THE average farmgate price of palay, or unmilled rice, fell 0.47% week-on-week to P18.87 per kilogram in the fourth week of March, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), continuing to decline as the Rice Tariffication Law moved forward to full implementation.

SUGAR prices at millgate level have been steady over nearly half a year, and rumors of higher prices might represent an attempt to manipulate the market, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

A DEVELOPMENT plan is being prepared for the 3.2064 hectares of land initially awarded to the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO) last year, with the indigenous community being positioned as suppliers of fruit and vegetables for the tourism industry.

BRUSSELS -- European spirits makers say they are facing difficulties exporting drinks to Indonesia amid tension after Jakarta said it was unhappy with an EU decision that palm oil should not be considered a green fuel.

SAO PAULO -- Part of a bridge over the Moju River in Brazil’s Para state collapsed early on Saturday, potentially affecting shipment of grains such as soybeans and corn through northern ports, local authorities and an agribusiness consultant said.

WASHINGTON -- China’s lengthy approval process for genetically modified crops remains a sticking point in talks to end the trade war between China and the United States, according to two sources with knowledge of the talks.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expanded its estimate for El Niño crop damage, mainly to rice and corn, to P4.35 billion as of March 31, from P1.33 billion on March 19.

DAVAO CITY -- A group in Davao del Sur province that produces specialty coffee is aiming to expand its current 400-hectare farm by at least another 200 as foreign markets start to recognize the Philippine product.

THE Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) said it hopes to expand the use of artificial insemination in cattle to increase herd sizes at lower cost.

CHICAGO -- Massive supplies of both US corn and soybeans remained in storage bins around the country ahead of spring planting, US Agriculture Department (USDA) data released on Friday showed.

RESEARCHERS have claimed that a Philippine seaweed has some of the properties of the Japanese fucoidan, used to treat cancer and inflammation, and could serve as a substitute for the more expensive Japanese variant.

LONDON -- A rebound in commodities prices and investment is poised to extend in coming months as the sector gets its traditional boost during the final stages of the global economic cycle along with other drivers.