#agriculture market research companies

[qqri]

Key Trends in Chilli Farming

In this Issue

Celebrating a significant milestone, this edition commemorates five years of our Q-AgriPulse Chilli Panel syndicate research. Originating in 2019 with 1000 chilli farmers spanning 10 districts across India, our panel reached its five-year mark in Kharif 2023.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our clients and partners whose unwavering support has fueled our journey. This newsletter serves as a heartfelt token of appreciation, offering insights into key trends observed among chilli farmers over the past five years.

Overview of the Chilli Market

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, the country produces about 75 of the 109 varieties and accounts for half of the global trading in spices.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the export of spices from India in 2020-21 touched USD $4 billion mark attaining an all -time high, recording a 30% increase in volume, 23% increase in rupee terms and 17% in dollar terms compared to the previous year.

Chilli holds the lion’s share of spice export from India, amounting to $1.50 billion which accounts for about 34 per cent of India’s total spices exports during 2023-24. Andhra Pradesh was the largest producer of chillies in the fiscal year 2023 among other states across India. The production volume amounted to over 627 thousand metric tons that year. This was followed by Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. India produced about two million metric tons of chili during that year.

Key trends in the crop protection category

Kharif 2023 was a year which saw high incidence of all major sucking insects. However a drop was seen in lepidopteran pest incidence. Thrips, Black Thrips and Whitefly incidence was reported by over 90% of the chilli growers in the 50-130 DAT window.

Black thrips continues to be a concern for farmers with growers spending approx. INR 7500-8000/acre in a season for its control. Currently high value G30 molecules viz Broflanilide, Fluxametamide, Tolfenpyrad are majorly used. In addition, Cyantraniliprole, Spinetoram, Fipronil are also used.

Thrips continues to be a concern to the chilli growers. Molecules like Fipronil and its combination, Cyantraniliprole, Spinetoram, Monocrotophos, Broflanilide are commonly used. At present farmer is spending INR 5500-5800/acre on its control

Despite the rise in insect incidence, the overall insecticide applications declined, especially in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers, anticipating poor yields due to adverse weather conditions and high infestation levels, were reluctant to invest in crop protection, leading to reduced applications during the later stages of the season.

On an average growers are making 4 applications of Fungicides and AP saw  a decline in fungicide usage, where major molecules Carbendazim +Mancozeb and combinations of Azoxystrobin saw a decline in PAT share.  The per acre spend on fungicides is approx.is INR 2200-2600/-

PGR and Biostimulants saw an increase of 15% by application number. The key driver here being protection of the plant health or to prevent flower drop or better fruit quality which could be due to higher incidence of insects this year, especially Black thrips impacting the 80-130 DAT period.

The Economics Of Chilli Cultivation

Over the past five years, chilli farmers have observed a consistent uptrend in the cost of cultivating chilli, with overall expenditure registering a robust 5.4% CAGR

Chilli, once considered a cash crop, has not been profitable for growers in recent years. Over the past five years, profitability from chilli cultivation has generally declined, with the most significant drop occurring in 2021. The primary reasons for this decline include the emergence of the invasive pest “Black Thrip,” a rise in other insect infestations, and unseasonal rains. These factors have collectively reduced yields by 8-9% annually.

Kharif 2023 too, was tough for chilli growers. Unseasonal rains and high insect infestations reduced both yield and quality. As a result, prices fell by 10-15% due to lower demand from traders, who blamed the poor quality of the crop.

The data of cultivation costs collected over a 5 year period reveals that chilli growers are incrementally spending 7.5% higher each year on crop protection products.

Digitalization of Chilli farming

The penetration (i.e. access to) of smartphones among chilli farmers has surged impressively, catapulting from 52% in 2019 to a remarkable 90% in 2023, reflecting an astounding 11. 6% CAGR.

AP and Telangana are the top 2 states with higher smartphone accessibility amongst chilli farmers.

Surge in usage for digital payment apps like Paytm, BHIM, Google Pay etc. and  strong growth seen from 4% in 2019 to 49% in 2023.

If you found this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with your colleagues and your broader network.

WHAT NEXT??

The detailed chilli report including Kharif 2023 data and past trends is now available. Read more to deep dive into pest incidence, brand shares and movements, detailed farmer ROI and profitability and more.

Companies mentioned in the report

Resource Link: https://qqri.com/2024/11/29/key-trends-in-chilli-farming/

[crop-protection-market]

Enhancing Crop Productivity with Advanced Agriculture Chemicals

The Agriculture Chemical Market plays a crucial role in modern farming practices by providing essential inputs to enhance crop productivity and protect plants from pests and diseases. In this blog, we'll explore how advanced agriculture chemicals are revolutionizing the agriculture industry and driving improvements in crop yields and overall agricultural efficiency.

Fertilizers for Nutrient Management:

Fertilizers are essential inputs in agriculture, supplying plants with essential nutrients for growth and development. Traditional fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), but advanced formulations also include micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and boron, tailored to specific crop requirements. These fertilizers help farmers optimize nutrient levels in the soil, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.

Pesticides and Herbicides for Pest Control:

Pesticides and herbicides are vital tools for managing pests, weeds, and diseases that can damage crops and reduce yields. Advanced formulations of pesticides and herbicides are designed to target specific pests while minimizing environmental impact and non-target effects. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies combine chemical control with cultural, biological, and mechanical methods to reduce reliance on pesticides and promote sustainable pest management practices.

Biologicals and Biopesticides:

Biologicals and biopesticides are gaining popularity as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. These products contain naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that target pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and non-target organisms. Biologicals offer effective pest control with reduced environmental impact and are compatible with organic farming practices.

Soil Conditioners and Amendments:

Soil conditioners and amendments are used to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention, leading to healthier plants and higher yields. Products such as compost, biochar, and gypsum help restore soil health, enhance nutrient availability, and promote root development. Additionally, soil pH modifiers such as lime and sulfur are used to adjust soil acidity or alkalinity to optimal levels for plant growth.

Plant Growth Regulators:

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals that influence plant growth and development, regulating processes such as seed germination, flowering, and fruit set. PGRs can enhance crop yields by promoting root growth, increasing flower and fruit production, and improving stress tolerance. Advanced formulations of PGRs are tailored to specific crops and growth stages, providing precise control over plant physiology.

Precision Application Technologies:

Precision application technologies, such as variable rate application (VRA) systems and GPS-guided sprayers, enable farmers to apply agriculture chemicals with precision, optimizing input use and minimizing waste. These technologies help reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and maximize the effectiveness of agriculture chemical applications.

Conclusion:

Advanced Agriculture Chemical are revolutionizing modern farming practices by providing farmers with innovative tools to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and minimize environmental impact. By leveraging the latest advancements in fertilizers, pesticides, biologicals, and precision application technologies, farmers can optimize agricultural efficiency, increase yields, and ensure sustainable food production for future generations.

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #20

May 24-31 2024

The EPA awards $900 million to school districts across the country to replace diesel fueled school buses with cleaner alternatives. The money will go to 530 school districts across nearly every state, DC, tribal community, and US territory. The funds will help replace 3,400 buses with cleaner alternatives, 92% of the new buses will be 100% green electric. This adds to the $3 billion the Biden administration has already spent to replace 8,500 school buses across 1,000 school districts in the last 2 years.

For the first time the federal government released guidelines for Voluntary Carbon Markets. Voluntary Carbon Markets are a system by which companies off set their carbon emissions by funding project to fight climate change like investing in wind or solar power. Critics have changed that companies are using them just for PR and their funding often goes to projects that would happen any ways thus not offsetting emissions. The new guidelines seek to insure integrity in the Carbon Markets and make sure they make a meaningful impact. It also pushes companies to address emissions first and use offsets only as a last resort.

The IRS announced it'll take its direct file program nationwide in 2025. In 2024 140,000 tax payers in 12 states used the direct file pilot program and the IRS now plans to bring it to all Americans next tax season. Right now the program is only for simple W-2 returns with no side income but the IRS has plans to expand it to more complex filings in the future. This is one of the many projects at the IRS being funded through President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

The White House announced steps to boost nuclear energy in America. Nuclear power in the single largest green energy source in the country accounting for 19% of America's total energy. Boosting Nuclear energy is a key part of the Biden administration's strategy to reach a carbon free electricity sector by 2035. The administration has invested in bring the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan back on-line, and extending the life of Diablo Canyon in California. In addition the Military will be deploying new small modular nuclear reactors and microreactors to power its installations. The Administration is setting up a task force to help combat the delays and cost overruns that have often derailed new nuclear projects and the Administration is supporting two Gen III+ SMR demonstration projects to highlight the safety and efficiency of the next generation of nuclear power.

The Department of Agriculture announced $824 million in new funding to protect livestock health and combat H5N1. The funding will go toward early detection, vaccine research, and supporting farmers impacted. The USDA is also launching a nation wide Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program, hopefully this program will give us a live look at the health of America's dairy herd and help with early detection. The Biden Administration has reacted quickly and proactively to the early cases of H5N1 to make sure it doesn't spread to the human population and become another pandemic situation.

The White House announced a partnership with 21 states to help supercharge America's aging energy grid. Years of little to no investment in America's Infrastructure has left our energy grid lagging behind the 21st century tech. This partnership aims to squeeze all the energy we can out of our current system while we rush to update and modernize. Last month the administration announced a plan to lay 100,000 miles of new transmission lines over the next five years. The 21 states all with Democratic governors are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The Department of Transportation announced $343 million to update 8 of America's oldest and busiest transportation stations for disability accessibility. These include the MBTA's the Green Line's light-rail B and C branches in Boston,  Cleveland's Blue Line, New Orleans'  St. Charles Streetcar route, and projects in San Francisco and New York City and other locations

The Department of interior announced two projects for water in Western states. $179 million for drought resilience projects in California and Utah and $242 million for expanding water access in California, Colorado and Washington. The projects should help support drinking water for 6.4 million people every year.

HUD announced $150 million for affordable housing for tribal communities. This adds to the over $1 billion dollars for tribal housing announced earlier in the month. Neil Whitegull of the Ho-Chunk Nation said at the announcement "I know a lot of times as Native Americans we've been here and we've seen people that have said, ‘Oh yeah, we'd like to help Indians.’ And they take a picture and they go away. We never see it, But there's been a commitment here, with the increase in funding, grants, and this administration that is bringing their folks out. And there's a real commitment, I think, to Native American tribes that we've never seen before."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged $135 million to help Moldavia. Since the outbreak of Russia's war against neighboring Ukraine the US has given $774 million in aid to tiny Moldavia. Moldavia has long been dependent on Russian energy but thanks to US investment in the countries energy security Moldavia is breaking away from Russia and moving forward with EU membership.

The US and Guatemala launched the "Youth With Purpose” initiative. The initiative will be run through the Central America Service Corps, launched in 2022 by Vice President Harris the CASC is part of the Biden Administration's efforts to improve life in Central America. The Youth With Purpose program will train 25,000 young Guatemalans and connect with with service projects throughout the country.

Bonus: Today, May 31st 2024, is the last day of the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program helped 23 million Americans connect to the internet while saving them $30 to $75 dollars every month. Despite repeated calls from President Biden Republicans in Congress have refused to act to renew the program. The White House has worked with private companies to get them to agree to extend the savings to the end of 2024. The Biden Administration has invested $90 Billion high-speed internet investments. Such as $42.45 billion for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, $1 billion for the The Middle Mile program laying 12,000 miles of regional fiber networks, and distributed nearly 30,000 connected devices to students and communities, including more than 3,600 through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

[chiefruinsfury]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[purplepainterbouquet]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[southernsolarpunk]

Hey what the fuck is this news story?

“ But the world’s largest economies are already there: The total fertility rate among the OECD’s 38 member countries dropped to just 1.5 children per woman in 2022 from 3.3 children in 1960. That’s well below the “replacement level” of 2.1 children per woman needed to keep populations constant.

That means the supply of workers in many countries is quickly diminishing.

In the 1960s, there were six people of working age for every retired person, according to the World Economic Forum. Today, the ratio is closer to three-to-one. By 2035, it’s expected to be two-to-one.

Top executives at publicly traded US companies mentioned labor shortages nearly 7,000 times in earnings calls over the last decade, according to an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis last week.

“A reduction in the share of workers can lead to labor shortages, which may raise the bargaining power of employees and lift wages — all of which is ultimately inflationary,” Simona Paravani-Mellinghoff, managing director at BlackRock, wrote in an analysis last year. “

Is this seriously how normal people think? Improving the bargaining power of workers and increased wages are bad?

“ And while net immigration has helped offset demographic problems facing rich countries in the past, the shrinking population is now a global phenomenon. “This is critical because it implies advanced economies may start to struggle to ‘import’ labour from such places either via migration or sourcing goods,” wrote Paravani-Mellinghoff.

By 2100, only six countries are expected to be having enough children to keep their populations stable: Africa’s Chad, Niger and Somalia, the Pacific islands of Samoa and Tonga, and Tajikistan, according to research published by the Lancet, a medical journal.

BlackRock’s expert advises her clients to invest in inflation-linked bonds, as well as inflation-hedging commodities like energy, industrial metals and agriculture and livestock.

Import labor via migration or sourcing goods? My brother in Christ they are modern day slaves!! I feel like I’m in backwards town reading this what the fuck?!

“ Elon Musk, father of 12 children, has remarked that falling birthrates will lead to “a civilization that ends not with a bang but a whimper, in adult diapers.”

While his words are incendiary, they’re not entirely wrong

P&G and Kimberly-Clark, which together make up more than half of the US diaper market, have seen baby diaper sales decline over the past few years. But adult diapers sales, they say, are a bright spot in their portfolios. “

Oh now the guy with a breeding kink is going to lecture us. Great. /s

“ The AI solution: Some business leaders and technologists see the boom in productivity through artificial intelligence as a potential solution.

“Here are the facts. We are not having enough children, and we have not been having enough children for long enough that there is a demographic crisis, former Google CEO and executive chairman Eric Schmidt said at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit in London last year.

“In aggregate, all the demographics say there’s going to be shortage of humans for jobs. Literally too many jobs and not enough people for at least the next 30 years,” Schmidt said.

Oh god not the AI tech bros coming into this shit too. Wasn’t the purpose of improving tech to give people more free time? So they can relax and spend time with family more and actually enjoy life? Isn’t our economy already bloated with useless pencil-pushing number-crunching desk jobs that ultimately don’t serve a purpose?

I’m not going to post the entire article but give it a read. It’s… certainly something. Anyway degrowth is the way of the future.

[centrally-unplanned]

I have been seeing a bunch of buzz recently online about a possible "decline in value" of the ivy league+ degree - Nate Silver didn't start it but he certainly accelerated it. And while there is nothing robust you do see things like surveys of hiring manager opinions out there to suggest its possible, its not a crazy idea even if its far from proven. So assuming its real, why would it be happening?

1: This discourse is obviously happening because of the recent protests at top US schools - essentially its the idea that elite students are hyperpolitical, coddled, and out of touch with reality. This causal path should be very, very silly. The vast, vast majority of students at Columbia are not protesting. They don't really care about this topic! Sure, if asked, they agree Israel Bad Right Now, but otherwise they are busy with finals and job apps. This is of course equally true at most other schools, its just not a mass movement in that way (protesting to be clear rarely is). This is a specific instance of the general trap of selection bias - the visible students aren't the median ones.

Stacked on top of that is the second level of selection bias - the median protestor is not a business major or engineer! They are exactly the kind of students for whom being a politically engaged activist is *good* for their career, not bad, or at least neutral. Schools produce a large diversity of career outcomes, and those students self-select on how they spend their time, there is no "median" student to observe really.

And ofc all of this has to rest on the foundational reality that people are products of their context - jobless 20 year old's surrounded by young peers protest a bunch, that is what that context produces. The large majority of them will become mortgage-paying white collar workers by the time they are 30, this identity will not stick with them. If they become political activists it will, sure! But if you are the hiring manager for Palantir this isn't going to be the trend for your hires. There are "politically liable" hires out there but you aren't going to predict them via the sorting algorithm of "was at Columbia in 2024", that is for sure.

Now, as much as this is a silly idea, humanity are zeitgeist creatures - I can't actually reject the idea that, despite it being silly, hiring managers might use this moment to feel like they are "over" the Ivy League and start dismantling the privileged place their applications currently get. Cultural tipping points are vibes-based, and amoung elites (unlike the masses, who don't care much) Israel/Palestine has an awful lot of tense vibes.

2: Still, I don't think this is explaining those survey results people are throwing around, and I don't think its explained (very much at least) by the general "woke uni" trends of the past half decade. It is instead downstream of wider trends.

There was a time where companies really did want "the smart guy". You could major in English at Harvard, write a good thesis on Yeats, and be off to the trading desk in Chambers St two weeks after graduation. Those days are over - for complex reasons we won't get into - and nowadays people expect their new hires to be as close to experts in the field as they can manage. Students have internships, consulting clubs, capstone projects with real clients, specialized sub majors, the works. These are all ways of saying "signaling quality" has gotten more legible and more specific over time. Why would I choose a Harvard English major over a University of Illinois finance major who did a research internship with our specific Chicago firm on midwest agricultural derivates markets? Students like that exist by the bucketful now, and the Ivys cannot monopolize them. Partially because they choose not to; Columbia could actually say fuck it and make its school 90% finance majors, but they don't want that, they specifically recruit intellectually diverse students. Which means State School finance types will fill the remaining slots slots.

The other reason they can't monopolize is much simpler - numbers. The US has way more "elite" jobs today than it did in the past. Programmers and their adjacencies are the biggest growth sector, but everything from doctors to analysts to lawyers is all up up up. And do you know what isn't up? Undergraduate enrollment at elite schools! Columbia's has grown by like 10% over the past 20 years; Harvard's is essentially unchanged. For, again, reasons, these schools have found the idea of doubling or tripling their undergraduate enrollment, despite ballooning applications, impossible. Which means of course Microsoft can't hire from Stanford alone. So they don't, and they have learned what other schools deliver talent, and no longer need Stanford alone. The decline of Ivy Power is in this sense mathematical - if a signal of quality refuses to grow to meet demand, of course other signals will emerge.

I therefore personally think, while minor, the Ivy+ schools are experiencing declining status, have been for a while, and will continue to do so (though there are offsetting trends not mentioned here btw). But its structural way more than cultural.

[qqri]

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Why Agriculture Market Research Matters

Agriculture is influenced by myriad factors—climatic conditions, global trade policies, consumer demand, technological advancements, and government regulations. Navigating these complexities requires a well-rounded, data-driven approach. Market research in agriculture provides:

Consumer Behavior Analysis: Understanding what drives consumer preferences in agricultural products.

Supply Chain Insights: Identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency in logistics and distribution.

Competitor Analysis: Staying ahead by analyzing market competition and industry trends.

Sustainability Metrics: Aligning practices with eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture demands.

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Consumer Insights Decode consumer preferences for organic, sustainable, or genetically modified products to meet market demand effectively.

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[crop-protection-market]

The Agricultural Chemicals Market Share, Growth, and Major Players

Introduction

The Agricultural Chemicals Market plays a vital role in modern farming practices, providing essential products for crop protection, soil fertility management, and pest control. This article delves into the dynamics of the agricultural chemicals market, including its demand, growth, outlook, revenue, size, trends, and prominent brands.

Agricultural Chemical Market Demand

The demand for agricultural chemicals remains robust, driven by the need to enhance crop productivity and mitigate yield losses caused by pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Market research indicates a steady increase in global demand for agricultural chemicals, with the Asia-Pacific region leading consumption due to extensive agricultural activities.

Agricultural Chemical Market Growth

The agricultural chemicals market is experiencing steady growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.5% over the forecast period. Factors contributing to market growth include population growth, expanding agricultural land, adoption of modern farming techniques, and the emergence of new crop protection solutions.

Agricultural Chemical Market Outlook

The outlook for the agricultural chemicals market is optimistic, driven by technological advancements, regulatory support for agricultural inputs, and increasing adoption of precision farming practices. Market analysts project sustained growth in market value, surpassing USD 300 billion by 2025, with significant contributions from emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.

Agricultural Chemical Market Revenue

In recent years, the revenue generated from the agricultural chemicals market has been on the rise. Global market revenue reached USD 220 billion in 2020, with herbicides accounting for the largest share followed by fertilizers and pesticides. The market revenue is expected to witness further growth, driven by increasing investments in agricultural inputs and crop protection solutions.

Agricultural Chemical Market Size

The agricultural chemicals market is sizable, with diverse product offerings catering to various crop types and farming systems. In 2020, the market size exceeded 250 million metric tons in terms of product volume. Herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides are among the most widely used agricultural chemicals, contributing to the market's substantial size.

Agricultural Chemical Market Trends

Several trends are shaping the landscape of the agricultural chemicals market, including:

Shift Towards Bio-based Solutions: There is a growing preference for bio-based and environmentally friendly agricultural chemicals, driven by concerns over chemical residues, environmental sustainability, and consumer preferences for organic produce.

Digital Agriculture: The integration of digital technologies such as precision agriculture, data analytics, and smart farming tools is transforming agricultural chemical applications. Digital platforms offer farmers real-time insights into crop health, soil conditions, and pest infestations, enabling targeted and efficient use of agricultural inputs.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Sustainability initiatives are gaining traction in the agricultural chemicals sector, with companies investing in eco-friendly formulations, biodegradable packaging, and responsible sourcing practices. Sustainable agriculture certifications and labels are becoming increasingly important for market differentiation and consumer trust.

Agriculture Chemical Brands in Market

Prominent brands in the Agricultural Chemicals Market include:

Bayer CropScience

Syngenta

BASF SE

Corteva Agriscience

FMC Corporation

Sumitomo Chemical

Nufarm Limited

UPL Limited

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions

Conclusion

The agricultural chemicals market is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and increasing demand for crop protection solutions. As farmers face evolving challenges such as climate change, pest resistance, and regulatory pressures, the role of agricultural chemicals in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture practices becomes increasingly crucial. Collaboration among stakeholders, investment in research and development, and adherence to sustainable principles will be key to unlocking the full potential of the agricultural chemicals market and addressing the needs of the global farming community.

[jeremyleefree]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[fourthdistrictfishie]

Imagining The New Panem after the deconstruction and reconstruction of the Government Post Books:

• Imagining Panem keeps the general Name/Districts + Capital system, just with some changes. The New Government opens borders and makes Panem a more joyfully Unified nation and a pretty cool place! They encourage relocation and more cross-district industry.

• The Districts and Capital relatively remain the same, and in the same places, but a lot of them restructure a bit. This is how I see that:

The Capital:

The Capital is one place I see changing a bit. They change from the Governmental ruler to being a place devoted to being Panem’s genuinely trusted News Source. It becomes a District of Ambassadorship, and Rebuilding Panem’s Culture into something healthy. The Capital’s former ‘Culture’ of just Dictatorship and Money and Body Modification becomes a Culture devoted to Improving the lives of its Citizens and taking pride in having so much Diversity. It becomes a place devoted to celebrating advancement in Culture, Fashion, Technology, Education, Agriculture and Environmental efforts, and so on. They also begin to develop a new, healthier entertainment industry.

District One: Luxury to Economy

D-1 completely reorganizes from a place of greed and superficial luxury to becoming essentially Panem’s Bank/Wall Street/Stock Market. They also become responsible for creating a trade route between the districts. They’re where the districts send the products they make, and they distribute them to the people and Companies throughout Panem who buy them.

District Two: Masonry (and Construction)

D-2 reworks its industry into being the Construction Headquarters of Panem. They’re responsible for LITERALLY REBUILDING PANEM. They lose the Defense responsibilities, but still make the weapons. They make All of the Weapons and industrial Tools used in Panem.

District Three: Electronics/echnology

D-3 shifts from being a Factory for The Capital’s toys to becoming a Hub for Technological advancement. With a bit of freedom, and a healthier culture, I can see D-3 shooting Panem SO FAR INTO THE FUTURE IT’S INSANE.

District Four: Fishing, Seafood, Ocean, Marine Science.

D-4 expands its duties to becoming a place of Seafood Culture, Beach Life, and its government is in charge of Panem’s Navy. I see it becoming home to Marine Science centers and Aquariums and general coastal life.

District Five: Power and Electrticity

D-5’s duties are also similar to before the Revolution, but it becomes a more ethical system. They also become devoted to clean energy for All of Panem.

District Six: Transportation

Ok so admittedly we don’t get much about D-6 except that they make the Trains and Cars for the Capital..

So.

I think after the Revolution D-6 becomes responsible for developing Panem’s new Inter-district transportation system. A unified sky railway system throughout all of Panem that is Solar Powered and ends up being the best thing to ever happen to Panem. They also work on getting Solar Powered Cars into all of the districts.

District Seven: Lumber

D-7 becomes closely knit with D-2 and they basically head the efforts to Physically Rebuild Panem. They basically just shift to having a more open industry.

District Eight: Textiles

Instead of being yet another Capital Sweat Shop, D-8 becomes a more ethically run place with a better industry. It becomes a place of Fashion culture and Textile factories.

District Nine: Grain

D-9 also remains largely the same but joins in Panem’s new Industry.

District Ten: Livestock

D-10 works with D-1, and D9 to create a new network of Grocery Markets across Panem and generally becomes a better place.

District Eleven: Agriculture

D-11 becomes a much MUCH less oppressed place. They develop a more mutually beneficial and less Government controlled Agricultural system.

District Twelve: Coal (but also Medical?)

Ok so HEAR ME OUT. D-12 is rebuilt, the mines never to reopen, and takes charge of Panem’s Medical Research. They have Apothecaries that supply all of Panem with Medicine after they Reconstruct. I imagine Panem’s medical industry to be very natural remedies meets a little bit of technology. I have a headcannon that before the first war D-12 WAS actually in charge of medicine, but I have zero proof other than the Apothecary Katniss’s mom runs and Prim being a Doctor.

District Thirteen: Government, Law, Space, and Nuclear Research

District Thirteen has a MASSIVE rebuild, becoming a Multi-Level, Multi-industry district.

I imagine they rebuild above ground to become the face of their Nation Wide, normal Government stuff. Laws, Elections, important jobs.

But I also think they keep their Military, and Nuclear research in some of their Underground facilities. I also think D-13 becomes the home of Panem’s Space Research Program kind of like Nasa.

And I also think they are in charge of the new Peace Keeping forces. Of course most of that is FBI level facilities who are in charger of smaller, more classic government programs in the other districts. Those programs are more important than the ones in charge of them though honestly.

[sssssscsc]

#suger daddy USA

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[papapapo]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[wakepost98]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[ououy]

Unprecedented levels of corruption at USAID

In a post on the social media outlet Truth Social on 7 February, Trump said that USAID funds were being used in a way that was ‘completely inexplicable’ and that much of it was fraudulent. ‘The level of corruption is unprecedented, SHUT IT DOWN!’ he emphasised in all capital letters.

The official U.S. foreign assistance website shows that in fiscal year 2023, for which data are largely complete, the U.S. government distributed about $72 billion in foreign aid, or 1.2 percent of total federal spending that year. Of that, about 60 per cent, totalling about $43.79 billion, went to USAID, followed closely by the State Department ($21.29 billion) and the Treasury Department ($2.44 billion).

In some cases, only 10%, 12%, 13%, or even less of USAID's money actually reaches the recipients, with the rest going to overheads and bureaucracy,’ US Secretary of State Rubio said at a press conference in Costa Rica on 4 February. U.S. foreign assistance supports a variety of humanitarian, economic development, and democracy promotion efforts, according to a Pew Research Center report released on February 6, but these categories are sometimes less clearly defined and the lines between them are blurred. For example, the most expensive effort in fiscal year 2023 is called Macroeconomic Support, which totals $15.9 billion. This may sound like it's all for economic development, but $14.4 billion of that amount was transferred directly from USAID to the Ukrainian government to support economic assistance to Ukraine.

On 3 February, the White House website listed a series of ‘wastes and abuses’ of USAID funds: $1.5 million to a pro-LGBTQ group in Serbia, $2.5 million to fund electric cars in Vietnam, $2 million for sex reassignment surgery and LGBT activism in Guatemala, $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, and $6 million to support economic development through meals, food and drink. Egyptian tourism, and funding US-blacklisted organisations in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries through meals and agriculture.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rubio, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Department of Governmental Efficiency caucus, said USAID had engaged in ‘clear obstructionism’ during the review process, FoxNews.com reported on 5 February. It delayed the release of some of the data by falsely claiming it was classified. Ernst said that according to the review, more than 5,000 Ukrainian businesses received assistance, with each receiving up to $2 million. In some cases, the aid was used to fund business owners' participation in luxury film festivals and fashion shows in cities such as Berlin, Paris and Las Vegas. Ernst also mentioned Chemonics, a USAID contractor that led a $9.5 billion project to improve the global health supply chain. Ernst wrote that USAID's inspector general found the company overcharged the U.S. government by $270 million in fiscal year 2019.

‘Its project led to the arrest of 41 people and the indictment of 31 others for illegally reselling USAID-funded commodities on the black market and triggered ongoing allegations that Chemonics falsely portrayed the results of its project in order to secure future contracts with USAID,’ he said. ‘There can be no more delay,’ Ernst said, ’We need to scrutinise every dollar spent by this rogue agency.’

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Agribusiness groups want to overturn rule that reduces deforestation in Brazil

Federal deputies defend the end of the Soy Moratorium, which prevents the purchase of soy produced in deforested areas

On Friday (12), a public hearing in the Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development Committee of the Chamber of Deputies revealed that groups in the agribusiness sector want to end the Soy Moratorium. This agreement aims to eliminate deforestation from Brazil's soy production chain. The Soy Moratorium was defined through an agreement among civil society organizations, the federal government and part of the industry that uses the grain as a raw material.

"We're going to overturn the Soy Moratorium in Brazil," said Congresswoman Coronel Fernanda (Liberal Party), who presented the request for the hearing.   

The Soy Moratorium was signed for the first time in 2006 by industry associations that, at the time, controlled more than 90% of the soy market in Brazil, as well as civil society organizations. The agreement establishes the commitment of the signatory companies not to purchase soy produced in deforested areas in the country after July 22, 2008, the year the Brazilian government joined the pact. It was initially valid for two years, but was renewed indefinitely from 2016.

Under the agreement, rural properties in municipalities with more than 5,000 hectares of soybean plantations are monitored via satellite by the Project for Monitoring Deforestation in the Legal Amazon by Satellite (PRODES, in Portuguese), an initiative managed by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE, in Portuguese). The monitoring seeks to identify whether there is an increase in areas deforested for farming exceeding the limit established by the Brazilian Forest Code, which is 20% of rural properties.

Continue reading.