Field Notes Issue 596 Field Notes Issue 596 Field Notes Issue 596

[3 March 2022]

Be sure to check out our first-ever Field Notes Foresight piece published this week, which covers the topic of Trade and Export amongst the current global disruptions.

This week, conflict in Ukraine dominates headlines. Stories include the concern for food security with Ukraine and Russia together accounting for 26% of global wheat, 14% of global maize and 58% of global sunflower oil exports. Fonterra Co-operative Groups suspends exports to Russia and will continue to monitor the situation, stating their top priority is their people’s safety.

In other international news, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have signed a Free Trade Agreement which will come into effect by the end of 2022 and a new whey-protein based animal-free dairy milk will be in stores in the US soon from Betterland foods.

In domestic stories, Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust, a Waikato-based iwi has received an NZD$1.27 million grant to assist in developing a horticulture programme; food and beverage sales volumes increased 12% in the final quarter of 2021 as businesses move out of lockdown and begin trading again; and Pāmu (Landcorp Farming) is predicting strong earnings for the financial year between NZD$83m and NZD$88m compared to the budget of NZD$73m.

How Russia-Ukraine conflict could influence Africa’s food supplies [25 February, The Conversation]

Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine causes worry for some African countries that rely on Russian and Ukrainian exports. Together, both countries are responsible for 26% of global wheat exports, 14% of global maize exports, and 58% of global sunflower oil exports. Current expectations predict an increase in grain and oilseed prices benefiting farmers at the expense of higher prices for consumers.

Tags: International, Trade & Exports, Food Security

Animal-free dairy milk set to finally hit US retail shelves [February 28, New Atlas]

Anticipated to hit US stores in the next few months, Betterland foods, collaborating with Perfect Day, have announced a cow milk alternative with no cows involved in production. Named Cow-Free Milk, it uses scientifically engineered fungus to produce whey protein, a key component in dairy products that previously could only be made by animals.

Tags: Food Engineering, Whey proteins 

Senate 'fake meat' inquiry recommends overhaul of plant-based protein labelling laws [24 February, ABC news]

A recent Australian senate inquiry into the labelling of non-animal proteins in the dairy and meat industries is recommending plant-proteins and non-dairy milks be prohibited from “referencing traditional animal proteins like beef, lamb, and goat, and using livestock images” said Susan McDonald, National senator and head of the inquiry.  

Tags: International, Alternative Proteins, Policy and Regulation

Why the Ukraine conflict could spark 'dangerous times' for food prices and food security [25 February, Food Navigator]

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to disrupt food stability worldwide. Ukraine has the largest area of arable land in Europe, making Ukraine the world’s fourth largest exporter of corn and barley and is a key player in the wheat and sunflower oil markets. Prices are expected to rise for consumers and producers as the crisis unfolds.

Tags: International, Trade & Exports, Food Security

UK free trade agreement signed [March 1, Farmers Weekly]

A free trade agreement has been signed between New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Sirma Karapeeva, Meat Industry Association chief executive, stated, “New Zealand has not had tariff-free access into the UK since… 1973… [the] deal will deliver a major boost for sheep and beef farmers and exporters”. NZ and UK parliaments are expected to enact the agreement near the 2022-year end, with estimates predicting a 50% increase in NZ goods exports to the UK.

Tags: International, Trade & Exports