World Agrinews

Recent applied trials initiated by Tom Murray, Technical Manager: Fresh Fruit and Horticulture at Woolworths South Africa, are providing new insight into how light frequency, trap placement, and operating schedules can significantly influence insect pest capture in protected cropping systems. Conducted with research partners and growers, the work focuses on refining light-based attraction systems for key greenhouse and field pests, including thrips, Tuta absoluta, and several moth species.

Russia is deliberately targeting Ukraine’s vegetable oil sector, carrying out systematic strikes on processing plants, ports, and infrastructure. Against this backdrop, vegetable oil prices have surged, with sunflower oil FOB six ports reaching their highest level since August 2022.

Over the past three weeks, there have been at least nine strikes on processing facilities and port infrastructure. According to market participants, about 25% of processing capacity is currently idle due to logistical disruptions, power supply problems, and security risks.

As of January 8, sunflower oil FOB six European ports — Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Dunkirk, and Dieppe — rose to around $1,409 per ton for February shipments, up $80 per ton from mid-December levels. This is the highest price since August 2022.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit China around January 13, amid discussions on a possible partial easing of mutual trade restrictions. As part of these talks, Canada may suspend its tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles for one year, a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions in bilateral economic relations.

Torrential rains have put the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul — the second largest soybean-producing state — in public emergency and are causing crop losses. The accumulated rainfall last week was over 31 inches (~79 cm) with more rain expected this week.