To plant or not to plant
Article Abstract:
US farmers are faced with decisions on whether to plant genetically modified (GM) crops, in case they cease to be popular with consumers. Soybeans are used that resist herbicides, allowing herbicides to be used more easily to kill weeds. Soybean exports to the European Uion have dropped and many European supermarkets have ceased to sell GM foods. Japan, South Korea and Mexico are also making moves against GM foods. US farmers have to focus on US consumers, and there are some signs that their demands could change. Farmers do not want to risk planting a crop that they cannot sell. There are also problems in preventing contamination, which involve segregation costs.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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True grit
Article Abstract:
Family farms have been hit by a crisis in the US, and this is the worst crisis since the mid-1980s, but it is also part ofa long-term trend which has seen a drop in farm numbers to 2.2 million from 5.6 million in 1950. Soyabean prices have dropped to below production costs, and prok prices are a third of production costs. Farmers have lower debt servicing costs in 1999 than they had in the 1980s. Pig farmers are increasingly raising hogs under contract. There are fears that big companies are coming to dominate farming. though there are still some areas where economies of scale are not important.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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A conventional argument
Article Abstract:
The Biosafety Protocol is a goal of environment ministers from a number of countries to regulate usage of genetically modified organisms. There is concern that protectionism, consumer protection and social engineering have clouded the issue, moving away from environmental goals. There was initial resistance from the Miami group of food exporters, including the US, Canada, Australia and Argentina, but they have become more amenable to the idea of a protocol following consumer and producer revolts.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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