September 16th, 2010
An interesting opinion piece from the Christian Science Monitor on the global consequences of wealthy countries buying up farm land in poorer countries – with global consequences. As the article notes: “…Proponents of the local food movement like to talk about keeping “food miles” to a minimum. Buying a New Zealand apple in New England[…]
Read more »Buffett May Avoid Brazil Backlash
September 4th, 2010
Amid reports that Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is seeking a partnership with Brazilian billionaire Rubens Ometto and soybean grower Blairo Maggi to buy farmland in the South American country, Agrimoney has an interesting report on how the planned venture could be structured to avoid the recent backlash in Brazil against foreign land investors. As[…]
Read more »September 4th, 2010
Via The National, an analysis of Qatar’s acquisition and investment actions worldwide in order to ensure its food security. As the article notes: “…To help ensure a steady supply of food for the nation’s fast-growing population, the $1 billion (Dh3.7bn) subsidiary of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund finalised a $500 million agreement last year to grow[…]
Read more »Is Africa Up For Grabs?
August 30th, 2010
In a new report issued by Friends of the Earth, the charity accuses European companies of land-grabbing throughout Africa to grow biofuel crops that directly compete with food crops. As the document notes: “…Access to land provides food and livelihoods for billions of people around the world, but as the availability of fertile land and[…]
Read more »August 19th, 2010
Via Craccum, a report on global land acquisitions: “…In June this year Africa’s youngest president finally agreed to hold elections. Democracy, it appears, is returning to Madagascar after 35-year-old Andry Rajoelina assumed power in a coup d’état in March 2009 with the assistance of the national army. However the African Union remains cautious and Madagascar[…]
Read more »Selling The Farm
July 31st, 2010
Courtesy of Australia’s ABC News, a detailed report on how foreign interests including state-owned companies from China and the Middle East are increasingly looking to Australia to secure their food production by purchasing key agricultural assets. “…The sale of agricultural land is exempt under Foreign Investment Review Board regulations and the FIRB’s attention is usually[…]
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