashima said President Aquino mentioned the booming Japanese retail and automotive industry in the country, noting the popularity for Japan-made cars in the Philippines.On agriculture, Aquino lamented the country’s fall from being a major agricultural country to merely being a net importer of rice.The Emperor, Takashima said, asked what happened and Aquino cited the lack of irrigation system maintenance, an aging workforce, the failure to enforce a rice price system. The President also said the price of rice in the country has “gone to an uncontrollable situation.”

In contrast to the Philippines, the Emperor, who is scheduled to visit the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna on Friday, mentioned that in Japan, many young people are getting interested, and described such development as “a good sign for the future for Japanese agriculture.”Aquino conveyed to Akihito his plan to offer incentives to young people who will take the initiative to revitalize the country’s agriculture sector.

“There was no mention of war, but as you know the Emperor has expressed his great profound remorse for the loss of lives of many Filipinos when the fighting was done between the Japanese army and the US army and he also mentioned that the Japanese people must remember the agony suffered and experienced by the Filipinos,” Takashima told journalists at a briefing.

Relations between two countries have seen dramatic improvements after the war, with Japan becoming one of the Philippines’ major trading partner and top aid donor.
Robust ties

Akihito’s visit is seen as a strong indication of robust ties between the countries – both close allies of the United States – embroiled in separate long-standing maritime rifts with China.
Tens of thousands of Filipinos died during the war and devastated the capital Manila.
Former Filipinas who worked in war brothels, called as "comfort women," were hoping that their decades-old demand for an apology and announcement of adequate compensation will finally happen during the Emperor's visit.The Emperor, a revered figure in Japan, is merely a figurehead and does not have a say in political matters. Policy issues like the maritime disputes with China and the Filipino comfort women are not likely part of his agenda in Manila, Takashima said, although Akihito is scheduled to visit a Japanese war memorial garden in Caliraya, Laguna this Thursday.

“To each individual subject related to war, I don’t think it is the Emperor’s role to express the detailed things to each individual items,” Takashima said. “But he has always mentioned the necessity of peace and stability of the international relations and never forget the war and the victims of the war, especially in the World War II.”According to the Japanese official, the two leaders spoke extensively on the close ties between their countries.Their Majesties, who first visited the Philippines in 1962 when they were Crown Prince and Princess on behalf of the then Emperor Showa, recalled with fondness their previous visits to Tagaytay and Baguio 54 years ago, Takashima said. – VS, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/552887/money/economy/traffic-agriculture-economy-dominate-aquino-japanese-emperor-meeting#sthash.eXsmduG6.dpuf