Philippines Agriculture After remittances from overseas, agriculture and fisheries are the most important industries in the Philippines. A country of 114 million people of which one-quarter are engaged in agriculture. It is such an important sector that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos concurrently took the title of Agriculture Secretary. However, he is now having to import food to tamp down inflation, while complaining that the sector has been ignored and needs attention. In the search for how to improve the sector, one person has it correct. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George T. Barcelon says the sector must scale up and automate. He correctly notes that investment is needed, and investor...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk freight markets were stronger this week, but the rally was uneven and due to divergent dynamics across basins and vessel classes. Panamax markets were broadly higher, but Atlantic grain demand was primarily responsible while Asian activity was subdued. That trend...
Key Takeaways: World prices are strong; U.S. grower data doesn’t show it. Australia's benchmark finished the 2025/26 season 61 percent higher, while the value of the 2025 U.S. clip fell 7 percent. The U.S. clip is coarser than the wool behind the headlines. Only about 7 percent was finer...
Key Takeaways: The recent pullback in crude oil and other energy markets has left many in the ag and biofuels communities wondering what it means for ethanol and biodiesel prices and profit margins. WPI’s research indicates a weak but still significant link between ethanol and crud...
Key Takeaways: Alabama and Louisiana have requested partial waivers of 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements, arguing that rising compliance costs are contributing to higher fuel prices and economic hardship. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is encouraging neighboring states to join th...
From WPI Consulting
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.