Saturday, November 14, 2015

13th November,2015 Daily Global Regional Local Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Rice News Headlines...
o   50 thousand tons of imported rice to enter through Dumai port
o   Verdict on Indo-Pak fight over basmati likely soon
o   NSW Riverina growers drop rice
o   APEDA COMMODITY NEWS
o   Govt to procure 0.2m tonnes rice at Tk 31 per kg
o   Govt offers lower price
o   Rice breeder focuses on new, high-value varieties for Mackay and north Queensland
o   Farmer Writes: GMO debate has to be open, transparent and based on science
o   Korea's rice production hits 6-year high in 2015
o   Seaweed additive can boost rice yield by 65% – gov’t scientists
o   2016 Outlook: Cotton, Peanut and Rice Questions Linger
o   Rice’s bad taste: Poor farmers, health risks
o   PH Q3 farm output flat as dry weather hits rice
o   Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ is sinking
o   Singaporeans agree rice deal
o   Rice exports to stay strong, say shippers
o   Thailand sells an additional 500,000 tons of rice
o   Ministry moves to keep bad and good rice separated
o   USA Rice Daily
o   Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report

News Detail...

50 thousand tons of imported rice to enter through Dumai port

 

Jumat, 13 November 2015 19:02 WIB | 639 Views
Dumai, Riau (ANTARA News) - Some 50 thousand tons of imported rice from Vietnam and Thailand will enter Indonesia through the port of Dumai in Riau Province, a regional chief of the state logistics board said.Head of Dumai Office of the State Logistics Board (Bulog) Titov Agus Sabelia said that Bulog will soon receive 20 thousand tons of imported rice.
"Some 50 thousand tons of imported rice will enter the Dumai port in March 2016. In first phase, 20 thousand tons will arrive," said Agus on Friday.He added that the government decided to import rice to reinforce the government
s rice stock and prepare it for price control, if there price instability occurs. It was reported earlier that rice imported by the Indonesian government has started arriving at some seaports across the country, in a bid to increase the national food stock as the El Nino-induced drought has affected several regions.

"Already, (imported rice shipments have entered) not only Jakarta, but also several seaports," Vice President Jusuf M. Kalla stated Wednesday.The rice imports are necessary as drought has delayed paddy harvests in some regions, he noted."The most important aspect is that the government has provided adequate (rice) stocks nationally, including from imports. It is alright," he added.The drought from August to November 2015 has triggered harvest failures and reduced rice stocks."This decision has been taken for the sake of the people and not to protect a particular individuals image, no. It is to prevent rice prices from increasing," Kalla explained.On Nov. 4, some 4.8 thousand tons of rice imported from Vietnam arrived in Manado, North Sulawesi Province.Some three thousand tons of imported rice from Vietnam was also expected to arrive in Merauke, Papua, on Nov. 8, 2015.(*)

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/101449/50-thousand-tons-of-imported-rice-to-enter-through-dumai-port

 

Verdict on Indo-Pak fight over basmati likely soon


  
 APEDA, in its application to register Basmati GI, had failed to mention the Basmati-cultivating regions in Pakistan.
Description: Basmati riceCHENNAI: Forget the LOC, cross-border skirmishes and nuclear threat. Pakistan has opened a new warfront against India — rice. And the battleground will be southern state of Tamil Nadu — Chennai, to be exact.Will the strident neighbor succeed in getting an exclusive GI or reach a compromise and settle for joint registration of the tag with India will be known when the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) delivers its verdict soon.For now, the IPAB bench comprising its chairman Justice K N Basha and technical member Sanjeev Kumar Chaswal has reserved its orders on the legal wrangle for the tag. Verdict is to be out soon."It is only the area falling within the territory of Pakistan (the Indo-Gangetic plains in the Himalayan foothills) that is entitled to the GI 'Basmati' by virtue of having produced this 'exceptional rice' over a long period of time," said the petition from Lahore-based Basmati Growers Association (BGA).The assistant registrar of GI, Chennai has "gravely erred that rice produced in area/region of Madhya Pradesh, or for that matter any part of India can bear the basmati tag," the appeal added.Earlier, based on an application of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), GI status was granted to Basmati rice cultivated in UP, HP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and J&K. After MP requested its name be included in the list, the registry on December 31, 2013, directed APEDA to amend its application and include that state too. APEDA moved the IPAB challenging the directive.

Bhopal-based New Darban Social Welfare Society has involved itself to uphold IPAB's existing order. BGA also filed an appeal in IPAB against the registry's order. Despite two extensions, BGA failed to provide evidence. APEDA moved an interlocutory petition seeking a direction to quash the opposition petition. The GI registry on December 31, 2013, set aside BGA's petition. BGA's appeal against the order is pending.Last week, BGA submitted its application saying the registry's order to include additional areas was a 'grave concern'. "The region of origin of Basmati rice was carved out in early days itself when rice grown in the erstwhile Punjab drew attention...for being distinctive," said the application.

There was no "public perception" or recognition" of Basmati being originated from MP. It originated in erstwhile Punjab in Pakistan. "Merely because Basmati germplasm is cultivated in the region/area of MP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Mizoram, it would not entitle them to the GI tag, said the petition adding, the registry had "misinterpreted 'Basmati as a product rather than GI."It also said impleaded parties like Narmada Cereals Pvt Ltd, Daawat Food Ltd and SSA International were exporters and merely having factories in Madhya Pradesh. So they could not file an appeal for inclusion of MP in the area for Basmati cultivation. The order of the registry was silent on the variety of Basmati rice (Pusa variety) being grown in MP. "While variety of Basmati rice is certainly not the only basis, it should have been one of the most important factors," said the petition.

APEDA, in its application to register Basmati GI, had failed to mention the Basmati-cultivating regions in Pakistan. It, however, had said in "forums and courts all across the world" that Basmati was cultivated in both India and Pakistan, said the petition, requesting the IPAB to allow its original appeal and set aside the order of the registry.
Times of India
·         Politics

Paddy-whacked

By meddling in the market for rice, Asian governments make their own citizens poorer




NSW Riverina growers drop rice
EMMA FIELD
THE WEEKLY TIMES
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 12:00AM



Water worry: Michael Chalmers planted less than half the rice crop his family grew last year because of low water allocation in the Murray Valley. Picture: Andy Rogers


RICE plantings have dropped dramatically from last year ¬because of poor water allocations in the NSW Riverina.Last week the NSW Government announced a one per cent upgrade to 13 per cent in the general security water allocation for the NSW Murray Valley system, while the Murrumbidgee Valley allocation remained at 29 per cent.Finley-based agronomist John Lacy said few growers in the eastern Murray Valley including at Blighty, Oaklands, Jerilderie and ¬Tocumwal, had planted rice this year.He said when farmers were making decisions to plant in late August and early September, allocations were at 6 per cent and the outlook for the rice season wasn’t promising.

Description: Water worry: Michael Chalmers planted less than half the rice crop his family grew last y
“They are planting dramatically less than last year. Many farmers were able to grow rice last year, but most have dropped away this year,” he said. “A lot of growers weren’t willing to take the risk.”Michael Chalmers at Noorong, NSW, east of Swan Hill, has planted 292ha of rice — down 72 per cent on last year.Mr Chalmers said he carried over some water from last season and bought some temporary water in July before the prices got “out of control”.We rely on the combination of allocation and temporary trade (water). We need for one and both to be in good shape … the water trade is a concern,” he said.At Griffith, Wayne ¬Andreazza, who usually plants 400ha of rice, will not plant any summer crops, including rice. He said the low general water allocations and high temporary water prices above $200/ML influenced his decision.
SunRice chief executive Rob Gordon said he anticipated “a smaller crop” this year but would not put a number on it.Last month, the company announced a minimum price guarantee of $415/tonne to try to encourage rice planting.Mr Gordon said the Deniliquin and Leeton rice mills would be open this year, which had been “secured by the fact we announced the guaranteed minimum price”.


http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/cropping/nsw-riverina-growers-drop-rice/story-fnker6ee-1227602265882
                                                           

APEDA COMMODITY NEWS

International Benchmark Price
Price on: 11-11-2015
Product
Benchmark Indicators Name
Price
Rice
1
CZCE Early Rice Futures (USD/t)
322
2
Pakistani 100%, FOB Karachi (USD/t)
319
3
Pakistani 25% Broken (USD/t)
383
Corn/Maize
1
DCE Corn Futures (USD/t)
291
2
NCDEX Feed Maize/Corn Futures (USD/t)
229
3
White Maize, FOB South Africa (USD/t)
227
Sultanas
1
Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t)
2919
2
South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t)
2562
3
Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t)
2237
Source:agra-net
For more info
Market Watch
Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 12-11-2015
Domestic Prices
Unit Price : Rs per Qty
Product
Market Center
Variety
Min Price
Max Price
Rice
1
Manjeri (Kerala)
Other
2800
3800
2
Dhing (Assam)
Common
1700
2000
3
Samsi (West Bengal)
Fine 
2790
2820
Wheat
1
Bonai (Orissa)
Other
1450
1500
2
Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh)
Other
1570
1610
3
Sainthia (West Bengal)
Other
1590
1610
Orange
1
Chala (Kerala)
Other
3000
3100
2
Asandh (Haryana)
Other
2500
3000
3
Nagpur (Maharashtra)
Other
400
1100
Onion
1
Barnala (Punjab)
Other
1600
2200
2
Bargarh (Orissa)
Other
3000
3200
3
Manjeri (Kerala)
Other
3800
4000
For more info
Egg
Rs per 100 No
Price on 12-11-2015
Product
Market Center
Price
1
Ahmedabad
383
2
Mysore
372
3
Hyderabad
350
Source: e2necc.com
Other International Prices
Unit Price : US$ per package
Price on 10-11-2015
Product
Market Center
Origin
Variety
Low
High
Onions Dry
Package: 40 lb cartons
1
Atlanta
Peru
Yellow
26
26.75
2
Chicago
Nevada
Yellow
22
24
3
Detroit
California
Yellow
26
26.50
Cucumbers
Package: cartons film wrapped
1
Atlanta
Mexico
Long Seedless
12
12
2
Dallas
California
Long Seedless
17
18.50
3
Miami
Canada
Long Seedless
11
11
Grapes
Package: 18 lb containers bagged
1
Atlanta
Peru
Red Globe
24.50
24.75
2
Dallas
California
Red Globe
21.75
22
3
New York
Peru
Red Globe
26
26
Source:USDA

 

 

Govt to procure 0.2m tonnes rice at Tk 31 per kg


Online Desk | Update: 18:51, Nov 12, 2015
The government has set a target to procure 0.2 million metric tonnes of Aman rice at Tk 31 per kg in the current season, says news agency UNB.Food minister Qamrul Islam disclosed the decision on Thursday while talking to reporters after a meeting of food planning and monitoring committee at the ministry.He said the Aman rice procurement will begin on 15 December and continue till 15 March.Qamrul Islam said the government has decided to increase duty on rice import from the existing 10 percent.

The minister said his ministry had earlier proposed to increase duty on rice import but it was delayed, as a result, Bangladeshi importers imported huge rice from India which made the market unstable.He said farmers will be affected if duty on rice import is not increased.The prices of flour and rice under Open Market Sale (OMS) programme will be decreased from the current prices of Tk 22 and 24 per Kg respectively, he added.Presided over by the Food Minister, the meeting was attended, among others, by finance minister AMA Muhith, agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury, LGRD and cooperatives minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, disaster management and relief minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury and state minister for food Nuruzzaman Ahmed.

http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/85729/Govt-to-procure-2m-tonnes-rice

Govt offers lower price

 

Staff Correspondent

The government has decided to offer the Aman growers one taka lower price than what it had offered during rice procurement last Aman season.But to cushion farmers against the impact of cheaper rice being imported from India, it would soon increase duty on rice import, said Food Minister Quamrul Islam.The decisions came at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee held yesterday with food minister in the chair.Briefing reporters after the meeting, the food minister said the issue of increasing the duty has been discussed, and a decision in this regard would be taken in a couple of days.The meeting decided that the government would procure two lakh tonnes of Aman rice this season at Tk 31 per kg from December 15 to March 15.Last year, the government procured Aman rice at Tk 32 per kg.

 

The price offer is Tk 1 less despite the fact that Aman production cost has increased from last year's Tk 28 a kg to Tk 28.50 a kg this year.Officials concerned reasoned that as the current price of rice is cheaper in the market than what it was a year back, the procurement price has been adjusted accordingly.The procurement season came at a time when the government granaries are full to the brim with earlier stocks, and that is why, the government is now also planning to slash the selling prices of open market sale (OMS) of rice and wheat.

The food minister said the price cut in OMS would be announced in a day or two. At present, rice is being sold at Tk 24 a kg and wheat at Tk 22.As cheaper rice from India got into Bangladesh market in large volumes earlier this year, putting local rice growers in a tight spot, the government imposed a 10 percent duty in May amid widespread criticism that the measure was too little too late.Rice millers recommend increasing the rice import duty to 30 percent.Finance Minister AMA Muhith and Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury attended yesterday's meeting.

 

http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/govt-offers-lower-price-171682



Rice breeder focuses on new, high-value varieties for Mackay and north Queensland

Posted earlier today at 6:32am
Agronomists in New South Wales are working to come up with new rice varieties to be grown in the Mackay region and further afield in north Queensland.
Ben Ovenden, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, is one of just two scientists in Australia who can call themselves 'rice breeders', and this week he spoke with sugar cane growers in Mackay about progress on developing rice varieties for the region. 
      
Description: Rice breeder Ben Ovenden"We're really excited about the potential for new rice varieties in this region," Mr Ovenden said."With the tropical climate it is really suited to a whole range of different varieties."We have started doing selections here, because basically if you breed for something in the environment that it's going to be grown in, hopefully you are going to get a good performer."Mr Ovenden was speaking at an information session near Mackay, where sugar cane growers were updated on the potential of rice in their region.Most of Mr Ovenden's work in the past has focused on rice breeding for the Riverina region in NSW, but for the past decade he and his department have been working on a small scale with cane grower Andrew Barfield to come up with varieties suited to Mackay's climate and conditions.That work resulted in the selection of doongara as the variety for the Mackay region's first commercial rice crop this year.
Description: Andrew Barfield checking moisture content at his trial rice cropsWhile doongara is seen as a highly reliable option, Mr Ovenden said he and his team were now working on other, more niche varieties."We think that the Thai jasmine fragrant varieties would be an ideal niche for producers in this area, and we've focused a lot of our work on starting to breed a lot of the high value varieties," he said."There is a variety called topaz, which was released in southern New South Wales, which fills that market niche."It's a fragrant long grain, but we don't expect it to be as agronomically suited up here as it is down in the Riverina."We'd like to breed something with high yield potential as well as really good quality that's targeted for this growing region."Mr Ovenden said it took about 10 years of crossbreeding and trials to come up with a new rice variety for commercial use.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-13/rice-breeder-works-on-new-varieties-for-north-queensland/6938280


Farmer Writes: GMO debate has to be open, transparent and based on science
By Contributor on 12 November 2015
4More Sharing ServicesShare on emailShare on google_plusone_shareShare on twitterShare on facebook


Description: http://www.farmersjournal.ie/WEBFILES/289924-193880.jpg?timestamp=1447421403167On a trip to the Philippines earlier this year, Brian Rushe visited the International Rice Research Institute and saw first-hand the difference a genetically engineered crop can make for humans
This year, as part of my Nuffield Scholarship travels, I had the opportunity to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, where I got to see the incredible difference a genetically engineered crop can truly make.IRRI was founded in 1960 with the help of the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations. The work being done there is both lifesaving and inspirational and a real example of what independent agricultural research can achieve.IRRI has made a difference since it started the green revolution that resulted in the avoidance of famine, ensured political stability and provided the basis for the current explosion in economic growth we are now seeing in Asia. Its sole mandate is to provide free research and extension to over 200 million rice farmers in that region. Among its current major funders are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations.
Vitamin deficiency

Currently, IRRI is leading the development of a vitamin A-enriched genetically engineered variety of rice called golden rice. In developing countries, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight. The poor in the developing world, especially those who rely heavily on rice as their major source of nutrition, are particularly exposed to vitamin A deficiency.For you and I, this is never a problem. We get our vitamins from a varied and balanced diet. Failing that, we can always pop down to our local pharmacy and buy our vitamins in a bottle.

However, for a massive amount of the world’s population, this is simply not an option.This side of the GMO debate is never publicised or spoken about. Stories like IRRI and golden rice don’t seem to sell papers or encourage website hits. Unfortunately, in most of today’s media bad news, negativity and sensationalism seems to trump stories of amazingly innovative people and organisations that have focused on solutions rather than problems.The GMO debate has to be open, transparent and based on science. People’s concerns should be addressed with understanding and humility, but most importantly, it needs to be a conversation.

Korea's rice production hits 6-year high in 2015



Published : 2015-11-13 14:27

Updated : 2015-11-13 14:27
South Korea's rice production hit a six-year high in 2015 caused by greater yield per cultivated land, government data showed Friday.According to the data from Statistics Korea, South Korea produced a total of 4.32 million tons of rice this year, up 2 percent from 4.24 million tons a year earlier. This marked the third straight year of growth in rice output. The growth came in spite of a 2-percent drop in the country's rice-growing area from a year earlier.
 "Lack of serious typhoons and pest damage pushed up output," the agency said. "Good weather conditions particularly in August and September helped." It added that enhanced production efficiency also played a role in propping up rice output.The amount of rice harvested from 1,000 square meters of land increased 4.2 percent to 542 kilograms from the previous year's 520 kilograms, according to the data. By region, South Jeolla Province ranked No. 1 with total output hitting 866,000 tons, followed by South Chungcheong Province reporting 828,000 tons. (Yonhap)

Seaweed additive can boost rice yield by 65% – gov’t scientists

Carrageenan, a substance found in seaweed, can help Filipino rice farmers earn and save more, according to government research
Published 6:00 PM, November 13, 2015
Updated 6:00 PM, November 13, 2015

OCEAN'S BOUNTY. A seaweed farmer in Tawi-Tawi bundles his harvested seaweed. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Government research into how a substance from seaweed can increase the productivity of rice fields across the country has paid off.Carrageenan, a carbohydrate found in edible seaweeds, was found to increase rice yield by 63.6% to 65.4%, according to scientists from the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the country’s premiere agricultural school.The findings were the result of a field trial conducted in Bulacan. The trial showed that adding small portions of carrageenan to fertilizer led to higher grain weight, thereby increasing rice yields.

The team led by Gil Magsino of NCPC found that adding 20 milliliters per liter of carrageenan to 3 to 6 bags of fertilizer per hectare led to an increased grain weight of 450 and 455 grams. This is compared to 275 grams of grain weight produced after applying 9 bags per hectare – the usual practice of Filipino farmers.The research was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology.Previous studies showed that when carrageenan is degraded or reduced to tiny sizes through irradiation technology, it can promote growth in rice plants and make it resistant to certain pests. Thus, at very small doses, it becomes an effective natural fertilizer.
Description: OCEAN'S BOUNTY. A seaweed farmer in Tawi-Tawi bundles his harvested seaweed. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
Higher yield, more savings
Carrageenan can improve rice productivity by strengthening rice stems which, according to the Department of Agriculture, helps prevent lodging or when stems become too weak to carry the weight of the rice grains that they fall to the field.The substance can also promote resistance to rice plant diseases like the rice tungro virus and bacterial leaf blight.“This innovation of applying seaweed as fertilizer empowers our farmers to have access to cheaper but highly effective plant growth enhancers that boils down to improved harvest and increased income,” said Science Secretary Mario Montejo.

Because the use of carrageenan was found to decrease the number of bags of fertilizer needed per hectare, this could mean bigger savings for farmers who devote much of their expenses to farming inputs.The government’s finding could also impact other agricultural workers, namely seaweed farmers, by boosting demand for the substance.Seaweed is heavily farmed in places like Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar, and Antique.

In fact, the Philippines is a major global supplier of carrageenan. In 2011, it reportedly supplied 80% of the world's seaweed needs.It is commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer for food products like ice cream and salad dressing, or as a binding agent for toothpaste and shampoo. – Rappler.com

 

 

2016 Outlook: Cotton, Peanut and Rice Questions Linger

NOVEMBER 12, 2015 11:30 AM
Description: COTTON-ACRES

While cotton acreage could likely increase in 2016, the price outlook shows scant signs of improvement.

Editor's note: This is one of ten 2016 marketing outlooks, the AgWeb.com editors are providing to help you succeed and be profitable in the coming year. Please check back each Monday and Thursday for another outlook.

When the crop market outlook isn’t too shiny, sometimes a farmer is forced to pick the best pig in the pen. Producers make planting decisions based on market signals, and one key signal is the price of competing crops. Yet, there is no clarion call for additional cotton, peanut or rice acres in 2016.
Cotton Rut
Cotton is stuck in the doldrums with a demand creep showing scant signs of improvement. As projections forecast a carryover of 3.1 million bales going into 2016, prices appear stuck at 60-plus cents. Cotton consumption rides in tandem with overall prosperity, but the limping U.S. and global economy is likely to continue. “Because of oversupply, I have a hard time seeing cotton prices getting out of the 60-cent range. That’s not profitable and won’t cut it for farmers,” says John Robinson, Texas A&M University Extension cotton economist.Robinson expects U.S. cotton acreage to remain close to 2015 levels.

“Cotton should stay the same at about 9 million planted acres in 2016; there’s nothing right now to swing them back. Low grain futures might pull back a few cotton acres, but probably not many.”Pared down, Robinson expects a 2016 similar to the dismal cotton year of 2015. “Farmers are going into next year with a bad taste in their mouths from low prices and tough growing conditions. They aren’t thrilled and their bankers aren’t thrilled either. Such sentiment will keep a lid on acreage.”An economic boom in key cotton consuming countries carries the likelihood of a snowflake in summer. China is rubbing against a hard economy and holds huge cotton reserves. However, import increases in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam have helped offset the drop from China.

Turkey is also a big U.S. cotton consumer—the second-largest customer in the last five years, but the current anti-dumping investigation could affect Turkey’s import status.Soil moisture conditions, particularly in cotton-heavy Texas, are predicted to be better in 2016 than in previous years, but the El Nino effect may last into the spring of 2016, which could affect planting. “If planting conditions are favorable, we should see an increase in cotton acreage in some areas as compared to 2015,” says Jody Campiche, vice president of Economics and Policy Analysis, National Cotton Council.What does Campiche expect from acreage levels? “Right now, feed grain prices are generally low. Even sorghum’s favorable basis has declined. This could lead to more cotton acreage in 2016.” However, with a stagnant world market and record levels of cotton stocks, she anticipates similar price conditions in the 2016 crop year.

Peanut Plenty
Peanut supply estimates aren’t solid yet, but point toward 3.1 million tons for 2015. If that number holds, it will result in a carryover into next season of roughly 1.4 million tons. That would place the U.S. peanut industry in an oversupply situation and press against already low prices.The price on peanuts can’t go much further down and still entice farmers to plant in 2016, says Tyron Spearman, executive secretary of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. “Prices have been running around $400 per farmer stock ton, but dropped to $380 per farmer stock ton. The price support is $355 and I don’t think farmers will plant at $355. In 2015, farmers planted at around $400 per farmer stock ton and then you received $75 from the PLC program.

 That puts it at $475, and so if you can average 4,000-5,000 lbs., you can stay alive, but you won’t be bringing in profit.”Exports play an increasingly big peanut role. “Our problem is Argentina and they’ve been successful in the European market by being priced lower than U.S. peanuts,” describes Spearman. “They’re at $1,000 per metric ton; we’re at $1,100 and that’s the best we can do. Right now, we just have to be ready and on time when Europe needs U.S. peanuts.”Brian Williams, agricultural economist, Mississippi State University, says peanut demand has been strong, but not robust enough to keep up with the huge 2015 crop. “I suspect prices will drop with the big supply.

At a minimum, profitable crop options will play at least a small role in 2016 peanut planting decisions,” he notes. “I think peanut acreage will have a slight drop in 2016 due to caps on total PLC payments and storage issues from the 2015 carryover.” Description: PEANUT-EMERGENCE
Spearman believes 2016 acreage will drop from the 1.6 million acres of 2015, with the decline tempered by a lack of crop alternatives—cotton in the 60-cent range, corn below $4, or soybeans hovering above $8.50. If the alternatives remain unattractive, producers may fall back on peanuts again. “Getting close to planting time, peanut acreage will really play off the price performance of corn and cotton,” Spearman says.

Rice Shift?
Based on the whims of 2015, rice acreage might appear headed down in 2016, but numbers may remain steady after commodity realization. A lot of rice is still held on-farm as producers wait for price improvements. Many operations equipped with adequate storage are holding rice at least into 2016. “If they can get close to $6 per bushel rice, they’ll pull the trigger. However, reaching such a price is very unlikely,” says Jarrod Hardke, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture rice Extension agronomist.

 “A lot of that will be dictated by production estimates in January 2016.”Rice growers won’t run to $8.50 soybeans. Ballpark input costs come in at $350 per acre on soybeans and $700 per acre on rice. Soybeans are a safer bet, but rice’s yield potential can bring a windfall. “Beans in the teens would be a different conversation,” says Hardke.As the No. 1 rice-producing state, Arkansas’ yield is estimated at 164 bu. per acre, compared to 168 bu. per acre in 2014. Hardke believes the yield number will stay down and deliver a price bump considering the size of Arkansas’ rice footprint—1.3 million acres. “Ultimately, I feel it’ll be 155-160 bu. per acre. Move the yield from 164 to below 160 and you’ll see a market impact.”Certainly, 2015 prices aren’t getting farmers charged to plant rice in 2016. Yet, Louisiana State University AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry doesn’t see a shift away from rice. “I think acreage will remain steady and might even come with a slight increase. We had 2.6 million U.S. rice acres in 2015 and I could see it getting to 2.8 million in 2016.” Description: RICE-PLANTING

In Louisiana, most of the rice crop is in the southern part of the state where there’s not much choice related to crop alternatives. “It’s almost rice or nothing,” Guidry says. “With a short crop, maybe prices will strengthen. There has to be more than a small change to get producers excited about planting rice next year.”On the export side of the table, Cuba’s historical demand for U.S. rice and its proximity bode well for rice farmers, says Williams. “Also, the Trans-Pacific Partnership will remove trade barriers. Despite those international benefits on the horizon, they probably won’t influence 2016 plantings.”Cuba’s market would consume a significant percentage of U.S. rice. China is also on the sidelines, and its purchasing power would pull a deep scoop from the U.S. marketing bin. If all the international stars line up, rice acreage could break records in the near-future. However, such conjecture may be empty in regard to 2016 plantings.

Estimates
Estimates dictate the markets for cotton, peanuts and rice. The acreage and price needles will shift multiple times as the next year unfolds. Competing crops, economic temperature, international pressure and Mother Nature will hold sway in a sluggish market as watch-and-wait producers take it all in and prepare for 2016.

http://www.agweb.com/article/2016-outlook-cotton-peanut-and-rice-questions-linger-naa-chris-bennett

Rice’s bad taste: Poor farmers, health risks


By: Kimmy Baraoidan
Inquirer Southern Luzon
12:15 AM November 13th, 2015
RICE PLANTING is back-breaking work that also exposes farmers to diseases and other hazards, according to an agriculture expert. EDWIN BACASMASDescription: RICE PLANTING is back-breaking work that also exposes farmers to diseases and other hazards, according to an agriculture expert. EDWIN BACASMAS
LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA—Before you put that spoonful of rice in your mouth, think about this first.

Rice production in the Philippines is doing more harm than good to farmers, the environment and consumers, according to an agriculture expert.Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., member of the National Academy for Science and Technology and former executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), said the first ugly effect of rice is on farmers involved in its production.At a lecture in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Rasco said rice farmers in the Philippines suffer physically and economically as a result of the way rice is being produced.Farmers, he said, bend for long hours to plant and harvest rice, causing lower back pains.Farmers are also exposed to diseases like schistosomiasis, malaria, fungal and bacterial infections and hazards like snake bites, he added.

Income decline
According to Rasco, farmers are also at the losing end because they get the least out of rice production, getting only P50,000 each year after other players in the rice supply chain had gotten their shares.Farmers’ income, he said, is expected to further decline at the start of the economic integration of countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) which would melt down trade barriers, like duties and tariffs, and pave the way for the free exchange of goods.Under Asean economic integration, farm gate prices of agricultural produce are expected to further go down, said Rasco.On the environment, rice production in the Philippines is also harmful because of monocropping, said Rasco.So much water is wasted in rice production, he said, that to produce a kilogram of rice, at least 5,000 liters of water is used.Rice farming, he said, also helps worsen soil, water and air pollution and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Health risks
Health-wise, according to Rasco, rice is also not an ideal food but Filipinos are heavy rice eaters. In the Philippines, he said, per capita consumption of rice in 2009 (119) is more than double the global average (65).Regular rice eaters, he said, suffer increased risks of having diabetes because of rice’s, especially the white variety’s, high glycemic index.Other conditions associated with excessive rice consumption are heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis, to name a few, he added.Humans, Rasco said, do not need to eat rice, adding that humans started to eat rice only some 200,000 years ago. Hunters and gatherers, before the invention of fire and cooking, survived on meat and plants.

He argued that the human body “has not adapted [yet] to grains consumption, including rice.”Rasco, however, said not all kinds of rice are bad. “This is our savior, brown rice,” he said. Brown rice has more nutrients and lower glycemic content (50) than white rice (70).But given the arguments against rice, why do farmers continue to produce it? Two reasons, Rasco said, are that most land is suitable only for rice production and farmers lack other skills.To reduce dependence on rice by farmers and consumers, Rasco said an answer would be diversification.Instead of planting only rice, farmers can plant other crops and grow poultry and livestock alongside crops.Rasco said he hoped consumers would eventually realize that rice is not good for them.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/739202/rices-bad-taste-poor-farmers-health-risks#ixzz3rNXeA73f

 

PH Q3 farm output flat as dry weather hits rice

Reuters
Posted at 11/13/15 10:34 AM
MANILA - The Philippines' agricultural output in the third quarter grew a marginal 0.04 percent from a year earlier, as crop losses due to El Nino-induced dry weather offset gains in livestock, poultry and fisheries, the government said on Friday.Crops output contracted 4.86 percent, with paddy harvest down 15.71 percent to 2.6 million tonnes, while corn production dropped 1.7 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority said in a report issued ahead of the third quarter GDP data due later this month.Livestock output grew 3.25 percent while poultry production rose 8.76 percent. Fisheries managed to grow 1.8 percent.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/13/15/ph-q3-farm-output-flat-as-dry-weather-hits-rice
Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ is sinking
VietNamNet Bridge - Part of the Mekong Delta – home to 20% of Vietnam’s population and 50% of its rice production - is at risk of disappearing as sea levels rise.


Description: Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ is sinking, mekong delta, climate change in vietnam, ca mau, vietnamnet bridge, english news about Vietnam, Vietnam news, news about Vietnam, English news, vietnamnet news, latest news on vietnam,  Vietnam, vietnam environment
A field with saltwater in Ca Mau.

Passing from one field to another in the region, we saw the same things: The water showed a dingy yellowish color and rice grew in wispy rows. Bui Van Sim, a farmer in Le Giao village, Thoi Binh district of Ca Mau Province, explained: "This year's crop is totally lost. Saltwater has appeared everywhere. There is no rain; almost 100% of the rice has died."Ca Mau is a lowland, of which some parts are about to be under sea level, so flooding and seawater encroachment happen frequently. In recent years, under the impact of global warming and sea level rise, 40% of Ca Mau area faces the threat of being submerged by seawater.Locals like Sim once were accustomed to two seasons of fresh and saltwater.

 The rainy season was from June to November when water from upstream overflows. This is the time that people desalt the fields to grow rice. After harvest, they let the fields dry and pump saltwater into them to breed shrimp. However, this script is changing.  Tran Thi Diep, also living in Le Giao, said that usually the period between July and August is the time of abundant fresh water, but this year, there has been nothing even though it is early November.
 This means that the “golden rice bowl” of Vietnam is experiencing many changes.Of the 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta, Ca Mau and Kien Giang are most seriously affected. 80% of Ca Mau is at risk of submersion. The province has nearly 10,000 hectares of agricultural land affected by salinity. Moreover, sea dikes are seriously degraded. 
Kien Giang is heavily influenced by climate change, especially flooding and sea level rise every year. If the sea level rises about 85-105 cm, most of Kien Giang province will be submerged.Furthermore, according to the calculations of scientists, along with the issue of rising sea levels, the ground of the Mekong Delta is also in danger of serious sinking, pushing the risk of “disappearance” of the most fertile fields. The average level of sinking measured in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City is 26.3mm/year; at the estuary of the Hau River (a branch of the Mekong River) in Can Tho, it is 14.2mm/year, while in Ca Mau it is 23.4mm/year.

Additionally, erosion at riverbanks, islets and coastal areas is causing great difficulties for people and local governments. A few months ago, Long Khanh islet, Hong Ngu District, Dong Thap Province eroded almost completely. Water invaded residential areas, endangering people’s lives. Hundreds of households need to be relocated, pushing the government into the uneasy situation of finding funds for new land.In the lowlands like the two provinces of Ca Mau and Kien Giang, the high sea level rise and the sinking have put the interlocking canal system in disorder. 

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/special-reports/146141/vietnam-s--rice-bowl--is-sinking.html


Singaporeans agree rice deal

 

Drought concerns are prompting countries to go on a rice-buying spree, with Singaporean buyers sealing a deal yesterday to buy rice worth 720 million baht from the Thai private sector.Published: 13/11/2015 at 03:25 AM


Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn, who last week led Singaporean importers to visit and observe rice cultivation in Ubon Ratchathani, said they would buy the entire 22,000 tonnes of Hom Mali rice produced in the province in the 2015-16 harvest season.The Singaporeans also plan to buy glutinous rice, but deals have yet to be signed because they believe the price is relatively high.Singapore is one of Thailand's main rice export markets, both for domestic consumption and re-export.The city state bought 126,013 tonnes worth 3.99 billion baht in 2013 and 162,577 tonnes worth 5.76 billion baht last year.In the first 10 months of this year, Singapore imported 99,216 tonnes of Thai rice worth 2.77 billion baht.

Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said Thailand was expected to produce 6 million tonnes of Hom Mali paddy or 3 million tonnes of milled rice in the 2015-16 season, close to last season's figures.However, he expects the Hom Mali rice in this year's main crop will be much better in quality thanks to low rainfall that will make it more aromatic."We're concerned about the short-term price prospects of Hom Mali rice, as simultaneous harvests nationwide may affect prices to certain extent," Mr Charoen said.In a bid to stabilise rice prices ahead of the main crop's new release of supply this month and next, the rice policy and management committee last month agreed to delay sales of high-quality rice in state stocks.

The panel will allow the sale of 2 million tonnes of low-quality rice, mainly for industrial use.The government controls 13.5 million tonnes of rice stocks, down from a combined 18 million tonnes amassed from previous rice schemes.In a move to stabilise Hom Mali paddy prices, exporters also pledged to buy Hom Mali paddy at a target price of 13,500 baht a tonne or about 26,000 baht a tonne for milled rice from December-February.Drought conditions are prompting many countries to buy more rice, with the Philippines and Indonesia expected to buy more stocks, Mrs Apiradi said.


The government through the Foreign Trade Department will sign a government-to-government (G-to-G) deal this week to sell 500,000 tonnes of newly harvested rice worth 8 billion baht to Indonesia's rice-buying agency Bulog.Of the total, 15% white rice will make up 450,000 tonnes, with 5% white rice making up the rest. Delivery is scheduled from this month to next March.Since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha took office, Thailand has sold more than 2 million tonnes under G-to-G contracts, with 1 million to be delivered this year.


In September, the government secured a deal to sell 300,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines' National Food Authority under a G-to-G deal at cost, insurance and freight prices of US$426.60 a tonne. Delivery is due between now and next January.The government is also set to sign a deal to sell 1 million tonnes of rice to China, with delivery due next year.The grains, mainly new 5% white rice and Hom Mali rice, are part of a 2-million-tonne lot for which a memorandum of understanding was signed last December
http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstories/763604/singaporeans-agree-rice-deal

 

Rice exports to stay strong, say shippers


Description: rice-export.jpgThe country’s rice prospects are brightening, with exports expected to stay strong at 9.5 to 10 million tonnes next year, says the Thai Rice Exporters Association. Thailand’s rice situation is stable thanks to several pending purchase orders under government-to-government (G-to-G) contracts with the Philippines and China, president Charoen Laothammatas said yesterday.He expects Thai paddy prices will remain steady at 8,000 to 8,500 baht a tonne next year. The government is hoping to sell more rice from its stocks in the year to come due to lower output resulting from drought conditions. Drought is forecast to cut second-crop output next year by 50% to 4-5 million tonnes of paddy from 8-10 million tonnes.The government through the Foreign Trade Department will sign a G-to-G deal this week to sell 500,000 tonnes of newly harvested rice worth 8 billion baht to Indonesia’s rice-buying agency, Bulog. Of the 500,000 tonnes, 15% white rice will make up 450,000 tonnes, with 5% white rice making up the rest.

Delivery is scheduled from this month to next March. Since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha took office, Thailand has sold more than 2 million tonnes under G-to-G contracts, 1 million of which is to be delivered this year. In September, the government secured a deal to sell 300,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines’ National Food Authority under a G-to-G deal at cost, insurance and freight prices of US$426.60 a tonne. Delivery is due between now and next January. The government is also set to sign a deal to sell 1 million tonnes of rice to China, with delivery scheduled for next year.The grains, mainly new 5% white rice and Hom Mali rice, are part of a 2-million-tonne lot for which Thailand and China signed a memorandum of understanding last December. The contract will be made through the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation, the giant state enterprise that oversees rice imports, as a way of ensuring transparency.


The transaction with China is unrelated to an earlier deal for 1 million tonnes struck by the Yingluck Shinawatra government. Thailand has already delivered 700,000 tonnes as part of that deal. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn last week said drought conditions prompted many countries to go on a rice-buying spree, with the Philippines and Indonesia expected to buy more rice.The scenario presents a good opportunity for Thai rice exports and rice prices, she said, adding that authorities also expected to sell more rice to Iran, Singapore and Hong Kong. In a bid to stabilise domestic prices ahead of the main crop’s new release of supply this month and next, the rice policy and management committee recently agreed to delay sales of high-quality rice from state stocks. The panel will allow the sale of 2 million tonnes of low-quality rice, mainly for industrial use.

Source: Bangkok Post

Thailand sells an additional 500,000 tons of rice


Friday, 13 November 2015From Issue Vol. XXIII No. 46By  NNT

Description: http://www.pattayamail.com/images/news/2015-11-13/b1reveals.jpgCommerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn said the Foreign Trade Department will sign on behalf of the Thai government a G2G contract with the Indonesian government, in which the latter will purchase 500,000 tons of rice from Thailand.The deal would consist of 50,000 tons of five percent rice and 450,000 tons of 15 percent white rice. The rice, which is from the latest crop season, will be delivered in batches starting this month until March next year.

The government has also been able to sell 300,000 tons of rice to the Philippines and another 300,000 tons to China. The government is currently in the process of signing another G2G contract with China, to sell an additional amount of one million tons of rice. The total G2G rice deals have amounted to 2 million tons.Meanwhile, many countries have suffered from droughts, the impacts of which are expected to be felt through to next year. Therefore, demand for rice is set to increase, creating a good opportunity for Thai rice exports. The Commerce Minister expressed confidence that rice exports this year will meet the 10-million-ton target.
http://www.pattayamail.com/business/thailand-sells-an-additional-500-000-tons-of-rice-52866#sthash.JYWSsuwq.dpuf

 

Ministry moves to keep bad and good rice separated



The Nation November 13, 2015 3:27 pm
The Commerce Minister has launched a measure designed to control the transportation of rice in order to prevent enterprises combining rotten rice with rice fit for consumption.The new regulation aims to ensure rotten rice is used only in the industrial sector or for biomass productionm said Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn Friday.The ministry plans to auction 2,000 tonnes of rotten rice.About 1.29 million tonnes of rice from a total of 13 million tonnes in the government's stockpiles is rotten.


USA Rice Daily

Missouri Hosts First Rice Conservation Field Day 

Packed in
PORTAGEVILLE, MO -- Yesterday morning, more than 50 rice farmers and conservation professionals gathered at the Delta Fisher Research Center in Portageville, Missouri, for the first ever Southeast Missouri Rice Conservation Field Day.

The Field Day was organized by USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited to provide outreach to rice farmers in the Missouri Bootheel for their National Rice Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, Sustaining the Future of Rice.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri in conjunction with the University of Missouri's Fisher Delta Research Center handled most of the local outreach and planning for the event.

Participants had an opportunity to hear presentations on behalf of the Missouri NRCS State Conservationist's office, NRCS headquarters in Washington, Ducks Unlimited, and a legislative update from USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely.

Mosely told the crowd, "It is great to get so many people together with positive common goals and share our respective visions for the RCPP and the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership.  USA Rice looks forward to continuing to build relationships in the Bootheel and deliver additional funding to the Missouri rice industry."

Blake Gerard, Missouri rice farmer and chairman of the USA Rice Farmers also attended the event, and said, "I was thrilled to see how receptive my friends and neighbors were towards this Field Day, and it was imperative that conservation staff were in the room and able to answer specific, technical questions for folks."

Gerard concluded, "Our region needs to be implementing as many conservation practices as possible as preventative measures in today's environmentally sensitive society.  This project is bringing the incentive right to our front door to make sure we continue to responsibly care for our land."

Applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program portion of the National Rice RCPP project are due to Missouri and Louisiana NRCS offices by November 20.

Contact:  Peter Bachmann (703) 236-1475
USA Rice Leadership Class Alumni Visit Thailand
 
Robb Dedman, Park Eldridge, and
 Chad Duckworth get up close
with Thai Jasmine rice.
BANGKOK, THAILAND -- In early November, the 2015 International Rice Leadership Class toured Thailand to get an overview of the Thai rice market.  The group met with a diverse group of industry representatives including Thai exporters/traders, farmers, millers, rice research stations, and U.S. government officials working in Thailand.

Members of this year's International Rice Leadership Class are alumni from previous Rice Leadership Development classes and include: Rance Daniels, Hornersville, MO; Robb Dedman, Rison, AR; Chad Duckworth, Jonesboro, AR; Park Eldridge, Gillette, AR; and Timothy Gertson, Lissie, TX. In Bangkok, the country's capital city, the class met first with U.S. Agricultural Counselor Bobby Richey, who gave an overview of the Thai rice industry, before visiting the Thailand Rice Department (School of Rice) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Next stop was the Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) project where people who live in apartments are being taught how to grow food items on their rooftops.  Rice merchant Park Eldridge commented on the idea, "I can see how this could be done in our large cities and how it would help reduce food costs for city dwellers."The highlight at the Prachinburi Rice Research Center was the In-Situ Conservation site for wild rice and deep water rice ecosystem.  "It was amazing to see wild rice growing in water as deep as seven feet, and they don't fertilize it or anything," said Texas producer Timothy Gertson.

After visiting a rice seed production facility, the class boarded a plane and flew to northeast Thailand to see first-hand the harvest of Thai Jasmine.  "Everyone in the rice industry knows about Thai Jasmine and to see it being harvested and hearing how it is grown in a rain-fed ecosystem was very interesting," said rice consultant Robb Dedman.
  
MO producer Rance Daniels examines floating rice varieties. "It was fascinating to see the way the Thai processors purchased rice from the farmers and then dumped it on a concrete slab to be sun dried before being milled," said Missouri producer Rance Daniels.Chad Duckworth, with Armor Seed, summed up the week-long trip, saying, "Having an opportunity to sit down with a group of Thai rice farmers and visit with them about how they grow rice and then talk about how we grow it, was amazing.  I understand now how beneficial this program is and how exposure to every aspect of rice production, both in the U.S. and abroad, can help all of us here give thoughtful, educated input when it comes to making decisions about how we do things at home."

The Rice Leadership Development Program is sponsored by John Deere Company, American Commodity Company, and RiceTec, Inc. through a grant to The Rice Foundation and is managed by the USA Rice Federation.

Contact:  Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541
Arkansas Farm Bureau Daily Commodity Report

Rice
High
Low
Long Grain Cash Bids
- - -
- - -
Long Grain New Crop
- - -
- - -


Futures:
High
Low
Last
Change
Nov '15
1196.0
-15.0
Jan '16
1232.0
1203.5
1214.5
-21.5
Mar '16
1251.5
1238.5
1240.5
-22.0
May '16
1270.0
1269.5
1269.0
-22.0
Jul '16
1295.0
-21.5
Sep '16
1251.5
-21.5
Nov '16
1251.5
-21.5
Jan '17
1251.5

Rice Comment

Rice futures were lower across the board. The USDA production report raised total US production by 3 million cwt to 190.8 million cwt due entirely to higher yields. Total long grain production was projected at 132.4 million cwt, with medium and short-grain production pegged at 58.4 million. Ending stocks are projected at 39.8 million cwt, which is unchanged from last month due to increased domestic use and export projections. The average long-grain price is projected down $1.30 from last month to $11.50 to $12.50. Global ending stocks for 15/16 were raised by 3 percent (2.7 million tons) due to an increase in beginning stocks and a decrease in consumption.

                                      http://www.arfb.com/ag-markets-statistics/archive/default.aspx?ID=1623



CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for November 13 


Month
Price
Net Change

November 2015
$11.960
- $0.150
January 2016
$12.145
- $0.215
March 2016
$12.405
- $0.220
May 2016
$12.690
- $0.220
July 2016
$12.950
- $0.215
September 2016
$12.515
- $0.215
November 2016
$12.515
- $0.215
January 2017
$12.515
UNCH