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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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 …

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

Chewing Some Argentina Cud

Chuck Zimmerman

This agriblogger is getting a taste of life in Argentina this summer. Mandy Nolz publishes, Chewing The Cud. Here’s what she’s doing down south, “For the month of June, I will explore the city of Buenos Aires to attend Spanish classes, live with a host family, and complete my goal of studying abroad during my college career.” She’s already had …

International

Connie Siemes Secretary for IFAJ

Chuck Zimmerman

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists continues to develop. Now they’ve got a part time secretary, Connie Siemes, Netherlands. The IFAJ has appointed Connie Siemes from The Netherlands as part-time secretary to assist the Presidium and the Executive Committee for two days a week. Eleven people from eight countries applied for the new position, which will involve providing a range …

IFAJ, International

A Sunny Announcement From BASF and Nidera

Chuck Zimmerman

It looks like a morning of “joint-development” announcements. This first one is from BASF and Nidera. BASF and Nidera today announced the introduction of CLHA-Plus – a new genetic trait for the CLEARFIELD Production System for Sunflowers – at the 17th International Sunflower Conference held in Cordoba, Spain. CLHA-Plus is the result of a long-term joint development program between BASF …

Agribusiness, BASF, International

New Holland Encourages the Great Outdoors

Laura McNamara

New Holland is sharing its booth at the CMA Country Music Festival this year. New Holland is a corporate sponsor of The National Wild Turkey Federation and visitors can find NWTF representatives, including Tom Turkey, at the Sports Zone. Brian Dowler is the public relations manager for NWTF and he says NWTF talks more than just Turkey. In fact, the …

Ag Groups, Audio, International, New Holland

Chuck Leavell Promotes Forest Management

Chuck Zimmerman

Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones Keyboardist, has become an outspoken proponent of sound forestry management. He’s got a tree plantation, Charlane Plantation, near Macon, GA. He just played for a UN biodiversity convention in Germany and is touring there with the German Forest Owners Association. I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Chuck and I like how he’s trying to pull …

Ag Groups, Audio, Forestry, International