2nd World Grains Trade Summit

Indonesia’s Minster of Agriculture, HE Ir. Suswono MA attended the recently concluded Global Feed Summit in Bali on 9-10 Nov 2009. The conference attracted around 80 participants from Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.

HE Suswono, who was recently appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, officially opened the conference, and delivered the keynote address on the Competitiveness of the Livestock Feed Sector. In his speech, Suswono expressed that, “the poultry, dairy, swine and aquaculture industries are the most dynamic and competitive industries in the global agriculture sector”. He added, “from a global perspective, the feed industry will be focused on supply of raw materials”, and referenced emerging trends of, “more demand and less supply” which are currently dominating the marketplace.

 To be competitive, HE Suswono highlighted government commitments  to improve Indonesia’s marketing channels, reduce transportation & marketing costs, as well as  import taxes for several main imported feed raw materials and other production inputs.  

HE Suswono’s speech summed up his belief that government policies, better marketing channels, alternative feeds, and technological innovations are part of the solution to balancing feed supply and demand.

Monsanto’s Brian Uken also highlighted the importance of increasing crop yields via biotechnology in his highly rated speech, demonstrating its role in supplementing growing global demand for corn by doubling yields. He also cited a report published in Australia, which said that GM-producing countries dominate world trade in maize, soybeans, cottonseed and canola.

The Global Feed Summit discussed and addressed several other issues that have arisen across the animal feed value chain, including advances in animal breeding, challenges for the world’s meat supply chain, feed business risk management, the grains markets, DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles), Feed demand and supply in China, Mycotoxins and many more.

Participants also took advantage of the over 6 hours of Networking and Card Exchange sessions, cleverly integrated into the conference program for delegates to take maximum advantage of the learning and networking at the conference.

Erhard Briedenhann, Director for Feed & Protein from South Africa’s Afgri Trading & Logistics commented the conference was “Excellent & networking was also very good”, and Wahjudi Gunawan, VP – Procurement, Intl Division of Japfa Comfeed offered “it is a well organized & good event” while Don Utoyo, the chairman of the Indonesia Poultry Forum (FMPI) said the conference was an excellent “suppliers and consumers meet”.

Overall, the conference was well received in the industry, with most participants offering a good rating to their experience at the Bali meet.

Developments in the global animal feed industry, managing increasing volatility in raw materials prices & food safety issues are among the key topics addressed at the upcoming Global Feed Summit. This event is endorsed by the Indonesian Feedmills Association.

Poor harvests, protectionism and a variety of other factors are making their mark felt on the global feed industry.

In the Philippines, for example, Allaboutfeed.net reported that the government has decided to restore tariffs for feed wheat imports. The country has decided to restore a 7% tariff on feed wheat imports and extend a zero duty on imports of food wheat in July. In Vietnam, rising feed prices are putting farmers out of business according to Allaboutfeed.net.

Bloomberg (13/7/09) also reported on rising Global wheat prices, which are riding on speculation that U.S. farmers will withhold supplies after a slump in prices that began in early June. The same article attributed the rally in Corn prices on expectations that demand will improve from livestock producers.

In the mean time, in Kenya, the Nairobi Times (10/7/09) reported that local Animal feeds manufacturers are scouting for options as soya beans supply tightens in the global market, pushing up raw material costs. This follows poor harvests in India, and the decision by China to build its soya reserve to cushion its industries from an anticipated shortage.

The global feed industry also needs to contend with the European Union’s (EU) recently announced “zero-tolerance policy” for traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) plants in imported feeds.

The Global Feed Summit in Bali on 9-10 November 2009 provides a platform for discussion, analysis and debate on the emerging trends shaping domestic and international feed markets covering supply, production and trade flows.

The Global Feed Summit will feature a panel of the world’s leading Feed Industry experts to address the uncertain economic climate, feedstock prices volatilities and other pressing issues, providing opportunities for buyers, sellers and end-users to receive up-to-the-minute market analysis and meet with government and industry representatives.

On the agenda, are key sessions that will cover:

• Feed industry market trends & challenges
• Feed raw materials outlook- price trends, alternative source of supply & consuming region
• Risk management & hedging issues
• Poultry, swine, dairy & aquaculture market updates.
• Update on feed mill investment in Asia, ME/Africa and Black Sea region
• Animal health & food safety
• Emerging innovative animal feed sources including algae.

Senior executives from leading organizations including Cobb-Vantress,Monsanto, US Grains Council, HSBC,Wadi Holdings SAE, Seales Ltd, PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia, Indonesian Feedmills Association, Soon Soon Oilmills Sdn Bhd plus many more will be sharing their views at this event!

The Global Feed Summit is where the who’s who in the global feed industry will network, confer and form partnerships that can alter the course of the industry in the months to come.

The conference is set to attract a delegation of Top Management, Technology & Product Managers, Traders and Commodity Brokers from the Grains & Oilseeds Sector, Co-ops, Feed Producers, Millers, Formulators, Integrators, Compounders, ingredients & additives companies, Hatcheries & Farms, Animal breeding technology companies, Animal Husbandry Providers & Farm equipment, Financial institutions, Feed Associations, Livestock & Agriculture Ministries, Consultants, Shipping companies and many more.

If you are keen on participating as delegates, media partners, exhibitors and / or sponsors at the Global Feed Summit,  submit your registrations, enquiries and proposals >>HERE<< or contact Ms. Angelia at +65 6345 5701 or email her at angelia@cmtsp.com.sg.