In today’s talking points: Strong world growth for commodities; JD.com implements blockchain; Wine Australia appoints new Manager; Use of fertilisers and pesticides fall in China
Strong world growth for commodity will increase food demand by Australian farmers
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics Conference, held in Canberra this Tuesday, has forecasted that a growing world economy will lift household incomes and increase demand for Australian food produce. This is particularly the case for countries with whom Australia has strong agricultural trade ties. Farm Production is tipped to decline 5%, but only following an ‘exceptional’ performance last year. Asia is not seen as one giant market, but one with dozens with a number of niche markets – particularly in China. Growth is expected to grow at a steady rate over the forward estimates.
Read more: SBS
Chinese giant JD.com implements blockchain to track supply chain of meat sales
In order to increase transparency surrounding good deliveries, JD customers will be able to determine the process by which the meat was raised, to the point of arrival. This tracking system arose through a partnership with Australian beef producer HW Greenham & Sons. The project will become operational later this Spring.
Read More: Business Insider
Wine Australia appoints Regional General Manager
David Lucas has been appointed by Wine Australia to the new role of Regional General Manager Greater China. Wine Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Andreas Clark believe David’s background to be ideal to support Australian wine sector grow in the Greater China market. With the 50 million in Australian Government’s Export and Regional Wine Support Package, Andreas is looking forward to the “huge opportunity to continue our stunning growth.”
Read More: Wine Australia
Use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides fall in China.
On Monday, Han Changfu, minister of Agriculture has reported that the use of synthetic fertilizers has fallen last year whilst the use of pesticides has continued to decrease since 2016. “This is a historic turning, as for decades in the past use of fertilizers and pesticides in China had kept increasing,” says Han. Since 2016, the ministry has pushed for greater efforts to minimise the use of pesticides and fertilisers to decrease environmental pollution. According to Han, the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to promote green agriculture and the use of organic fertilisers.
Read More: China Daily