Industry News - wk ending 11 Mar '22
Potato News - North America
Potato ban: Almost 70 per cent of Prince Edward Island potato farmers destroyed crops
Across Canada’s Prince Edward Island province in Canada, around 300 million pounds of potatoes have been destroyed by farmers due to the border troubles between Canada and the U.S. The chair of the P.E.I. potato board, John Visser’s farm is one of 130 farms that has applied under a federal government program that provides financial assistance for the costs associated with trucking potatoes out to a field and destroying them while the ground is still frozen.
Potato wart detected in third Prince Edward Island field on farm not producing table potatoes
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected the presence of potato wart in a third field in Prince Edward Island. The agency issued a statement Tuesday, saying the fungus was detected in a field near two other farms where it was initially found in October 2021.
US potato exports remain strong
U.S. exports of frozen potato products increased by 9% from July to December 2021 compared to 2020, even though exports were off by 12% in December. These increases were led by a 41% increase to Canada, a 24% increase to Central America, and a 22% increase to Mexico, reflecting, in part, the easier shipping to these markets. Exports to target markets in Asia were up 3%, led by an 85% increase to the Philippines.
No news for Prince Edward Island potato farmers on reopening of U.S. border for trade
There’s no word on any change in the status of Canada’s Prince Edward Island banned potato exports and the reopening of the U.S. border. As Nancy Russell reports for CBC News, Canada’s agriculture minister previously said March 10 might be the day she would hear from her counterpart in the United States.
Potato News - Overseas
McDonald’s to shutter 850 Russia stores after backlash
McDonald’s Corp. is temporarily closing all 850 Russia locations, following mounting criticism that the fast-food chain failed to act quickly following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine, reports Leslie Patton for Bloomberg News.
McCain Foods scraps plans for Russian plant, donates to Red Cross in Ukraine
McCain Foods has scrapped its plan to open a potato processing plant in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The company, founded in New Brunswick in Canada, announced the change in plans in a statement issued Thursday morning after previously saying it had halted construction as of Feb. 24.
McDonald's To Temporarily Close Restaurants & Pause Operations in Russia
Earlier today, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski announced that McDonald's will temporarily close its restaurants and pause operations in Russia.
IFA potato report: Dire situation in Ukraine putting extreme pressure on the agri industry
IFA further notes that the dire situation unfolding in Ukraine is putting extreme pressure on the agri industry and decisions to be made regarding 2022 crops. Fertiliser and diesel have reached record high costs in the past week, casting great uncertainty for the sector, IFA says.
Logistics News
New Rule Would Make Heavy Trucks Cut Smog, Soot
The new exhaust-treatment systems would come with a higher cost, as would the warranties, which likely would be passed along to truck and bus buyers. But the EPA says reduced pollution from the most stringent option would save the country up to $250 billion from 2027 through 2045, largely by preventing deaths and reducing health care costs.
Food Industry News
FDA is updating its FSMA requirements. Is your company ready?
Section 204 will require companies to capture data and store it for two years… Section 204 applies to those who process, pack or hold foods on the food traceability list (FTL), which includes foods and ingredients that will need additional record-keeping. Critical tracking events may take place at any part in the supply chain that involves the growing, receiving, transforming, creating or shipping of food.
Major multinationals suspend some operations in Russia
Add PepsiCo, Inc., Coca-Cola Co., McDonald’s Corp., Starbucks Corp. and Yum! Brands, Inc. to the growing list of companies suspending some operations in Russia over that country’s invasion of Ukraine.
High food prices keep CPI at record levels
The Consumer Price Index for baked foods and cereal products rose 1.3% in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor. The index for all food at home, meanwhile, increased 1.4%.