The requirement in the U.S. for country-of-origin labeling became effective in 2008 and by 2015 legislators were writing its repeal. The way it had been designed was ruled protectionist by the WTO and yet every year a certain group of politicians seek a return to the mandate, largely due to pressure from small cow-calf producers. Now a trade bill making its way through the Congress contains the usual compromise when there is support but not enough to make it happen – the requirement for a study and a report. The study would focus on the impact of COOL on consumers, producers, and food security. If its repeal hurt any of the aforementioned factors, there is a requirement for recommended legislative remedy. Notably, U.S. beef imports w...
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...