EL NINO TO END BY JUNE, LA NINA SEEN IN SECOND HALF OF 2024, SAYS U.S. FORECASTER
There is a 49% chance that the La Nina weather pattern may develop during the June to August period, rising to 69% in July-September, CPC said in its monthly forecast. The cycle between the weather patterns — which can spawn wildfires, tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts — is vital to farmers worldwide. In Latin America, they have affected crops such as wheat, soy and corn, damaging regional economies often highly dependent on farming. Hot, dry weather in Asia during El Nino last year prompted top rice supplier India to restrict exports following a poor monsoon, while wheat output in No.2 exporter Australia took a hit.
The full weather pattern involving El Nino, La Nina and a neutral phase typically lasts between two to seven years. Experts have warned that Latin American nations must be on high alert as a rapid switch to La Nina this time could leave populations and crops little time to recover. Australia’s weather bureau said last month that the El Nino event has ended. “La Nina is likely to affect the production of wheat and corn in the US, and soybean, barley, wheat and corn in Latin America including Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay,” said Sabrin Chowdhury, head of commodities at BMI.
(Link: Reuters)
CHINA APPROVES GENE-EDITED WHEAT
China approved the safety of gene-edited wheat, Reuters reported. The agriculture ministry also approved a new variety of genetically modified corn with herbicide and insect-resistant traits, as well as one gene-edited corn variety that is higher yielding.In genetic modification, foreign genes are introduced into a plant. However in gene editing, existing genes are altered to change or improve its performance. It is viewed by some scientists as less risky. China currently mostly imports GM crops for animal feed since many consumers are concerned about their safety as food crops.
(Link: WorldGrains)
