A good topic for Friday is the big picture outlook of what is on the horizon, the so-called “30,000-foot view” so named because that is the cruising altitude of airliners, and a particularly appropriate metaphor as much of the farm belt is often referred to as “fly over” country between the coasts. We’ve picked three broad categories to watch between now and the next farm bill. Ag technology: The building of vertical, indoor, urban and/or controlled environment grow facilities started as a coastal thing. These facilities are indoor, hydroponic, often automated with IT and robotics, and largely focused on lettuce and leafy greens (the only crops practical with the initial state of the technology). Think of the...
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...