We reported on 29 July that the final rule for the long anticipated Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP) was announced. The FFP is intended to avoid sugar loan forfeitures to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) by requiring the diversion of sugar from food use to ethanol production. The first invitation for offers of sugar to be purchased was also announced by USDA yesterday afternoon. Any offers of sugar must be made by 21 August. At that point, USDA will inventory the offers while reserving the right to not accept the full offer made by a sugar mill. No conditional offers will be accepted. USDA will then list the type, amount and location of sugar for bidding by the ethanol mills. The bidding deadline is 28 August which is exactly a t...
As predicted, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at the last meeting before the midterm elections, likely in part because of the election (see WPI 19 October and 22 September). The decision comes at the tail end of a midterm election cycle that has been marked by the two parties campaigning...
Key Takeaways: WPI’s new EU rapeseed crushing margin models point to weaker processing returns over the next four months due to higher rapeseed procurement costs and weaker product values. Statistical forecasts call for German crushing margins to decline from €181/MT to €...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets are mixed with Capesize rates seeing solid gains while Panamax values slipped on a growing tonnage list. Supramax and Handysize vessels were stronger, though all sectors remain vulnerable to the seasonal dip in rates through Q4 and into Q1. Falling water l...
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.