Ag Headlines, Wednesday October 21, 2015

WTO Decision on COOL Delayed

The World Trade Organization needs more time to translate a panel report on Country-of-Origin Labeling expected next month. The decision on COOL was expected to be released November 27th. However, the date has been pushed back to allow more time to translate the report into multiple languages.  The WTO’s decision on how much Canada and Mexico can impose in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods will be final and not subject to appeal, allowing both countries to implement the tariffs. Canada is seeking to impose tariffs on more than $3.1 billion per year of U.S. exports while Mexico wants more than $713 million in retaliatory tariffs. The U.S. estimated the costs related to COOL arbitration at $91 million. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says it is confident that Canada’s calculations will be strongly considered by the arbitrators.”

NCGA Says Unmanned Aerial Systems Registrations Good for Farmers

The U.S. Department of Transportation announcement this week that users of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, must register their systems with the federal government is better for farmers, consumers and the environment, according to the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA President Chip Bowling “we support reasonable rules and regulations to govern UAS technology.” The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that agriculture will account for as much as 80 percent of all commercial UAS use. Applications of unmanned aerial systems include crop scouting; early detection of pest infestations and crop disease; more precise application of fertilizers and other crop inputs; and reducing the need for humans in potentially dangerous tasks.

Canadian Meat Consumption Declining

A new report suggests meat consumption in Canada is declining, shadowing a similar drop noted among U.S. consumers since 2007. Meatingplace reports the study by the Conference Board of Canada study notes that Canadians are eating 31 percent less pork and 19 percent less beef than they did in 1999, although chicken consumption rose by 11 percent in the same period. Reasons cited in the report include an aging population that is turning away from red meat for health reasons, Canadian immigrants who are giving up meat consumption for religious reasons and higher prices for pork and beef. Some of the same health concerns were cited in a 2012 USDA report of a 41-percent decline in meat consumption among U.S. consumers since 2007.

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