International wheat prices increased again in November, marking a fifth consecutive monthly increase, as strong demand amid tighter supplies, especially of higher quality wheat, among the major exporters continued to provide support. Black Sea quotations led the increase, up at least 7 percent month on month, reflecting the uncertainty regarding potential changes to export measures by the Russian Federation and strong export pace from Ukraine.

Climate change may affect the production of maize (corn) and wheat as early as 2030 under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario, according to a new NASA study published in the journal, Nature Food. Maize crop yields are projected to decline 24%, while wheat could potentially see growth of about 17%.

International wheat prices surged in August, reflecting a deterioration of production prospects in several major producers. Adverse conditions reduced yields and lowered output forecasts in Canada, the Russian Federation and the United States of America, and crop quality concerns rose in the European Union. With global wheat production in 2021 now forecast to decline below the record 2020 output, export quotations from all major origins increased.

China's agriculture ministry has launched a campaign to lower the content of maize and soymeal in animal feed, which could have repercussions for the global grain trade.

The document, sent to animal feed producers and other government departments, outlines a plan for nutrition experts to draw up guidelines on ways in which maize and soymeal could be replaced by alternative grains, three industry sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The document comes amid a growing deficit of maize in China, which has pushed prices of the grain used largely in animal feed to record highs and triggered a surge in imports by the world's second largest consumer. It also comes after Beijing stepped up its focus on food security as the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about its dependence on imports and stability of supplies.

Chinese feed mills have already stepped up use of maize alternatives since last year when prices surged.

Как сообщает Reuters, Аргентина стала первой страной в мире, которая разрешила промышленное разведение генно-модифицированного сорта пшеницы. Если страны-импортеры решат, что покупать ГМО-сорт безопасно, это приведет к его быстрому распространению. Для крупнейших мировых производителей пшеницы это может стать проблемой.