Brexit boosts ABF – UK

Outward-facing British agri-food companies are already reaping the rewards from a devalued sterling as Associated British Foods reported strong profit growth for 2016 this week. Shares in ABF surged almost 10% as it eyes a significant increased sugar production post 2017.

Investors shy off farmland market – Brazil

Investors in farmland are shying away from Brazil as the current weak returns from crops are too low to match the high cost of borrowing in Brazil as well as the country’s high inflation rate. Farmland prices in Brazil have increased over 5% this year, which is a slowdown on growth levels seen in previous years.

Soya bean exports drive US GDP growth – USA

In quarter three, US GDP grew at a healthy 2.9%. However, analysts are concerned as almost a third of this growth was driven by a massive spike in soya bean exports from the US. Traditional soya bean exporters such as Brazil and Argentina have been absent from the market this year, allowing the US to step in and seize market share.

Further optimism for fertiliser price rises – Australia

Australia’s largest fertiliser manufacturer, Incitec Pivot, has said farmer demand for fertiliser in Australia had improved after recent welcome rains. The group expects increased demand to lead to higher sales volumes in the coming year, which will put upward pressure on fertiliser prices.