New Zeland

New Zealand’s climate change-resistant apple proving successful in Europe 

A variety of New Zealand apple bred to be resistant to climate change is proving a success in European countries like Italy, Spain and France, fruit and vegetable producer T&G Global says.

The variety, called HOT841A, can be grown in a range of geographies and was the first variety of apple commercialised by T&G under an industry breeding project called the Hot Climate Programme.

Read More here…

Boysenberry growers keep weather eye on changeable season

Big, juicy boysenberries are ready for Christmas tables despite challenges from the changeable weather.

At the Sutton family’s Edens Rd Fruit operation in Hope, near Nelson, the boysenberry season is in full swing.

Originally based at the Daelyn orchard in Richmond, the Waimea Plains’ business supplies berries nationally and internationally.

Read more here…

Meat industry warns post-Brexit UK-EU deal will hurt New Zealand exporters

The meat industry is urging the Government to fight new quotas for local exporters as part of a new trade deal between the UK and European Union.

The post-Brexit agreement will mean access will be more controlled.

A new quota will force Kiwi sheep and beef exporters to split their product between the UK and EU, even if one of the markets is not going well.

Read More here…

Heavy rain gives Canterbury farmers a welcome reprieve from water shortages

Some Canterbury farmers are breathing a sigh of relief after this week’s heavy rain has bolstered their resilience for a long, hot summer. 

David Clark is growing seeds for next year’s food production and it’s booming, with the plants bigger than he’s ever grown before. But just recently, he was facing the impact of serious water shortages.

“A week or so ago we were trying to plow a paddock and the ground was so hard and so dry that the plow wouldn’t go into the ground,” he told Newshub.

Read More here…

Know your onions: Platform takes onion trading into the digital age

A new onion-trading platform says it’s bringing wholesale markets into the digital age.

Harvex hopes to also deliver better returns to growers by cutting out the industry’s middlemen.

The platform is a secure space where buyers and sellers can trade seamlessly, while also improving access for smaller growers to international markets, chief executive Alex Guilleux said.

Read More here…

Australia

Grain sector likely to record most profitable season ever

FROM the early part of the year where domestic end-users were scrambling for supplies following the drought through to the images coming out of NSW with bunkers and silos full to capacity, 2020 has been a year of massive change in the grains industry.

While prices on the east coast are well below the drought induced premiums of 2018-19 and 2019-20, wheat values are still in the top 30 per cent historically, even allowing for falls in December, canola prices are in the top 10pc and barley is around average.

Read more here…

Australia needs to talk about wheat quality

SOME Australian farmers are expressing concern about the apparent loss of premiums for Australian grain and are claiming that a lack of focus on quality is to blame.

Jock Munro, one of Australia’s longest running supporters of the single desk wheat marketing arrangement, dismantled over a decade ago, said the lack of spreads between wheat paygrades pointed to a system focusing solely on yield and not enough on quality.

Read more here…

No quick barley decision by trade umpire

THE decision by the Federal government to take China to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over its imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties of more than 80 per cent on Australian barley is unlikely to yield any quick result, with growers heading into 2021 with a ‘business as usual’ approach.

The choice to take the matter to the WTO was announced by Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham after extensive consultation with the grains industry.

“While Australia respects China’s right, as with any nation, to undertake domestic investigations into anti-dumping matters, we do not agree with China’s decision to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Australian barley,” Mr Birmingham said.

Read more here…

A year the wool industry will never forget

The wool industry was predicted to begin a recovery in 2020 after battling a prolonged drought, decreased demand and a large correction in wool prices.

But nobody expected a global pandemic.

Consumer demand, primarily driven down by COVID-19 impacts, hit the wool industry hard and was reflected in the dramatic price drop.

Key markets in China to Northern Europe at various times were on the frontline of the pandemic and domestic and global supply chains were severely disrupted.

Read more here…

The horticultural year ahead

Last week in this column we reviewed the year just gone and took note of the several challenges that have come our way in different shapes and sizes this past year.

We have counted the last summer of bushfires, an ongoing drought, the still unfolding global COVID-19 pandemic, and the detection of both fall armyworm and serpentine leafminer as our collection of disasters.

There have been, and will continue to be many flow-on effects. As a result of our efforts to limit the impact of COVID-19 on human health, we’ve caused damage elsewhere. Travel restrictions mean right now we are struggling to tap into an adequate supply of seasonal labour, and our export options are reduced.

Read more here…

South America

Weather and ports’ strike in Argentina boosting soy and cereals prices

United States soybeans climbed to six-year highs this week as weather and export troubles in Argentina outweighed concerns of a new coronavirus strain hitting Britain. Corn and wheat futures traded near even as soybeans supported the grains complex.

More than 100 cargo ships were kept from loading agricultural goods in Argentina on Tuesday, as a wage strike continued.

Also, continued dryness inhibits soybean planting in Argentina, while concerns grow about global soybean supplies next year.

Read more here…

Two weeks of industrial action in Argentina’s soy crushers and export ports

Soymeal manufacturers in Argentina presented late on Tuesday a proposal aimed at ending a two-week strike by oil and port workers unions that has thrown a wrench in the flow of agricultural exports from one of the world’s main bread baskets.

Oilseed workers and grains inspectors are demanding pay increases big enough to compensate them for high inflation and the risk of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Daniel Succi, an official with the Union of Oilseed Workers and Employees (SOEA), said workers on Wednesday morning had met the newly proposed labor deal from export companies with skepticism, calling it insufficient.

Read More here…

Chilean Cherry Events Coming to Wholesale Markets Across China

With the arrival to market on Dec. 12 of the first ocean shipments of Chilean cherries, China’s winter fruit selling season is heating up. And with the Chilean cherry season come events at wholesale fruit markets across China organized by Chile’s cherry exporters. This season, the Chilean Cherry Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has already staged season launch celebrations at Jiangnonghui market (formerly known as Jiangnan market) in Guangzhou on Dec. 18 

Read more here…

COMMODITIES 2021: Brazilian soybean sales expected to remain elevated

Brazil likely to witness record supply and demand scenario

Real expected to slide in 2021 on fiscal concerns

China seen preferring Brazilian beans over the US-origin

Ending stocks likely to remain low on high domestic crush

New Delhi —After a year of soaring sales and low ending stocks, the Brazilian soybean farmers are likely to witness another year of high supply and demand scenario in 2021, on the back of a weak currency forecast.

Read more here…

Food Updates

Managing stress through nutrition

Rachel Marshall of Fonterra explains the connection between food and mood, as she examines the current state of consumer mindsets and the shift towards holistic health.

The World Health Organisation defines overall health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. In the same vein, consumers no longer think of health as only physiological and realise that mental wellness is just as much an integral and essential part of wellbeing. People have become more cognisant of the things that can impact stress levels and mood, resulting in consumers increasingly focusing on balanced lifestyles and spending time on themselves.¹

Read more here…

WA harvest on home straight to 16mt crop

WITH harvest in Western Australia drawing to a close, growers have managed to achieve a feat thought impossible and are looking at a total crop production of almost 16 million tonnes for the year.

The estimate was made by the Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA) in its December Crop Report, with speculation also raised that the total could increase to 16.5mt – a figure 3.5mt higher than the estimate of just under 13mt made in October.

Read more here…

Magnit CEO talks sustainable logistics and recycled carbon dioxide

Magnit CEO Jan Dunning explains why sustainability is not easy in Russia, and reveals the innovative green projects his company is undertaking.

Jan Dunning, CEO of Russian retailer Magnit, talks to New Food about the challenges of implementing sustainable policies in the world’s coldest and vastest country. Here, he reveals the simple yet innovative science behind the company’s latest green project, as well as the similarities and differences in attitudes between Russians and the rest of the world when it comes to sustainability. 

Read more here…

How sweet is it? Variations in sugar testing methods

The Life Science Business of Merck recently led a New Food webinar featuring the expertise of Dr Yanqi Qu. Here, we offer you some of the key takeaways…

The recent webinar, in association with New Food, discussed variations in sugar testing methods with Dr Yanqi Qu, Food and Beverage Safety and Quality Technology Specialist for the Life Science Business of Merck. He spoke of specific requirements for processed foods such as potato chips, salad dressing and chocolate. In this article, we recount some of the questions asked during the live session and share Dr Qu’s insightful responses.

Read more here…

What is starch? Starch is more than simply a type of carbohydrate used to make functional ingredients – it is actually a common carbohydrate in the human diet.  This is because starch is naturally present in many of those things we eat every day such as cereals, vegetables, pasta, bread, rice, beans and potatoes.

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is finely extracted from the roots of the cassava root. It may be confused by tapioca flour or cassava flour, but the manufacturing processes and the powder’s characteristics of both make the difference.

Tapioca starch is not only used in the food industry but also in the chemical field. In food, it is used to produce the popularly known boba pearls. It can also be used as a thickener to soups and sauces. It can also be used to retain the moisture and firmness of meat products. Additionally, it is used in paper production, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and the textile industry.

Rice Starch

Known as a very fine natural polymeric carbohydrate, rice starch contains amylose and amylopectin. It is the reason why it forms a smooth and creamy texture gel when heated. It has a neutral taste, white color, gluten-free, and has a great digestibility.

Rice flour can be used in baby foods or organic meals, thickeners for soups, sauces, cereals, confectionary coating, chips, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ice cream, cheese, dry blend mixes, and more. Rice starch can also be used as a natural fat replacer. The absence of protein factor in rice starch makes it differ from rice flour.

Potato Starch

Potato starch is extracted from potatoes to create a powder-like substance. Potato starch is best used when you don’t want to change the flavor of your recipes. Most starches are added at the end of cooking as thickeners, but potato starch can endure higher temperatures at extended periods.

As it can tolerate higher temperatures, it is an excellent substitute for cornstarch in several baked goods to produce a moist, chewy texture. It can further be used as a thickener to soups, sauces, and pie fillings. For those with food allergies, potato starch, which is gluten-free, soy-free, and grain-free is the safest add-in ingredient to recipes.

Corn Starch

Corn starch is extracted from the endosperm of the corn, which produces a white powdery substance. It shall be noted that cornstarch is sensitive to high temperatures. If it does, the molecules break down, which releases all the moisture content causing the mixture in a runny liquid state.

There can be a wide selection of recipes where cornstarch is used. It can serve as a thickening agent to soups, pudding, stews, or it can be incorporated into sweet desserts to generate a light and airy texture without changing the flavor. Moreover, it can be used in baking cakes, bread, brownies, cookies, and it can also be mixed in commercial products like shredded cheese and powdered sugar.

Arrowroot Starch

Arrowroot starch is extracted from the roots of a tropical plant identified as Maranta Arundinacea, which resembles the cassava root. It is a powdery starch which is grain-free, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. To avoid sensitivity or allergens to other types of starch, pesticide-laden, or GMO, arrowroot starch is the best alternative and substitutes.

Wheat Starch

Wheat starch is extracted from the processed endosperm of the wheat grain. The process involves a special mixture of the starch and water, letting the solution evaporates while removing the proteins until it becomes fine powdery starch.

Wheat starch is primarily used as a thickener to improve the texture of recipes; however, as it contains more glucose molecules, it can also be used as sweeteners like glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and dextrose. It can also be used as stabilizers for sauces, salad dressings, pie fillings, and puddings. Additionally, it is the main ingredient in noodles, pancakes, and bread.

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Coconut has been a cash crop for decades and, even with stiff competition from other vegetable oils, it promises to continue to be a profitable venture in the future. In the United States and Europe, coconut-based products are booming in popularity. Coconut powder, coconut oil, coconut cream, coconut water, and activated coconut-shell charcoal have all become popular cooking, health, and cosmetic choices, appearing on more and more shelves and ingredient labels across the country.

Coconut really got on the radar 10 to 15 years ago, you can go to any trendy health food store or restaurant in London, San Francisco or New York, and you’ll find organic raw coconut water and vegan ice cream made with coconut products. The coconut is seen as a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil, a common ingredient in everything from shampoos to cookies and frozen desserts.

In theory, these should be boom times for coconut farmers in the world’s major coconut-growing countries, the Philippines and Indonesia. Nonetheless, the top coconut suppliers are struggling to meet the increasing demands of the global economy. The top global coconut producers are now taking steps to ensure that their farms are sustainable enough to stand the tests of time and meet future demands.

The problem of insufficient supply to meet the increased demand is not helped by the fact that many of the trees producing coconuts today are over 50 years old, 20 years past their prime production years. According to APCC (the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community), many plantations across Asia are experiencing zero growth, and some are even ceasing production as their farmers switch their focus to oil palm production. This is creating an aging crisis. Coconuts reach peak productivity at 15 to 20 years of age, becoming gradually less productive after 30 years.

Fair Trade practices in the industry try to ensure that the benefits of the booming sector will trickle all of the way down to small farmers, but they unfortunately keep the production rates rising at a slower rate. Lack of investment in sustaining the coconut-growing land’s productivity, largely due to the high costs associated, mean that some farms are producing 75% less fruit than they did 30 years ago.

 PERU

Peruvian cocoa has won international awards in recent years, being recognized as one of the best in the world. Domestication of this crop began about 4,000 years ago and the species was distributed throughout the Amazon and Mesoamerica, on the Pacific coast. Peru is classified as the third largest cocoa producer and exporter in Latin America, and has the largest genetic biodiversity in cocoa in the world.

The Cacao Amazonas Peru with Denomination of Origin stands out for its intense flavor resulting from the hours of sunshine that accumulate during the year cocoa plantations, its alkaline soils, with an optimal salinization level for cultivation and the type of clay-free texture, watered with alkaline pH waters,of good electrical conductivity. Only ripe cobs are harvested and the grains result from maintaining a mixture of grains from mainly yellow and red native cocoa with a small percentage of porcelain cocoa. This combination typical of the production area allows during grain processing to be fermented and dry a grain with particular flavor characteristics.

Another important aspect of this Amazon Cocoa Bean Peru, is that it is fermented and processed in wooden drawers and dried in the sun, managing to obtain a grain that maintains an intense flavor of chocolate and that is further enhanced when toasted later for the production of chocolate and other by-products of cocoa.

Peru Varieties

• Criollo: it is the oldest and comes from the north
• Outsider: it is the most abundant and accounts for 90% of the world’s production
• Trinitarian: original of the island of Trinidad, is a natural biological hybrid, crossing the Creole and the outsider

 BRAZIL

Brazilian cocoa is considered a noble and traditional product of the country’s agriculture in the cocoa market, producing over 2,300,000 tonnes this season. However, in the early 1990s, the Brazilian market suffered a severe crisis: added to the pressures of the international market in high production, the pest called Witch’s Broom resulted in an overwhelming loss of raw material.

Despite the problems caused by witch’s broom, the Brazilian recovery in the market was effective, with the cocoa farms of Brazil ended 2010 with two positive results both in production and in quality.

INDONESIA

Indonesia is the world leader of coconut production, with over 18,000,000 tonnes harvested this season. The majority of the country’s coconuts are produced in the province of North Sulawesi.

In the last 50 years, the sector’s share in national gross domestic product has decreased considerably, due to the rise of industrialisation and service sector. Nevertheless, for the majority of Indonesian households, farming and plantation remains as a vital income generator.

Producers are pushing innovations and technologies to modernize and further develop the coconut industry. Modernizing will create more downstream industries are what will unleash the potential of this “tree of life”. Being the largest employer of Agri workers and farmers at 3.5 million, it deserves this boost in order to create local employment and reduce rural poverty.

Moreover, more downstream industries will allow farms to obtain other buyers and improve buying prices, encouraging semi processing of coconut near the farm to create more local employment for coconut farming families. However, government supports is limited, while development agencies focused on large-scale projects like dams and agribusiness plantations.

PHILLIPINES

Coconut trees dot an estimated 3.6 hectares of land in the Philippines, producing over 14,000,000 tonnes. 3.5 million Filipinos are engaged in coconut farming, with the transformation of Philippine landscapes to coconut beginning hundreds of years ago. At the moment, it is not expanding, rather, coconut areas are receding and being transformed into other land uses or mixed uses.

According to the Philippine Coconut Authority, aging is already decreasing productivity, but little replanting is taking place. Some estimate that as many as 90 percent of all coconut trees in Asia are nearing the end of their productive life cycles. That could mean that coconut production has plateaued globally and could begin to fall. Aging trees are putting the entire coconut supply chain–and the products consumers are increasingly demanding–at risk.

Philippine coconut industry stakeholders, advocacy groups and academicians debunked recent international articles claiming that coconut oil production as both environmental and biodiversity threats. Also, the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP) defended the country as to a recent scandal, claiming the use of monkey labor in harvesting coconuts was never a practice in the Philippines throughout its long history of coconut farming.

 Tanzania

Agriculture is the main part of Tanzania’s economy, and some of the challenges on the agriculture industry include climate change and the resulting droughts, floods, and agriculture temperature shocks and a lack of agricultural technology. These pose severe challenges to the living standards of most of people involved in the agriculture industry in Tanzania and create huge increases in unemployment, hunger, malnutrition and starvation, and diseases rates.

The problem of post-harvest losses in the agriculture sector is huge. Farmers mention that poor demand is a major cause of produce loss in the area. However, there is also poor handling crops, lack of agronomic practices, poor transportation and low quality packaging contributes to the problem. 

The IITA, a non-profit that works with partners in Africa to enhance crop quality and productivity, is working to fill some of the gaps with regards to the challenges still facing the agriculture sector. The programme works from farm to fork, starting with seed sowing, through to marketing and all the way to processing the product for consumption. They have an incubation programme, where they train people to acquire skills for agribusiness, skills for entrepreneurial development, skills for management of different technical skills and then prepare them to become businesspeople in agriculture.

 The increasing variety of coconut-derivatives coupled with their health benefits has positively affected the global Coconut Foods market. Rising application of major coconut-derivatives like oil and milk is anticipated to further fuel the overall market during the forecast period. Coconut is a versatile fruit with multiple health benefits. Products derived from coconut include coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, coir, and copra.  Food and beverage, as well as cosmetic manufacturers, are investing in research and development to extract full benefits of the fruit to enhance their product offering.

 Market Influencing Trends:

• The demands for coconut water as a natural energy drink is growing rapidly
• Huge demand for coconut oil in the cosmetics industry and an increase in its popularity in food applications

 Growth Drivers

• The growing preference toward healthier dairy milk alternatives and naturalness is expected to increase the demand for coconut food products
• High demand due to the growing innovations in the field, leading to enhanced product quality and enriching its dietary value

 Read more on our Cocoa Products here, we would love to hear from you at sales@tradelinksa.com

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New Zealand

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/300185658/fear-strawberries-wont-be-back-next-christmas-fruit-growers-warn-they-cant-continue

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/123755249/sheep-jokes-could-become-irrelevant-as-national-flock-continues-to-shrink

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/12/govt-extends-migrant-worker-visas-amid-ongoing-labour-shortage.html

 

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2020/12/horseracing-jockey-chris-johnson-breaks-long-standing-nz-record-for-most-wins.html?ref=ves-nextauto

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2020/12/unique-handmade-christmas-tree-exhibition-brings-life-back-to-lower-hutt.html?ref=ves-nextauto

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Australia

https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7061868/grain-group-hits-out-at-wto-action/?cs=5159

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7058085/new-grain-research-facility-opens/?cs=5159

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7064323/push-for-fairer-trading-laws-gains-momentum/?cs=4708

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7057194/a-decade-of-strong-vision-for-the-wool-industry/?cs=4846

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7059482/why-horticulture-is-heading-to-the-cities/?cs=5161

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South America

https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/17/argentine-oil-seed-crushing-workers-strike-continues-130-ships-waiting-to-load

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https://efarmnewsar.com/2020-12-14/argentina-planting-of-soybeans-and-corn-is-delayed-due-to-lack-of-humidity.html

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https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9278300/argentinian-exports-of-organic-blueberries-booming/

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https://www.producereport.com/article/chinas-avocado-imports-declined-markedly-during-2020-q1-q3

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Food Updates

The problems of dietary simplification

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Precise testing of pesticides in food using the SCIEX 7500 System

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7059463/perth-grain-research-facility-opens/?cs=5159

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FDA approves genetically modified pigs for human consumption

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7057282/cotton-heatwave-pollination-riddle-solved/?cs=5159

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Ancient grains are a group of grains and pseudocereals (seeds that are consumed like grains) that have remained mostly unchanged for thousands of years. They’re dietary staples in many parts of the world, such as China, India, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, ancient grains are becoming more popular in Western countries. That’s because they tend to be less processed and pack more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than more widespread grains like corn, rice, and modern wheat. In addition, studies have linked ancient grain consumption to health benefits, such as lower heart disease risk, better blood sugar control, and improved digestion.

Amaranth

Amaranth is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that has been cultivated for more than 8,000 years

One cup (246 grams) of cooked amaranth contains

• Calories: 251
• Carbs: 46 grams
• Protein: 9 grams
• Fat: 4 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams — 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Manganese: 91% of the DV
• Magnesium: 38% of the DV
• Iron: 29% of the DV

Thanks to its impressive nutrient composition, amaranth has been linked to numerous benefits, including decreased heart disease risk and inflammation.

Millet

While best known as an ingredient in birdseed, millet is a nutritious, ancient pseudocereal considered a staple throughout China, India, Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.

One cup (174 grams) of cooked millet boasts

• Calories: 174
• Carbs: 41 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams — 8% of the DV
• Manganese: 21% of the DV
• Magnesium: 19% of the DV
• Thiamine (vitamin B1): 15% of the DV

Millet contains a variety of nutrients linked to lower inflammation, reduced heart disease risk, and improved blood sugar control .

Quinoa

Quinoa is a popular, gluten-free ancient grain that offers impressive health benefits.

One cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa boasts

• Calories: 222
• Carbs: 39 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fat: 4 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams — 21% of the DV
• Manganese: 51% of the DV
• Magnesium: 28% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 23% of the DV
• Folate: 19% of the DV
• Zinc: 18% of the DV

Quinoa contains potent antioxidants, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in animal studies.

Sorghum

Sorghum is the fifth most consumed grain worldwide and a great source of nutrients

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked sorghum provides

• Calories: 329
• Carbs: 72 grams
• Protein: 11 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams — 27% of the DV
• Manganese: 70% of the DV
• Magnesium: 39% of the DV
• Copper: 32% of the DV
• Selenium: 22% of the DV

Sorghum is not only high in nutrients but also but also a good source of powerful polyphenol plant compounds, including anthocyanins and phenolic acids, which function as antioxidants inside your body.

Teff

Teff is the world’s smallest grain, at approximately 0.7–1% the size of a wheat kernel. Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked teff contains

• Calories: 367
• Carbs: 73 grams
• Protein: 13.3 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams — 32% of the DV
• Manganese: 402% of the DV
• Copper: 90% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 98% of the DV
• Magnesium: 44% of the DV
• Iron: 42% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 34% of the DV
• Zinc: 33% of the DV

Although teff grains are tiny, they’re packed with important nutrients, such as iron and magnesium. They are also one of the few grains that boast vitamin C, a nutrient vital for immune and bone health.

Rye

Rye is a popular ancient grain that is a member of the wheat family. However, compared to wheat, rye contains fewer carbs and more vitamins and minerals.

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked rye grains pack

• Calories: 338
• Carbs: 76 grams
• Protein: 10 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Fiber: 15 grams — 60% of the DV
• Manganese: 112% of the DV
• Copper: 41% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 27% of the DV
• Magnesium: 26% of the DV

Due to its high fiber content, rye and rye-based products may be more effective at alleviating constipation than wheat-based products and laxatives.

Farro

Farro is an ancient wheat-based grain that has become increasingly popular.

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked emmer farro packs

• Calories: 362
• Carbs: 72 grams
• Protein: 13 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Fiber: 11 grams — 42% of the DV
• Niacin (vitamin B3): 53% of the DV
• Zinc: 44% of the DV
• Magnesium: 31% of the DV

Aside from the nutrients listed above, farro is high in antioxidants like polyphenols, carotenoids, and phytosterols, which may lower your risk of several chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Barley

Barley is highly nutritious and among the most widely consumed ancient grains in the American diet.

One cup (157 grams) of cooked barley provides

• Calories: 193
• Carbs: 44 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Fiber: 6 grams — 24% of the DV
• Selenium: 25% of the DV
• Iron: 12% of the DV
• Thiamine (vitamin B1): 11% of the DV

Barley is high in beta glucans, a type of soluble fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in your gut. Beta glucans are also linked to heart health.

Khorasan wheat (kamut)

Khorasan wheat, also known as kamut, is a high-fiber, nutrient-dense grain that is linked to health benefits.

One cup (172 grams) of cooked kamut offers

• Calories: 227
• Carbs: 48 grams
• Protein: 10 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Fiber: 7 grams — 30% of the DV
• Selenium: 100% of the DV
• Zinc: 29% of the DV
• Niacin (vitamin B3): 25% of the DV

Kamut may be especially beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels and heart disease risk factors like LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Bulgur (cracked wheat)

Bulgur, also called cracked wheat, is a staple food in Middle Eastern cuisine.

One cup (182 grams) of cooked bulgur offers

• Calories: 151
• Carbs: 34 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Fiber: 8 grams — 33% of the DV
• Manganese: 48% of the DV
• Copper: 15% of the DV
• Magnesium: 14% of the DV

Bulgur is frequently made from cracked durum wheat and often added to salads like tabbouleh or used in place of rice in dishes like pilaf.

Freekeh

Freekeh is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from green durum wheat, it packs a variety of nutrients and powerful carotenoid compounds

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked freekeh offers

• Calories: 325
• Carbs: 65 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 2.5 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams — 40% of the DV
• Iron: 20% of the DV

In particular, freekeh is a good source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. A higher intake of these compounds has been linked to a lower risk of degenerative eye disorders, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Fonio

Fonio is a type of millet that’s widely consumed in West African countries. The two most common varieties are white fonio (Digitaria exilis) and black fonio (Digitaria iburu).

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), uncooked fonio provides

• Calories: 378
• Carbs: 87 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams — 9% of the DV
• Iron: 9% of the DV

Fonio also boasts good amounts of magnesium, copper, and zinc.

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[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCEkNZdMi04″ height=”200″ responsive=”no” fs=”no”]

 

New Zealand

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/123676758/strawberry-prices-drop-43-per-cent-as-glut-hits-supermarkets

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300179644/working-on-an-orchard–how-hard-could-it-be

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https://www.interest.co.nz/rural-news/108375/angus-kebbell-talks-karl-dean-about-dairy-farming-pressures-and-positives-after

 

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/12/global-freight-chaos-costing-horticultural-exporters-dearly.html

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/12/farming-project-tinkers-with-cows-diet-to-reduce-dairy-s-environmental-footprint.html

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Australia

https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7048801/late-rain-triggers-rhizoctonia-outbreaks/?cs=5159

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7048792/wheat-varieties-to-be-fungal-resistant/?cs=5159

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7047098/wa-wheat-has-fallen-50-per-tonne/?cs=5159

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7046872/wind-and-showers-cause-delay-but-little-damage/?cs=4714

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7051257/prices-come-off-before-rally-on-russian-comments/?cs=4714

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South America

https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/11/brazilian-and-argentine-beef-exports-to-china-suspended-after-covid-19-in-packaging

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https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/11/brazil-lowers-corn-production-forecast-because-of-dry-weather-in-the-south

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https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/09/brazil-imported-748-000-tons-of-soybeans-in-eleven-months-of-2020

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https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/11/brazil-confident-of-its-chicken-and-pork-production-in-2021-despite-grain-costs

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https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/10/argentine-oilseed-and-grains-exports-stalled-with-new-wage-strike

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Food Updates

https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/5984-moku-introduces-mushroom-based-jerky

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7047917/which-ag-industries-are-next-on-chinas-chopping-board/?cs=5155

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7051704/dairies-producing-more-producthectare/?cs=5155

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7052026/wasde-report-bullish-for-wheat/?cs=5153

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The top 5 regulatory issues for US food launches in 2021

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Market Overview

This year’s situation with Psyllium has been diverse, with some regions sold out until April 2021. Up until then, prices are predicted to keep increasing.

The psyllium market is geographically segmented into North America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Latin America, and Japan. APEJ may turn out be to a significant growth contributor for the psyllium market as India is the largest producer and exporter of psyllium.

This market is aggressively competitive with many domestic and international players in the fray aiming to gain a position among the top companies. New entrants are increasing the competition to a great extent. Manufacturers in the psyllium market are concentrating on research and development activities for finding new formulations that help in effective end-use.

Global Demand

Psyllium Husk is mainly offered as Whole, Powder, and Dust. The whole segment is anticipated to take-over the universal demand in concern of volume percentage. The Powder segment demand is also predicted to grow due to expanding usage in the pharmaceutical and supplement industry.

North America is anticipated to top the list in terms of Psyllium husk demand due to flourishing supplement and natural-based medication demand in the market. The Asia Pacific follows next mainly cause of its medicinal usage indigestion problems, Europe is also expected to receive a significant growth for organic Psyllium husk due to proclamation by governing bodies on ruling out the GMO and non-organic products usage in pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing sector.

Benefits and Uses

Similar to oats and wheat, psyllium is rich in soluble fiber. Its ingredients include alkaloids, amino acids, oils, protein, tannins, flavonoids, and a variety of sugars and carbohydrates. It is used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in many salad dressings, soups, lotions, and creams.

Psyllium husk is gluten free. Psyllium husk comes from a seed of a Plant genus called Plantago. Therefore, because it is categorized as a seed instead of grain, it does not contain any gluten at all. Consumers are getting more attached to psyllium due to its diverse applications; some are mentioned below.

Baking: Psyllium is also proving very popular in baking and home cooking, it improves dough consistency and gluten-free bread texture. Combining chickpea flour and psyllium improves gluten-free bread acceptability and is recommended for making healthier and tastier bread.

Pharmaceuticals: Psyllium is an important component in almost all medicines related to stomach ache, diarrhea, and constipation. It is also used as a thickening agent during capsule formulation. The high fiber content in psyllium assists in lowering of insulin and is therefore considered useful in diabetes treatment.

Dietary Supplements: Psyllium aids in weight loss as it contains viscous compounds that can help in appetite control and weight loss. A study also found that consuming a specific amount of psyllium before peakfast and lunch led to significant hunger reductions, thus leading to weight loss. Hence, the psyllium market may incur good growth across this application.

Biodegradable Films: The use of psyllium in making biodegradable films may add a new dimension of growth. Researchers in India recently developed a biodegradable film with psyllium husk as the main component. Therefore, the discovery of the use of psyllium in novel applications may open new doors of growth opportunities for the psyllium market.

Animal Feed: Psyllium is used on a large scale as a feed ingredient for horses. It prevents constipation issues prevalent in horses to a great extent, thus pinging good growth prospects for the psyllium market.

COVID-19: Ayurveda can help in fighting COVID-19 by boosting the immunity of the human body. The use of psyllium in Ayurveda may propel the growth rate of the psyllium market as immunity-boosting Ayurvedic therapies are gaining traction.

If you would like more information, please click here to see our product page!

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New Zealand

https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/123570921/new-zealanders-arent-lazy-were-just-a-bit-picky-over-horticulture-work

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/rnz/300175669/fruit-growers-doing-their-best-to-hire-suitable-nz-workers

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/123571916/dairy-auction-prices-exceed-expectations-to-jump-43-per-cent

 

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/123576830/picking-and-export-hurdles-lead-to-strawberry-glut

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https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/12/classical-music-playing-robot-a-hit-with-brazilian-pig-farmers.html

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Australia

https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7034713/exit-of-sheep-from-wa-continues/?cs=13513

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7040354/bid-to-protect-our-quality-market/?cs=5159

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7042895/harvest-fire-schemes-working-but-uncertainty-over-tfbs/?cs=4714

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https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7043843/sorghum-prices-climb-wheat-and-barley-slide/?cs=4714

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7038735/harvest-selling-pressure-weighs-down-prices/?cs=5159

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South America

https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/02/argentine-agro-export-industry-workers-on-strike-freezing-shipments

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https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/04/fao-trims-world-2020-cereal-output-forecast

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https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/economy/global-crop-supply-fears-send-soybeans-to-highest-in-six-years.phtml

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https://www.producereport.com/article/chilean-cherry-shipment-prices-settling-after-record-highs

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Food Updates

What consumers want: Has Covid changed consumer habits for good?

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Could an apple a day keep heart disease away?

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https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/5966-comfort-foods-caffeine-top-grubhubs-year-in-food-report

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https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7031206/sa-researchers-put-spotlight-on-wine-fraud/?cs=5161

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How technology and food delivery apps will restore the food industry

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