Facing Africa’s Problems in order to Develop Agribusiness Success

Laura McNamara

There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed in African agribusiness and Ian Goggin, CEO of the Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa, wasn’t afraid to highlight each and every one. Among the negatives in the African agribusiness sector Ian identified during the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum:

  • Very little reliable data on trade flows
  • Lack of competition
  • Poor communication
  • Lack of transparency
  • No enforceable contracts or dispute resolution
  • Lack of trust in the current system

Ian even pointed out that some have called Africa’s ag industry: “the most inhospitable climate in the world.”

Ian’s straightforwardness is not meant to discourage, but simply to identify where the industry needs improvement, so those in the business find the best way to develop and modernize. If anything, Ian’s blunt presentation of where African agribusiness stands is meant to inspire both African and American ag industry leaders to initiate needed change. He stresses that “exchange is an agent for change.”

You can listen to Ian’s remarks here:
usafag-08-goggin.mp3

2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
Novus International

Agribusiness, Audio, Farming, International

Chicago Exchange Weighs In on U.S. and African Agribusiness

Laura McNamara

The CME Group claims to have ideas that change the world. And, that’s precisely what CME Group Vice Chairman Terrence Duffy says the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is helping to facilitate: ideas that are changing the world.

The CME Group is a combined exchange entity formed from the 1997 merger of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Terrence spoke at the forum introduction this morning in Chicago, discussing how to shape the future of African Agribusiness.

“This venue provides an important opportunity to discuss the forces that are reshaping the development of ag markets around the world including in Africa,” Terrence said.

Terrence reminded attendees that increased demand for food at a time when food is in limited supply is pushing up world commodity prices. And that, he said, highlights a global need.

“Higher commodity prices are telling us one important thing: the world needs more food,” Terrence said.

Calling for investment, innovation and infrastructure, Terrence stressed his belief that despite marked challenges in the African agricultural industry, there are tremendous opportunities to develop the continent’s ag community and bring it to a global level.

Last year, agriculture generated one third of Africa’s gross domestic product, yet, Terrence pointed out that Africa is a net importer of agricultural commodities. Terrence says Africa needs to develop local markets and gain access to global markets. He adds that now is one of the most exciting times to be involved in agriculture. But, he says, the U.S. and Africa need to work together to improve the agricultural industry on a global level.

“At a time when the world needs more from agriculture, we need africa to reach its potential and become a partner in the global commodity production,” Terrence said.

You can listen to Terrence’s opening remarks here:
usafag-08-duffy.mp3

2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
Novus International

Agribusiness, Farming, International

Corporate Council on Africa Calls for American Investment and Exchange

Laura McNamara

Agriculture is an industry in Africa that’s poised to flourish… if the U.S. would simply get involved. That’s what the Corporate Council on Africa believes and that’s why it’s hosting the
2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum in partnership with the World Trade Center Illinois.

CCA President and CEO Stephen Hayes says his organization has been the voice for the vision of American and African commerce for 15 years. Often times, Stephens says, his organization has been the lone voice. Established in 1993, the CCA now consists of 180 major corporations that represent more than 85 percent of all U.S. foreign direct investment in Africa. But, Stephen explains, the CCA is not just made up of large corporations. A third of the companies involved with the CCA are small businesses involved in Africa.

Now, Stephen says, its time for America and Africa to work together in developing and modernizing the agricultural sector within Africa.

Stephen’s opening remarks officially kicked off the activities of the first U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum. You can listen to Stephen’s introduction here:
usafag-08-hayes.mp3

2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
Novus International

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Farming, International

Courting Commerce between Africa and the U.S.

Laura McNamara

People from all walks of life, as World Trade Center Illinois Agribusiness Director Chuck Hartke puts it, are gathering in a first-of-its-kind forum in Chicago this week in an effort to grow agricultural exchange and commerce between the U.S. and Africa. Chuck says the 300 participants of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum have come together to explore how America can play a key role in developing rural agriculture in Africa.

African countries are asking for help and Chuck says the American Midwest, particularly Illinois, possesses the resources to help. Chuck says the top of the line production facilities, quality food products, machinery and equipment available in the Midwest are an example of what’s needed and what’s achievable throughout Africa.

Chuck explains that a continent that’s four and a half times the size of the U.S., with ample fertile land, has the untapped potential to not only solve its own hunger issues, but become a global player in food commerce.

Right now, though, Chuck says the reality is a continent of 900 million African people who, as a majority, aren’t even able to feed themselves. But, he says this forum is meant to spark dialogue and courtship that spans the Atlantic Ocean.

Chuck says Africa represents a huge portion of land that’ s not contributing to the global food source and its time for the U.S. and Africa to work together to capitalize on the economic opportunities for agribusiness between the two nations.

I spoke with Chuck during a break from this morning’s sessions and workshops. You can listen to my interview with Chuck here:
usafag-08-hartke.mp3

2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
Novus International

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Farming, Food, International

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Merial announces the introduction of a combination radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and tissue collection device for use with the IGENITY® profile. Producers can now collect a tissue sample needed for the comprehensive IGENITY profile and apply an RFID tag in one simple and efficient step. Standard IGENITY tissue collection devices are still available.
  • The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) announces Summer Education Week ’08 held July 14-18, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown/Old Market, Omaha, Neb. ASFMRA will premiere the new Requirements of UASFLA – The “Yellow Book”, which includes material that will give attendees an increased understanding of the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions. Registration and fee information can be found here.
  • BASF SE and Monsanto Company have signed an exclusive agreement for a new fungicide seed treatment solution for soybeans in the United States. The new product contains BASF’s top-selling fungicide F 500®, the same active ingredient found in Headline® fungicide with its disease control and plant health benefits. The treatment will provide soybean farmers with early-season disease protection which results in improved stand and extra vitality.
    Zimfo Bytes

    From African Farm to American Fork

    Laura McNamara

    The Corporate Council on Africa wants U.S. investors to realize their potential in African agribusiness opportunities. That’s why the CCA is showcasing the African food value-chain at the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum. The CCA wants public and private sectors alike to cross borders and bring “farm to fork.” I’ll be covering the forum here at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago throughout the day Thursday and Friday.

    Highlights of the Forum will include industry-specific sessions, panels to address cross-cutting issues, such as finance product innovation, pharmaceutical and biofuel industry growth, carbon trading, production technology, and certification; as well as networking opportunities. Industry experts will share best practices and the latest trends in the field.

    These are a few examples of how the 2008 U.S.-Africa Agribusiness Forum will help companies gain the competitive edge on investing in Africa by becoming more knowledgeable about the African agribusiness marketplace.

    2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Photo Album

    AgWired coverage of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum is sponsored by:
    Novus International

    Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Farming, Food, International, Novus International

    Valley Tracker Mobile

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Valley Tracker MobileOkay, so you can get your markets, make phone calls, take video and pictures, email, text, browse the web, edit documents, listen to music and podcasts and now you can control your irrigation equipment. All from your phone.

    With the introduction of Valley Tracker Mobile, irrigators now have access to the latest technology for remote management of their pivots and linears.

    The Tracker Mobile feature is a combination of Smartphone/PDA technology that uses Web access to retrieve monitoring and control options from the Valley Tracker. It provides irrigators with additional visual access to irrigation information from the convenience of their Smartphone or PDA.

    “Valley Tracker Mobile makes monitoring and controlling irrigation equipment easier than ever,” said Mark Ringenberg, Product Application Manager-Valley Controls. “Using a Web-enabled Smartphone with a Windows mobile browser, an irrigator can follow the status of each pivot and control its operations with just a touch, no matter his or her location.”

    Agribusiness

    Enjoying The San Fran Bay Sights

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Berkeley MarinaSo another conference is over and tomorrow I’ll be moving on to Jackson, MS for the Appaloosa Horse Club National Show. This will be the first time it’s being held there and from what I’ve heard already, things are going well.

    It’s going to be culture shock going from Berkeley Marina to the hot southeast but I can handle it.

    So, I’ll be seeing you from there.

    Transition To A Bio Economy Photo Album

    Uncategorized

    Farm Foundation Conference Wrap

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Corny GallagherHere’s my wrap up post from the Farm Foundation Transition To A Bio Economy conference. I learned a lot from the presentations here and hope the interviews have helped you too.

    I spoke with board member, Cornelius Gallagher, who helped summarize the event. He says the conference brought together world class leaders who were able to listen to some fantastic presentations. I’ve posted interviews with almost all of them so please scroll back through them.

    Corny, as he likes to be called, says that the conference accomplished what it was supposed to which is bringing leaders together to foster knowledge and provide attendees with a better understanding in a broad sense of the bio economy.

    The next conference in the series will be held October 15-16 in St. Louis.

    You can listen to my interview with Corny here: ff-bio-08-gallagher.mp3

    You can also download the interview using this link (mp3).

    Transition To A Bio Economy Photo Album

    Ag Groups, Audio, Farm Foundation

    Research Needed For Ethanol Company Success

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Peggy CaswellWhat we know and what we need to know was Peggy Caswell’s, USDA-ERS, topic here at the Farm Foundation Transition To A Bio Economy conference. She says we need to know things about how farmers or the providers of biofuels and feed stocks are going to have to change the way they do business. She used the example of having to look at different types of contracts and financing.

    She said that ethanol companies are going to need a consistent and reliable source of product and that farming by nature is very variable. So farmers will be taking big risks and that’s why contracting will be necessary. She also calls for a lot more research, something we heard earlier in the program from other speakers.

    You can listen to my interview with Peggy here: ff-bio-08-caswell.mp3

    You can also download the interview using this link (mp3).

    Transition To A Bio Economy Photo Album

    Ag Groups, Audio, Farm Foundation, USDA