The International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) has released its short-term Fertilizer Outlook 2012-2013 to the public. The report shows that the fertilizer sector has now fully recuperated from the setback of 2008/09 and is maintaining a steady stream of investment in new capacity, capitalizing on the positive forecasts of a 3 per cent increase in consumption worldwide for the main nutrients – nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) – in 2012.
Crops
Lifecycle of avocado anthracnose
Avocado—which originated in Central America, particularly in high-elevation areas of Mexico and Guatemala—is now being produced commercially throughout the tropics and subtropics with Asian and Pacific Rim countries including India, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia and New Zealand becoming increasingly important producers.
Food prices almost unchanged
The FAO Food Price Index in November was virtually unchanged from its October level.
Indonesia to start Green Palm Oil Certification in 2012
The Indonesian government will start regulating its palm oil producers to check on sustainability practices from the beginning of next year, newspaper The Jarkarta Post reported.
Japan expands grain import capacity
The U.S. Grains Council’s 2011 Corn Mission to Japan, China and Vietnam toured the Kushiro Port in Hokkaido, Japan, and heard firsthand the plans to expand the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.