The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Beefing-up natural defences
An easing of the most severe drought conditions in some parts of Europe has brought beef prices back to more normal latesummer levels.
Price reports to the European Commission from member states suggest prices are stable as improved grass availability has seen a reduction in cow culling, which has eased market pressures.
Through the worst of the drought, beef prices across the EU fell by almost 3% over four weeks. This was well above normal beef market summer doldrums. Prices for prime cattle are now said to be stable or improving but many member states have continued to introduce aid measures to offset the effects of the drought. This has prompted criticism from wildlife organisations who have described the response as ‘disappointingly conventional’.
They say the Commission needs to respond to the long-term problem of climate change rather than rely on short-term aid measures. They have also criticised the relaxation of some environmental measures within the CAP, including greening, as part of the response by Brussels and member states to the fodder crisis.
French researchers have claimed that organic crops can fight biological threats as effectively as conventional crops treated with agrochemicals.
This is based on a review of 177 global research documents looking at the ability of organic crops to self-regulate threats from bio-aggressors without damaging the environment. The French researchers claim this was achieved without loss of yields and, on that basis, they argue that there is a case for this as an alternative to the use of chemicals.
The French research is in line with a drive by its president, Emmanuel Macron, to reduce the use of all agrochemicals. He has challenged researchers to deliver ways this could be achieved on the basis of sound science. High on his list is a ban on the use of glyphosate.
Meanwhile, in a further blow to glyphosate, Canada’s regulator has said that if a court case produced fresh scientific evidence it would have to reconsider its licensing of the product.
Despite production in Europe being hit severely by drought, the International Grains Council (IGC) has raised its forecasts for 2018/19 yields.
It says these will be 2.063 million tonnes, with higher production in Ukraine, Argentina and the United States offsetting losses in the EU and Australia. The forecast is for European production to be down by nine million tonnes and Australia three million tonnes. This is being driven by increased maize production, with the forecast for wheat down by 42 million tonnes to a six-year low.
Worst affected by yield losses are Germany and Poland. On top of lower yields the IGC says production of grain in Europe is being lost to crops diverted to silage production, because of fodder shortages.