Algeria introduces tax break for poultry products

The Algerian government has introduced a VAT and customs duty exemption on poultry to help the country’s “struggling” poultry meat sector and bring down prices.

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Australia to investigate improved manure management

Australia’s meat industry leaders have secured funding for research into how livestock manure management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Russia's EU livestock ban raises WTO concerns

Russia’s ban on certain live cattle and pig imports from the European Union (EU) is being used by the European Commission as a method to assess whether Russia will deliver on the commitments it made when joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

International E.coli workshop reveals research gaps

A group of international experts have agreed that further research is needed to improve understanding of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection in cattle and humans.

Brazil eyes pork exports to Japan

Brazil’s pork industry is celebrating after stepping closer to achieving access to Japan’s lucrative pork market.

Russian drought may drive up meat prices

Drought in Russia has led to a catastrophic loss of grain, which is threatening to cause a deficiency in feed resources and a rise in prices for all types of meat this autumn.

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New pig stunning device launched

An alternative pig stunning device has been developed at the Canadian University of Guelph on behalf of the National Pork Board and Swine Innovation-Porc.

CIS ramps up fight against African Swine Fever

Former Soviet countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are taking desperate measures to tackle African Swine Fever (ASF), which is causing devastation to pig herds in the region.

Hong Kong bird flu risk 'low'

Hong Kong’s food chief has said that the risk of a local avian influenza (AI) outbreak remains at a “stable and low level”, but warned the poultry industry must remain vigilent.

Cherkizovo reports strong H2 sales

Russian processor Cherkizovo Group has reported strong performance in the first half of 2012, driven by big increases in pork and poultry sales.

Antibiotics threaten charcuterie safety

Antibiotic residues in pork could reduce the effectiveness of bacteria used to make fermented sausages safe to eat, according to a new study.

Australia takes FMD precautions

Representatives from across Australia’s meat sector have met to discuss measures to tackle the threat posed by foot-and-mouth disease.

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CRC adopts welfare indicators

An Australian pork organisation has adopted a system of indicators to help improve animal welfare in the research and development projects it funds.

US wastes 40% of its food

The US “trashes” 40% of its food supply according to a new report published by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC).

Cargill cuts energy consumption

US meat processor Cargill has improved the energy efficiency of its operations following a significant investment in its Colorado beef processing plant.

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Salmonella outbreak in Minnesota

Four cases of Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

China moves one step closer to cloned meat

The Beijing University of Agriculture (BUA) has welcomed the success of a groundbreaking project to develop a more robust domestic meat and livestock industry by using cloned animals.

Concern over France’s sow stall progress

Nine EU countries are still unable to prove they will comply when the sow stall ban comes into force on 1 January next year.

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Kerry takes seasoned approach to Russia

Russia’s leading provider of rubs and glazes, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Russia, is to showcase its fermented, smoke and functional solutions at Agroprodmash.

Food outlets distance themselves from suspect abattoir

US food corporations have been quick to distance themselves from a California abattoir accused of animal welfare abuse and food safety breaches.

Russia adds to EU meat import restrictions

Russia has imposed additional restrictions on meat imports from the EU, citing the “unstable” epizootic situation on the Continent.

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HGCA event to focus on cereals market

The outlook in the international cereals market will be the focus of attention at the latest Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) conference in London this October.

Russia imposes stricter controls on US meat firms

Russia has tightened controls over the supply of meat from a number of US companies, including Tyson Foods and Triumph Foods.

Vets’ report points to sheep EID problems

European vets have published a report recognising the challenges that UK and Irish farmers face with implementation of electronic identification (EID) of sheep and goats.

Calls to waive Renewable Fuels Standard gain momentum in US

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a 30-day public comment period on requests to waive a portion of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

Wholesale pork included in US mandatory price reporting

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it will implement mandatory wholesale pork reporting from 7 January 2013.

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USDA shuts slaughterhouse amid welfare concerns

US officials have shut down a slaughterhouse that supplied government food programmes after an undercover video allegedly revealed “sickening” animal cruelty.

Beer by-product helps reduce cattle methane

A by-product of beer can help reduce methane emissions in cattle, scientists in Australia have found.

African swine fever likely to spread, warns FAO

Experts have warned that that African swine fever is now posing a “high risk” to the countries neighbouring Ukraine, which recently discovered its first-ever outbreak of the disease.

Australia puts up funds to improve pork production

Funding is up for grabs as Australian pork bosses invite proposals for projects to help innovate and improve pork production.

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US meat processor reaches mislabelling settlement

Texas meat processor John Soules Foods has reached a settlement with US food safety chiefs after a three-year investigation over mislabelling.

Breakout Labs backs 3D meat printing research

Biological research company Modern Meadow has been awarded a grant to develop the understanding of tissue engineering research into 3D meat printing.

Russia to take stricter stance on ractopamine

Russia is considering imposing restrictions on meat imports from a number of countries over fears that they use the growth promoter ractopamine in animal feed.

Meat helps drive strong Q2 performance for Walmart

Retail giant Walmart has reported strong sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, driven partly by outstanding performance from the company’s meat department in the US.

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Anthrax warning in US

Experts have warned that the US drought could increase the risk of anthrax outbreaks among US cattle and sheep.

Florida pork firm owners indicted

The owners of a South Florida pork company are facing a possible jail sentance over allegations that they violated US slaughter and meat inspection laws.

Canadian pork body expresses concerns over feed

Ethanol policies and low crop yields in the US have given the Canadian pork industry cause for concern over the availability of affordable feed.

US governors join corn ethanol debate

Two US governors have waded into the debate over corn ethanol production, calling on the goverment to waive the quotas mandated by the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

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Canadian meat firm bounces back after fire

A Canadian meat processing plant has returned to operations after a fire ripped through its packaging area.

Canadian meat sector welcomes new biosecurity standard

Canada’s federal food inspection agency has released a new set of standards for biosecurity in beef products, which will aim to minimise the spread of endemic and infectious foreign diseases while strengthening Canada’s beef industry.

Australia studies genetic selection impact on methane

Australian scientists have carried out tests on 2,500 sheep in a bid to understand whether it is possible to reduce methane emissions through genetic selection.

EU-Mercosur delays likely, said UK farmers’ union

Britain’s National Farmers Union (NFU) has said that delays to the European Union’s (EU) Mercosur talks are “inevitable”.

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US firm recalls minced beef

A Utah meat packer has recalled nearly 38,200lbs of minced beef after it was suspected of being contaminated by E.coli.

Danish scientists design new livestock ventilation system

The development of a new ventilation system to help Danish livestock producers overcome environmental challenges is under way, with help from scientists at Aarhus University.

Canadian processor gains government backing

Canadian meat processing company Cardinal Meat Specialists (CMS) has received a government investment to help develop new products.

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JBS post solid results

Brazilian and multi-national giant JBS has posted revenue rises for the second quarter up 26.3% on the same period last year.

Philippine agri sector sees a rise

Philippine agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala announced a H1 rise of 0.93% for the country’s agricultural sector, with a gross value of p691.4bn.

Brazil-Argentina resume positive relations on pork

Brazilian pork exports to Argentina are showing signs of recovery after the resolution of a trade dispute between the two countries.

Non-invasive poultry tests investigated

A method to test poultry welfare through non-invasive means is being studied at the Poultry CRC in Australia, which promotes sustainable and ethical poultry production.

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Scotland eyes up lucrative Nordic markets

Scottish meat body Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has appointed two new export managers in the hope of expanding export activity in Germany and the Nordic countries.

US farmers gain $170m promise from government

The US government has announced plans to buy up $170m of domestically-produced meat and fish products to help the country’s struggling livestock sector.

Solid performance for US meat sector

The US meat export sector remains in robust health with solid results for the first half of 2012, latest figures have revealed.

Wendy’s enjoys revenue increase

US burger chain The Wendy’s Company has reported improved revenues for the second quarter ended 1 July 2012, with same-store sales up for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Cattle prices down, but supplies tight

Cattle prices have started to come down as a result of weaker demand, but global supplies remain short, and prices are likely to rise again in the near future, according to the recently published Rabobank Beef Quarterly report.

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Canada beefs up food inspection

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) have outlined new procedures to strengthen biosecurity in the beef sector, following a two-year consultation with producers, industry associations, academics and provincial governments.

Hillshire turns in ‘solid’ performance

US meat processor Hillshire Brand, which supplies both retail and foodservice markets, has announced 3.3% increase in adjusted net sales in the fourth quarter.

Gloom for US maize forecast

The US is potentially facing its lowest yield of maize since 1995/6, analysts have claimed. Despite a record amount of grain planted in the spring, they said that the droughts sweeping across the central grain producing belt are likely to reduce yields and increase crop abandonment.

USDA announces change to state-inspected processors’ markets

An initiative to make it easier for small meat and poultry processors in the US to access wider markets has gone ahead, after the Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the first states’ participation.

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McDonald's sees flat performance

Fast food giant McDonald’s has reported “flat” comparable sales in July, despite strong results in the UK, Australia and Russia. 

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Hillshire appoints new retail strategist

Hillshire Brands Company, the US-based meat company that was spun out of Sara Lee’s meat business in June, has appointed a new chief customer officer to manage relationships and develop strategies with its consumer-facing customers.

Aseptic packaging faces surging demand

The global aseptic packaging industry has a predicted growth of 24% in the next five years, according to researchers.

US senators step into corn ethanol debate

A bipartisan group of US senators has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help the meat industry cope with drought conditions by adjusting the corn-ethanol mandate for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Report details growing market for feed additives

The market for global feed additives is growing at an annual rate of 3.8% and is expected to reach US$17.5bn by 2018, according to a report released by Transparency Market Research.

Brazil cited as a leading poultry exporter

A detailed report looking at the impact of Brazil’s agricultural impact on third-country markets has been published, highlighting Brazil as a leading poultry exporter.

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EFSA seeks new board member

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is looking for a new member for its management board following a recent resignation.

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EFSA takes PET safety stance

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has adopted three scientific opinions on the safety of processes to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for use in food contact materials.

Finnish food firm reports improved H1 earnings

Food processing group Atria has announced an improvement in sustainability and H1 earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of €5.8m.

Firm secures US certification for E.coli kit

A food safety technology company has achieved US certification for its new E.coli testing kit, which allows manufacturers to rapidly test meat samples for the deadly bug.

US applauds Mexico anti-dumping decision

The US meat industry has welcomed news that Mexico will not impose anti-dumping duties on imports of US chicken leg quarters.

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Australian pork body appalled by pig mistreatment video

A video showing an Australian pork producer and his employees mistreating their pigs has been sent to the pork producer organisation Australian Pork Limited (APL).

Namibia sees beef exports plummet

The beef trade in Namibia decreased by 28.8% in the first six months of 2012, the Meat Board of Namibia has revealed in its six-monthly review, with exports “significantly lower” than the same period in 2011.

Ukraine strengthens agricultural ties

Ukranian officials have attended ministerial meetings in the US and China recently to discuss enhanced trading relationships and agricultural cooperation.

Thai company signs poultry deals in China

Thai firm Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) has agreed to significant poultry investments in China as part of a drive to improve agricultural productivity in the country.

Burger King reports big income growth

Burger King has reported a whopping 60% growth in net income for the first quarter of 2012, attributing its strong performance to menu expansion and international development.

Uncertainty over future of French poultry business

The future of troubled French poultry processor Groupe Doux is still in limbo after a French court postponed a final decision on its fate until October.

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NZ lamb and beef production sees renewed rise

New Zealand lamb and beef herds are showing signs of recovery, according to the latest figures from the Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Economic Services.

Marfrig to work on third-party emissions

Marfrig Group, a leading global food producer, has concluded that 95% of its global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from third-party sources.

Canada gains foothold for beef in Gulf markets

Canada has secured full market access for beef exports to the United Arab Emirates in a deal that could be worth $365,000 annually.

EPA reviews meat industry call for ethanol reform

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it is “reviewing” the meat industry’s petition to the EPA to waive the federal mandate on corn ethanol production during the drought that is sweeping the US.

Maple Leaf warns of challenging commodity markets

Canadian processor Maple Leaf Foods has reported improved profits for the second quarter, but warned that weather conditions could cause challenges in the year ahead.

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US targets Japan for pork exports

US meat exporters are hoping to boost demand for pork in Japan with the launch of a new marketing promotion.

Cherkizovo posts robust results

Russian processor Cherkizovo Group has reported"robust" growth in poultry and pork sales in the first six months of 2012, although lower prices have hit profits.

Hungarian processor seeks help

One of Hungary’s largest meat processors, Gyulai Húskombinát, is reportedly seeking a rescue package worth around €3.5m (1bn Hungarian forints) from the Hungarian government in order to stabilise its operations after rising energy, labour and raw material costs caused massive losses.

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Listeria scare forces US recall

A US firm has recalled approximately 314 pounds of sausage products over fears that they might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Russian government invests in duck meat production

The Russian government is to invest in the large-scale production of duck meat for the first time, in order to increase the competitiveness of the poultry industry.

Altitude effect on livestock studied

The effects of low and high altitudes on selective breeding have been studied by researchers in a paper for the Journal of Animal Science.

Canada puts $600k into listeria testing

The Canadian government has announced a $600,000 project to improve testing for the bacteria behind the life-threatening food-borne illness listeriosis.

US pork industry objects to Taiwanese trade talks

US pork industry representatives have called on the government to stop trade negotiations with Taiwan until the country lifts a ban on ractopamine in pork production.

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Canned chicken in beef recall

US processor Tyson has been forced to recall 70,500 pounds of canned chicken after it was revealed that the products might actually contain beef with gravy.

Russia introduces new Customs duties on meat

The Russian government is to introduce new duties on imports of meat and live animals, as of 23 August 2012.

Devro enjoys strong first-half performance

Devro, a leading manufacturer of collagen products for the global food industry, has announced strong sales growth in the first half (H1) of 2012.