The market continued active trading

Last week, in the context of the world economy has experienced great shock because Britain will leave the European Union (Proposed referendum on United Kingdom membership of the European Union), the international cashew market continued active trading. Some enterprises Vietnam announced that it has signed a contract to sell to the customer's US and EU good price to March 1/2017.

According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the UK market accounts for only about 2.5% of total export turnover Vietnam but the growth rate of 17% / year. For this sector, the UK is one of the 5 largest export market of Vietnam and the second largest in Europe, after the Netherlands. 2015 cashew exports to the UK reached 14.75 thousand tons quantity, exports 106 million US dollars, accounting for 4.5% share of exports of Vietnam's.

He left Europe on the assessment of the domestic economic experts no direct immediate impact on the economy of Vietnam. The both England and Europe have calculated, prepared to leave Europe could make the region's economy soon recovered in a short time. However, in a few days the exchange rate prevailing in the world are those unpredictable.

US customers are preparing for American Independence Festival will take place next week 07/04/2016, so that market transactions at the approach of forecasting ceremony will be very exciting. After the American Independence, the US will now prepare for the Christmas trading period and New Year 2017.

Refer to the table that's today's price (Unit: USD / lb FOB Tp. HCM / Flexi packs): W240: 4.0 to 4.1; W320: 3.9 to 4.0; W450 / SW320 / LBW320: 3.8 to 3.9; DW: 3.6 to 3.65; WS / WB: 3.2 to 3.25; LWP: 3.1 to 3.15; SP: 2.85 to 2.9.

Source: VINACAS

Exports of: Markets exciting but difficult for raw materials

The first months of 2016, exports (export) exciting thing but crude material prices are high due to the effects of El Nino phenomena do crop failure. According to economic experts, this was the year businesses (companies) that have difficulty processing the material most because of crop failure and the fierce competition of the importing country (NK) Vietnam's biggest crude Men Ivory Coast have developed a strategy in which the processing industry in the country.

OF MANY, MANY ALSO ENTRY

According to statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first 5 months of 2016, Vietnam exported 119 thousand tons of people, turnover reached 910 million dollars earned, the export volume increased by only 2%, but close an increase of nearly 10% in value. In the context of the economic crisis shows no sign of recovery, exports, it's difficult in the top 3 on the morning of agricultural export growth of Vietnam, including pepper, rice and cashews. United States, China and the Netherlands still 3 cashew import markets of Vietnam's largest, accounting for 29.25% market share, respectively, 18.46% and 12.49% of total export turnover. In addition to the US market is the largest cashew export of Vietnam, the first few months of 2016 have purchased individual markets rose strongly in our country such as the Netherlands (32.92%), the UK (31.26%), Germany (38.1%) and Russia (42.9%). Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) is expected in 2016 Vietnam and export processing 350 thousand tons of people, turnover of about 2.5 billion and maintained its position as top export of cashew.

XK that's ranked No. 1 in the world, but in recent years due to cashews not to compete with other agricultural products such as rubber, coffee, pepper; simultaneously, it depends heavily on seasonal weather, the area, yield and production in the main raw material of Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai reduced. Meanwhile, the processing capacity that should increase imports of raw materials Vietnam ranked top of the world with more than 800 thousand tons / year (60-70% of total production and processing).

In 2015, statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shows that the amount of crude imports for the whole year is 867 thousand tons, the import value of US $ 1.12 billion, up nearly 48% and nearly 73% of value compared to 2014. In the first 5 months of 2016, imports of raw cashew is 226 thousand tons, worth 344 million, down 20.5% in volume but down 7.7% in value. Vinacas expected from now until the end of the year, Vietnam imported over 450 thousand tons of crude materials, totaling about $ 600 million.

BUSINESS RISKS IN THE ROUGH NK

Entering the harvest time in 2016, Vinacas has warned that this year's exports will certainly be more difficult. Cause of the domestic cashew less inventory, seasonality by prolonged drought, led to many factories producing just enough materials in February and will end a serious shortage in the months 3, 4, 5. Meanwhile, the imports also poses many risks, especially for markets in Africa and the Ivory Coast, after the contract was signed but refused delivery partners.

Export turnover value increased but the price of crude for 2015-2016 that domestic materials has peaked 10 years. Specifically, that 2014-2015 season, fresh crude price in Binh Phuoc average of about 26 thousand cases / kg (before 2015, the price was only 15-17 thousand / kg). In 2016, the average price has increased over 2015 cases around VND6,000 / kg, ie 32 thousand / kg. Dry conditions in the domestic price of warehousing business about 39 thousand / kg. This time, farmers in the two largest growing areas of the country's southeastern provinces and the Central Highlands have ended the harvest. This year, the output of our country reached nearly 400 thousand tons, down more than 30% over that for the previous year. Meanwhile, the processing capacity of more than 300 enterprises processing and export of cashew nuts in the country up to 1.3 million tons.

Information from Vinacas, 5 months of this year, the partners sold raw cashew from Africa - partners that provide the raw materials for the processing industry in Vietnam thing happens again to cancel the contract situation, slow delivery or demand more money every support and forecasting more complicated in the remaining months of 2016. Vinacas has received many complaints from businesses, of which 70% was to cancel the contract, 30% of deliveries on time hate. Many shipments to Vietnam to be sold to other businesses importers.

For the processing of raw materials, companies that Vietnam must import raw cashew from 25 countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, which accounted for 40% of Ivory Coast imports of crude output of Vietnam. Ivory Coast more than 750 thousand tons of production / year, this year is expected to reduce output more than 100 thousand tons. Crop failures along with the fierce competition between the raw material DN DN Vietnam and China, India, Ivory Coast has pushed the price of crude rose to $ 1,600 / ton (2015 US $ 1200-1350 / ton).

Mr. Ta Quang Huyen, Director Hoang Son Joint Stock Company 1, Duc Lieu, Bu Dang district, who has extensive experience in market forecasts, learn partner was warned to cancel the contract of exporting countries it in 2016. Only in 5 months, the company had 3,500 Huangshan 1 ton of crude are not delivered on the contract. Mr. Huyen pity: Want materials production enterprises that have increased prices by 100 USD / tonne and 100 USD / tonne reduction in quality. Thus, one ton of crude imports rose $ 200, which means the cost of production enterprises by 15% initially expected.

NOW WHAT TO SOLIDARITY

In addition to crop failures, prices of raw materials increased, businesses that Vietnam many years also revealed weaknesses inconsistency in negotiations; each company has its own policy and competitive trading partners should be utilized. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast has doubled output of Vietnam but the processing capacity accounts for only 6-7% of total production. Ivory Coast is also the main raw material, accounting for over 40% of Vietnam's crude imports in 2015.

May 2-2016, Vinacas and cotton and cashew Council Ivorian cooperation memo records on crude imports into Vietnam. Accordingly, it will tighten the quality of raw materials in Vietnam, if not achieve specified moisture or moldy ... will not be exported. However, according to the analysis of the economic experts of the cashew sector, the country is there a strategy in order to increase processing capacity in the country which through shaking hands with Chinese enterprises to build processing plants in place. China ranked third on Vietnam's cashew imports're also competitive development of cashew processing industry in Vietnam this industry, from raw material procurement in Cambodia and West African countries. Thus, to keep the top position in the export processing cashew, cashew Vietnam is facing the challenges of fierce competition material.

From the difficult situation on raw materials and sustainable development of the cashew sector, many companies have experience in market forecasting and negotiating with importers were required to propose a leading cashew sector is Vinacas DN unity thing. Accordingly, the establishment of focal Vinacas need to contract in the purchase of raw materials, based on the legal basis of the price agreed in negotiations to buy, avoid risks for companies. Vinacas also recommends that the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, local governments tighten management of businesses that do not qualify on the basis of production, processing quality of individual non-guaranteed food safety ... and investment policy for farmers to increase productivity orchard. Construction companies have been the raw material for the production ...

Many companies purchase raw cashew from Cambodia reflected, this year's season, which Chinese traders strengthening material procurement in Cambodia. Accordingly, agricultural products such as cassava, cashews shoddy Vietnam imports about much. Vietnam cashew owns "the secret" of competitive advantage that the production cost of machinery and equipment manufacturing in the country is ranked top for cheap, good quality. Ivory Coast has been "accosted" by DN Vietnam Polytechnic University, City. Ho Chi Minh to transfer equipment and machinery processing industry development based on domestic raw cashew nuts. According to Vinacas, this contract has violated the laws of Vietnam and is being opposed because most businesses that this is a job for "strangling" branch of Vietnam, the factory will be abandoned, millions of farm workers no jobs for rural businesses "hungry" material. Vinacas also petitioned the Government to stop sales contract processing technology transfer it to the Ivory Coast.

Source: Source: Binh Phuoc OL

Seize the opportunity to develop this sector

Before the opportunities coming from the Agreement Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), processing and exporting cashew Vietnam have many opportunities to "transformation". In particular, industries that can make use of the advantages, to create sustainable added value for both enterprises (companies) and cashew farmers in the country ...

According to the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas), from the beginning of the year, the price of exports rose by 12%, allowing volume and export value increased significantly more items to the same period in 2015. Products that Vietnam is a world leader in exporting to 80 countries and territories. In particular, the US, Europe and China is the main export market, accounting for respectively 30%, 25% and 15%.

Previously, China is an important market, there is a high turnover in the first months of this year, China surpassed the United States in consumption of articles of Vietnam. Foreign consumers increasingly recognize that Vietnam is a country that provides many reputable products and advanced processing technology, ensure food safety and hygiene.

Industry is increasingly dominant as "outperform" industrial plant sectors other key. Vice Chairman and Secretary General Dang Hoang Giang Vinacas said: "Compared to other agricultural commodities, cashew nuts are getting the attention of many companies due to more profitable than other goods. Currently there are about 350 enterprises and more than 1,000 export processing enterprises, including many companies previously active in other areas such as exports of rice, coffee, rubber ... and now also involved in the field kite".

Have large market potential, but facing the opportunity of integration, the Vietnam Experts fear the market is difficult to maintain due to heavy reliance on sources of raw materials. Specifically, each year the domestic industry to import 70% of raw materials for export processing. General Director of JSC Long Son Vu Thai Son worry: "Due to insufficient raw material supply grow, so we still import large quantities of raw cashew from Africa and Cambodia divided. Was dependent on the export of raw materials to a point, his country will import cashew processing and export taxes on crude. Processing factory production from Vietnam sold to countries promote efficiency. The future of Africa will be processed for export of cashew exports and reduced crude into Vietnam. This raises the domestic industry before a difficult problem for raw materials. Therefore, increasing the area under cultivation is necessary and needed jobs to embark on immediate implementation "...

How to increase productivity for the trees? Dr. Nguyen Nhu Hien, Deputy Head of Division in charge of industrial plants - fruit, Department of Crop Production (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), said that one of the urgent tasks and practical way to enhance productivity and quality of cashew on a large scale in a short time period is applied intensive farming techniques that sum, including: Pruning, canopy, fertilizer and plant protection for the trees. In fact, the intensive farming model that synthesis was applied in the provinces of Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Lam Dong last time to help increase productivity and economic efficiency from 20 to 60 %, getting the trust of farmers.

According to Vinacas representative leaders, it is time that the industry enterprises "began to cooperate, unanimously co effort" can not make everyone strong as before. Specifically, these companies need to form groups of the same demand for imports, processing based on voluntary principles. These groups are not necessarily by region, but in many parts businesses can team up as you see fit. The group members will share information and advance to agree on the purchase price allocation for some clue in talks. In Long An Province has formed in this model and upcoming delivery for one, two focal points to work for the party. This approach, ensuring the quality of raw materials has helped more reasonable purchase price, should be expanded.

Vinacas office will also review information about the sale of crude to customers in Vietnam. The Advisory Council will import annually published list of "black" crude exporters in Vietnam does not comply with the contract for domestic companies wary. Vinacas recommended domestic companies only do business with reputable partners, eliminating even the units do not have professional, financial inability, potentially risky ... Vinacas also established consulting organizations, with the participation of lawyers, continue to edit templates crude import contracts to the construction companies as a basis for their own contracts, companies avoid losses to Vietnam when the problem occurred out.

Chairman Nguyen Duc Thanh Vinacas recommendations: To take full advantage of the opportunities from the agreements provide, the domestic industry needs to have innovative solutions to increase the quality and production of raw materials in the country , helping export processing enterprises fully benefit preferential policies, especially on tax and import tax. State should promulgate mechanisms and policies favorable, with industry solutions support enterprises that implement industrial promotion programs, improving technology, processing equipment. Also, farmers concerned by credit support, technical; encourage the formation of fields that produce large samples with the cooperation of joint production and marketing of products between businesses and farmers, with the support of the bank, the State management agencies and associations .. .

Source: Nhan Dan Tel

Both India and Vietnam should Join Together to Control Defaults in Raw Cashew Shipments

During the preparation stage of this year’s budget some Indian processors favored introduction of import duty on raw cashew as reckless imports caused reduction in the area under domestic cultivation and also huge Forex loss to the nation.

However, entire industry is now crying against the levy of duty. They feel that they have lost the competitive edge in the international raw cashew market. Nobody now cares them in this trade.

Losses on account of defaults in the west African shipments is the major worry in the Kollam region. Some importers are trying to recover their advance payments as contracted consignments have not reached them. Default is much less in other regions as their contracts were made mostly during the full scale procurement season.

Both India and Vietnam should join together to identify defaulters and their diverted shipments.

Source: http://worldcashew.com/

Cashew sector in a tailspin

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/02906/koigihi1_22_STA_24_2906853f.jpg

80 per cent of private sector factories remain closed owing to high production costThe cashew sector of the State, which is largely concentrated in Kollam, is on a downward spiral.About 80 per cent of the private sector factories and 30 factories under the public sector Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) are remaining closed.While “unbearable” production cost has been blamed for the closure in the private sector, lack of government allocation has been cited for the closure of the KSCDC factories. The closure in the private sector began soon after the government declared a 35 per cent wage hike for cashew workers.

Wage hike

Processors said the wage hike resulted in high production costs that rendered cashew kernels from Kerala uncompetitive in the international market.They said that compared to Kerala, production costs worked out to only one-third in other States. In Vietnam, a leading global cashew processing country, the cost was even less. The 10 per cent import duty on raw cashew imposed by the Centre had added to their woes. “The duty created a situation wherein the processors could burn their fingers even if they dabbled with processing,” said a processor, who had shut down his factory.

Slump in import

The closure of factories had resulted in a slump in the import of raw cashew by the private sector as the processors are dependent on imports.Though some belts in the State produce raw nuts, these are not procured by the processors within the State “because of commercial tax hassles”.Almost the entire cashew produced in the State is going to factories outside the State as there is not much hassles for processors there to procure it.The processors said that of the 752 private cashew factories in the State, more than 600 were lying closed, rendering thousands of workers, the majority of them women, jobless.The processors said though the sector employed more than two lakh workers, successive governments had concentrated on the public sector factories that employed around 16,000 workers.Some of the processors here had shifted operations to other States. There is also uncertainty over the reopening of the KSCDC factories.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com

California walnut yields continue to set records

Industry officials expect the 2016 crop to surpass that number. The industry could produce 625,000 tons when the 2016 crop estimate is released in early September.There is a downside to these record harvests. As the number of walnuts goes up, prices have come down. Combined with foreign crops, some varieties of Walnuts have seen price drops of 20 to 30 percent.In an effort to boost walnut demand, the California Walnut Commission has boosted its advertising budget from $2 million to $15 million.Much of the increase in production is due to more plantings in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento region. San Joaquin County accounts for 14 percent of the state’s walnut crop. Butte County makes up 12 percent of the statewide total.The U.S. Department of Agriculture figures show that California now has 365,000 acres devoted to the crop. Bearing acreage climbed 10,000 from the previous year to 300,000, as non-bearing acres since 2013 increased 20,000 to 65,000 acres.Estimates from nursery survey suggest that 17,000 acres of walnuts are planted each year, although some of those planting are replacing old trees.

Source: http://cvbj.biz

Bulk cashew exporters collapsing local processing factories

Local cashew processing plants are operating below capacity due to the unavailability of raw cashews.

The problem is not because Ghana is not producing enough raw cashews but the plants are facing stiff competition from bulk cashew exporters who offer cashew farmers better price than the local processing plants.

According to the African Cashew Alliance, an estimated 75,000 smallholder farmers in Ghana produce approximately 70,000 metric tonnes of raw cashews each year.

"However, the local firms face competition from bulk exporters, who sell the cashews on to foreign processors at a higher price than is competitive for most domestic processors, who face higher operating costs for power, transport and labour," according to AsokoInsight, which offers data on Sub-Sahara African companies.

"As a result, over the course of the past decade, domestic processors have turned to importing nuts from neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire, in come cases - as with Mim Cashew - relying on imports for as much as half of their total inputs," according to AsokoInsight.

In March 2016, trade minister Dr. Ekow spio Garbrah restricted the exportation of cashews in a move to protect the local plants from collapsing, a sweeping directive.

Of the 12 cashew processing plants in Ghana, only two are in operation, and are reportedly operating below capacity due to scarcity of the nuts.

As much as 95% of Ghana’s total production of cashew nuts estimated at 68,000MT is exported in its raw form to overseas for processing, Spio Garbrah said.

This means that the industry is operating at just 5% of its installed processing capacity of 65,890MT,” according to the directive.

The largest cashew processor in the Brong-Ahafo Region, KONA Agro Processing Limited, shut down its operations due to financial difficulties.

The company, which employed 250 workers, many of whom were, used to process about 1,500 metric tons of raw cashew annually for export.

The company's Director, Mr. Kwabena Taylor, said his outfit needed US$1.5 million to get back into business.

Government is planning on establishing a Cashew Management Board to license, supervise and monitor all activities in the cashew value chain.

In addition, government is also mulling support for the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to enable them purchase the Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) and establish a “Just-in-Time” inventory to ensure that the indigenous processors have an all-year-round supply of raw cashews.

Source: http://pulse.com.gh

Big increase in Californian almond shipments

According to the latest Almond Industry Position Report issued by the Almond Board of California, shipments rose by more than a quarter in May.

Handlers shipped 178.1 million lbs, compared with 139.6 million lbs a year ago. Some markets posted stellar increases: China took 14.60 mln lbs, compared with 3.14 mln lbs in May 2015. Vietnam's imports came to 1.72 mln lbs (or, to put it another way,...

Source: https://www.agra-net.com/

Californian Almond Prices Fall Sharply on Improved Supplies and Favorable Bloom

This time last year, almond markets were slowly climbing up to price levels never seen before. California, the main almond producer, was in a state of prolonged drought, with 2015 being the driest year on record. Weather during the winter months of 2014/15 did little to replenish empty water reservoirs, and as a result almond production was forecast to fall for a second consecutive year, from more than 2 billion pounds in 2013/14 to 1.8 billion pounds in 2015/16.

One year on and almond prices have just started to recover from the lows reached earlier in April. Prices plummeted 55% between July 2015 and April 2016 to their lowest level since February 2012.

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So, what has caused such a rapid decline in prices?

Firstly, we have to look back at how the 2015/16 crop ended. Initially projected by officials at 1.8 billion pounds (some unofficial estimates pegged the crop even lower at 1.7 billion pounds) production is now expected to have reached 1.9 billion pounds, slightly up year-on-year. Interestingly, the increase in production has been realized despite the severe drought seen last year. The answer here might lie in improved irrigation management or sturdy resilience of almond trees.

Secondly, the demand started to crumble under the heavy weight of historically high prices. Demand for almonds is often expressed in form of shipments as reported by Almond Board of California. Lower shipments in the second half of the last year were an indication of falling demand.

Lastly and most importantly, California has received much needed rain brought about by El Niño. There were reports of adequate snow cover and heavy rain showers during the winter months and early spring, which filled the depleted water reservoirs. Significantly for almond production, rains stopped during the flowering in February, allowing almost perfect bloom for the upcoming new season crop.

Following the successful bloom indicating strong crop for 2016/17, currently estimated at 2 billion pounds by the USDA, prices touched bottom in April. Prices have risen more recently as some demand has returned into the market.

It is likely that production will eventually exceed the current forecast. We have seen it for the 2015/16 crop and we’ve seen it often in the past. After all, almond orchards in California have received much needed rain, reservoirs have been largely replenished and bloom has been perfect. As such, we can almost certainly say that almond prices will remain low for the time being.

Source: http://spendmatters.com/

Nigeria earns N50.4b from cashew export

Cashew generated $253 million (about N50.4billion) in foreign exchange for the nation last year, the President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Tola Faseru, has said.

Faseru, who spoke yesterday during the cashew planting season flag-off and roll out of Cashew Expansion Programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture at Ife, Osun State, said the nation produces about 160,000 metric tons of cashew yearly.

He said the target is to move production to 500,000 tons by 2020, and also be able to develop a processing capacity of 70 per cent which is about 350,000 metric tons, saying Nigeria is the sixth largest cashew producer in the world after Ivory Coast, India, Vietnam, Tanzania and Guinea Bissau.

He said cashew is currently grown in over 21 states of the federation, including Ebonyi, Kogi, Kwara, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Edo, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Ogun, Oyo, Osun , Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Akwa Ibom , FCT and Niger, adding that It can be grown in all parts of the country.

He said cashew is one of the 13 Non-oil Strategic Export Products (NSEPs), to be used to diversify the economy away from oil under the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.

He expressed   satisfaction with the promptness of implementation of the first phase of the four-year cashew development road map which is to scale up its production.

The programme, he said, is a great display of commitment by Chief Audu Ogbeh to the cashew ndustry.

He said: “The careful choice of high yielding, early maturing and disease-resistant Brazilian jumbo and Indian variety cashew planting materials sends a strong signal to cashew stakeholders both locally and internationally that the cashew landscape in Nigeria is gradually evolving and the industry is now better positioned to become number one in the world.

He expressed hope that the varieties will bring higher quality of nuts, increased yield per hectare, better pricing of cashew internationally, and lead to increased job creation and increased nuts availability for processing.

He commended the efforts of the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) for the N550 billion export stimulating funds, pleading that the funds be allowed to be accessed on the basis of commodity by commodity to allow for effectiveness, better access for the genuine players in the value chain and indeed for better monitoring and sectoral impact assessment.

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-earns-n50-4b-cashew-export/

Binh Phuoc: The thing in 2016: Lost season, farmers ... have fun!

In late May, but the price for it at the end of the farmers sold fresh in the garden remains a towering 31,000 VND / kg. El nino phenomenon has reduced cashew yield of 20-40% (depending on region), but the high price service from beginning to end, farmers elated confidence in agricultural industry in the current situation is only "small bow over the bridge, "the NIS Vietnam.

SEASON OF STRANGE

Previously, many had "burden" Lunar New Year in the garden to harvest season this year that it is later than 1 month but not concentrated but scattered nine.

Article 110 hectare farm of Chien Hung Vo Khac Khoan village, Phu Nghia (BGM) often yield, stable yield, an average of nearly 3 tons / ha thanks to good care. But this year, he also could not help wondering War by late that season and uneven cotton, just above a flowering tree branch, branch no cotton. According to his calculations War, this year's average yield is only about 2.1 tons / ha (previous year 2.9 tons / ha). Explaining this phenomenon, the agricultural extension staff said that due to reduced precipitation this year and during the 6-month dry season does not happen unseasonal rains should things not to sprout deciduous flowering.

According to data from the General Statistics Office, 2015 cashew acreage is 291,959 hectares nationwide, down 3269 ha compared to 2014, while harvested area 284,059 ha. Accounting for 71.2% Southeastern total area of ​​the country. Planning of the Ministry of Agriculture - Rural Development 2020 stability that 300,000 hectares of area, yield 450,000 tons, concentrated mainly in Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai province, meanwhile, the processing capacity of Vietnam more 1.3 million tons of crude materials / year.

Ms. Tran Thi Yen Rên Bu village, commune BGM (BGM) to stick with it over 35 years trees said: This year is the season BGM social than social conditions in the district (from Dak O come out) but the output is only about 80% compared to 2015. the irregular flowering, but scattered all 5 ha of the family, this year earned only 7 tons.

According to survey data of Horticulture Departments - Plant Protection (Department of Agriculture - Rural Development), the current area of ​​trees harvested is 127 077 hectares, the total output of 141 151 tons, the average yield of 1 , 1 t / ha. El nino phenomenon has done that this season yields down nearly 0.3 tons / ha, lost nearly 35,000 tons of output compared with the previous crop (crop year 2014 to 2015, total production reached more than 177 thousand tons, capacity average yield 1.4 tons / ha).

Lunar New Year, the big thing is just ripe garden several kilograms per day, the price of crude in the garden 30-31 thousand / kg. After the festival it is not yet in the main season and the possibility of crop failure, the price of crude has jumped to fresh 33-34 thousand VND / kg. Last May, Ms. Ngo Thi Hanh street in Tan Xuan, Tan Xuan (Dong Xoai) - Fresh small business buys more than 30 years in the garden, still busy buying and selling, by the end of the season fresh price remains excessively high more than 31,000 VND / kg. This is also the best season by strange things in the beginning of the end of season prices.

With cashews, though prices stabilized at a high level in 2 consecutive years in 2015 and 2016 but the area farmers to invest only 41 912 ha / 127 077 ha of total area, the average yield reached 1.48 tons / ha, yield 61 826 tons. The area is 43 351 hectares less investment, the average yield of 1.15 tons / ha, more than 49 664 tons of production reached. Area farmers at the mercy of more than 41 813 hectares of the sky, the yield was only 0.71 tons / ha, yield 29 660 tons. Bu Dang has the largest area in the province that nearly 57,000 hectares but the area farmers to invest just over 8,500 hectares, concentrated in the communes along Highway 14 as Germany Lieu, Minh Hung, the average yield Solidarity ... Force this year reached 1.35 tons / ha. Size at investing or not investing mainly in the eastern communes S'tieng compatriots, the yield was only 0.66 tons / ha.

Vo Van Tung Anh Tan Xuan neighborhood, Tan Xuan Ward 8 ha in Tan Hung thing (Dong Phu) said, compared with the previous year it decreased 40% yield but thanks to high prices, the total revenue in the previous year. Ms. Ly Thi Le Tan Hung has orchard in elated because only 2.5 hectares which, in 2015 collected 7 tons, 6 tons, but this year revenues thanks to high prices, the total revenue more than 20 million over the previous year. Late that season, not concentrated but scattered nine should increase labor costs 1,000 VND / kg. Therefore, only large farms hire pick new things, and most of the self-harvest gardens, make and to earn.

High prices early in June, the season has ended, but things are enlisting gardeners glean the remnant left to sell salvaged offset productivity losses due to El Nino. Drought during the harvest season so the quality of the ball nut, stretch round, beautiful. Late that season, not highly concentrated but farmers throughout the season so excited and confident by comparison with other industrial plants that invest less, yields only meet one third of the processing capacity domestic factories and distance supply - demand is greater. The area that the golden years of rubber has fallen by about one third and now although yield is improved but still has not met with the processing capacity of the business.

The rainy season, sowing season has arrived, cashews, the only cash crop price forecasts are good for years to come, when businesses are struggling improve processing quality to meet the demanding markets accounted greater importance is the US, the EU needs domestic materials. The desire of the cashew growers and the agricultural sector with market management solution and address seedlings to farmers prestigious breeding trust replanting, new planting cashew ...

Phuong Ha

Source: Binh Phuoc

Poor yield set to up rates of processed cashew, feni

PONDA: Prices of processed cashew nuts and cashew feni, a local drink brewed by fermenting the juice of raw cashew apples, are likely to soar due to a 50% decline in the nuts' production across the state. A rise in temperature during winter, the flowering season for cashew plants, affected the yield."Cashew production needs at least three months of cold winter, but the winters this time were not conducive for flowering," said zonal agricultural officer, Ponda, Nagesh Komarpant.Cashew processing and feni production units are in a sticky spot, faced with a shortage of raw material that is pushing up prices."It's going to be very difficult to continue business for even six months this year due to the poor yield," said a Bhatpal-based brewer, Dinesh Desai.

According to him, there is a demand for about 50,000 cans (16,87,500 litres) of cashew feni across the state each year. But, the amount of raw cashew apples produced this year would be hardly enough to brew 20,000-25,000 cans (about eight to nine lakh litres) of the drink. Around 240 litres of raw cashew juice is needed to brew a can of feni.Asked whether it is possible to source feni from outside Goa to meet the demand in the state, Desai said, "It's tough. Feni brewed outside Goa in no way matches the one produced in the state. The odour is not the same and anyone can tell the difference."Goa Bagayatdar Sahakari Kharedi Vikri society, popularly known as Bagaytdar society, the largest buyer of raw cashew, has admitted to receiving just 50% of the crop this year as compared to the last one. The Bagayatdar society, which has 12 branches and five temporary outlets across the state, buys raw cashew from farmers to help them sell their produce at source.

"We have received just about 1,000 tonnes of raw cashew from our centres this season as compared to 2,000 tonnes at the same time last year", said South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, who is also the chairman of the society.Officials of Goa state agriculture produce marketing board, which records data of agricultural produce in the state, claimed that this year Ponda taluka has produced about 2,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, as compared to over 3,000 tonnes last year.President of Goa Cashew Processors Association, Madhav Sahakari said the deficient production would necessitate import of raw cashews from Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Benin (former Congo) of Africa to meet demands.The state has about 40 cashew nut processing units including 22 large industries which need about 20,000 to 22,000 tonnes of raw cashew seeds every year and employ about 5,000 persons. The decreased production is likely to prompt employers to lay off some workers for about two days a week.

Source:Fnbnews

Poor yield set to up rates of processed cashew, feni

PONDA: Prices of processed cashew nuts and cashew feni, a local drink brewed by fermenting the juice of raw cashew apples, are likely to soar due to a 50% decline in the nuts' production across the state. A rise in temperature during winter, the flowering season for cashew plants, affected the yield."Cashew production needs at least three months of cold winter, but the winters this time were not conducive for flowering," said zonal agricultural officer, Ponda, Nagesh Komarpant.Cashew processing and feni production units are in a sticky spot, faced with a shortage of raw material that is pushing up prices."It's going to be very difficult to continue business for even six months this year due to the poor yield," said a Bhatpal-based brewer, Dinesh Desai.

According to him, there is a demand for about 50,000 cans (16,87,500 litres) of cashew feni across the state each year. But, the amount of raw cashew apples produced this year would be hardly enough to brew 20,000-25,000 cans (about eight to nine lakh litres) of the drink. Around 240 litres of raw cashew juice is needed to brew a can of feni.Asked whether it is possible to source feni from outside Goa to meet the demand in the state, Desai said, "It's tough. Feni brewed outside Goa in no way matches the one produced in the state. The odour is not the same and anyone can tell the difference."Goa Bagayatdar Sahakari Kharedi Vikri society, popularly known as Bagaytdar society, the largest buyer of raw cashew, has admitted to receiving just 50% of the crop this year as compared to the last one. The Bagayatdar society, which has 12 branches and five temporary outlets across the state, buys raw cashew from farmers to help them sell their produce at source.

"We have received just about 1,000 tonnes of raw cashew from our centres this season as compared to 2,000 tonnes at the same time last year", said South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, who is also the chairman of the society.Officials of Goa state agriculture produce marketing board, which records data of agricultural produce in the state, claimed that this year Ponda taluka has produced about 2,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, as compared to over 3,000 tonnes last year.President of Goa Cashew Processors Association, Madhav Sahakari said the deficient production would necessitate import of raw cashews from Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Benin (former Congo) of Africa to meet demands.The state has about 40 cashew nut processing units including 22 large industries which need about 20,000 to 22,000 tonnes of raw cashew seeds every year and employ about 5,000 persons. The decreased production is likely to prompt employers to lay off some workers for about two days a week.

Source:Fnbnews

Cashew exports continue to slide

Cashew exports from the country continued to show a declining trend with 28 per cent fall during April-May this year in terms of volume and 19 per cent in value.

Total shipments during the first two months of the current fiscal dropped to 11,044 tonnes valued at `607.27 crore from 15,338 tonnes valued at `749.57 crore in the corresponding period last financial year, according to Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI).

The unit value increased this fiscal to `549.88 a kg from `488.70 in April-May 2015, they said.

Meanwhile, fall in the unit value of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)/Cardinol is said to have raised their exports to 2,257 tonnes valued at `8.23 crore from 1,679 tonnes valued at `9.80 crore. The unit value realised fell to `36.47 a kg from `58.36, CEPCI sources said.

Attributing the consistent fall in exports mainly to non-receipt of parity price for kernel, Sundaram Prabha, Chairman, CEPCI, told BusinessLine that high Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) prices coupled with closing down of around 80 per cent of the factories in Kerala following a hike in wages are also responsible for the fall.

However, imports of raw cashew nuts dropped during April-May this year to 85,140 tonnes valued at `697.99 crore from 1,74,448 tonnes valued at `1,372.68 crore in the same period last fiscal. The unit value of RCN was at `81.98 as against `78.69.

According to Pankaj N Sampat, a Mumbai-based dealer, the RCN prices have come down from the peaks of April 2016 but are still high compared to 2015 average and much higher than 2014 average. Notwithstanding any significant decline in kernel prices cannot be expected to happen although we might see a dip from current levels when supplies would pick up in 3rd quarter. The slip might be large because the high price paid for RCN will not allow shellers to sell at much lower levels, he pointed out.

As RCN arrivals into India and Vietnam are picking up from May, shellers will need to keep selling on a regular basis, he added.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/

Record high macadamia prices cause for concern for industry

Global macadamia prices have reached record high levels amid reduced supply due to the drought in South Africa. However the delegates at the annual International Dried Fruit and Nut Congress held in San Diego, USA in June, warned that the lack of marketing campaigns to promote macadamia consumption could result in drastically reduced prices in the future.

Speaking at the congress, Alan Sutton, chairperson of the Valley Macadamias Group, said that macadamias needed to be marketed correctly in order to maintain higher prices. “Although the almond and walnut industries are spending a large amount of money on marketing, their crop volumes justify the expenditure. It is good that macadamias do not fall into the same category in terms of volumes as it gives us an opportunity to market ourselves as a niche product, worthy of the higher price tag.”

He however cautioned farmers to be aware of the increasingly stringent quality requirements. “The normal has become a 22mm and up sized Nut-in-Shell (NIS) with a 1,5% unsound. This is difficult to guarantee in a normal year, but in a year with a drought it is near impossible as the nuts are much smaller.” 

High prices, reduced demand

Speaking at the macadamia round table, Patrick Kabealo, a buyer for American supermarket chain Costco, said that extreme high and low prices were a problem for the nut industry and that role players should work together to maintain consistent prices. “If the price is too high the market can’t afford it. But if it is too low then farmers start replacing those trees with a more lucrative crop and then supply drops and the prices sky rocket again. At this stage we are seeing low demand for macadamias due to the high price.”

Research presented at the INC shows that stable prices result in an increase in consumer demand of around 7% per annum.

However information given from the industry in China indicates that demand for macadamias is expected to pick up as recognition from consumers increased and living standards improved. Some 90% of this market is NIS due to traditional eating patterns, but the kernel market is expected to grow as a result of higher demand from confectioners.

Brazil has also reported an increase of more than 20% in macadamia consumption due to the acknowledgement of health benefits and vegan trends. Only 5% of the local crop in South Africa is consumed locally, but a large percentage is sourced from stolen nuts via the informal market.

Global crops 

The global macadamia supply for 2015 was 170 000t NIS, up 30% from 2012’s 130 000t. Worldwide plantings are rising rapidly and the industry has predicted a 500 000t crop by 2022. South Africa is currently planting at a rate of over 600 000 trees per annum while China is expected to add two million trees per year. Brazil will add an additional 120 000 trees over the next four years, while Guatemala planted 200 000 trees last year.

Sutton said that if the yields from these additional plantings materialised then the industry would have to work hard to increase demand or growers could face massive price cuts. Delegates however cautioned against being too optimistic about the increased plantings. Jolyon Burnett, CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society, said that Australia experienced a massive growth in plantings a few years ago but didn’t see the massive growth in volume they expected. “We are only now starting to see the orchards producing on a suitable level.”

Cheng Kay, head of the Chinese Nut Council echoed Burnett’s statement saying that while there were many trees going into the ground in China, the question remained how well they were cared for. “Only time will tell and we will know in five to seven year’s time how many of those trees are viable.”

He said that there could potentially be a huge crop produced in China, but that they would consume most of it locally. “Initially the bulk will go to the domestic market but it is subject to quality and so far the quality has not been good. If all goes well then the crop that is not consumed locally will be exported.”

Market disruptions

Last year’s disruptions in the market place due to nut buyers defaulting on contracts saw many companies across the nut basket in turmoil. The bullish nut market saw many buyers over extending their credit in order to secure more nuts to keep up with demand. However when the banks withdrew their credit the buyers starting defaulting on contracts signed with processors and exporters leading to an excess of stock on the market and a reduction in prices mid-season. Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Almond Growers, cautioned that although companies signed contracts, it was the integrity of the people behind it that was paramount. “It has never been more important to know who you are dealing with when signing contracts.”

Kay noted that the grey channels that were used to import nuts into China and bypass the import duties were mostly shut down last year. “The government is still keeping a watchful eye on the industry and more arrests have followed making the probability of those channels reopening unlikely. Buyers are also being very cautious to avoid getting caught in the cross fire of the arrests. For now trade is continuing and we don’t foresee more disruptions this year.” Sutton concluded that the prospects for the macadamia industry were positive as the industry had much room for growth. “Macadamias only make up 1,42% of the tree nut basket. This means we have a lot of scope to expand the industry and grow our consumer base. The demand is currently high enough to ensure record high prices and I don’t foresee this changing in the near future. But we will have to work at opening new markets by 2022 if we want to continue seeing these prices.”

Source: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/record-high-macadamia-prices-cause-for-concern-for-industry-2016-06-09/rep_id:4136

FG Flags Off 2016 Cashew Expansion Programme

The Federal Government has commenced the planting of 2,000 cashew seedlings to kick start the 2016 cashew planting season and Cashew Expansion Programme in Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

The Federal Government commenced the programme in line with its goal of reviving the agriculture sector and creating jobs for the youths,

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, who flagged off the programme in Ogudu Village in Ife, Osun State said the government is determined to build the future of Nigeria by reviving cashew farming to make it earn more foreign exchange.

The Minister assured that the government will roll out two million cashew seedlings annually to sustain the programme.

Speakers at the event harped on the need for all to return to the farm especially the youths to help revive the sector as well as provide and create jobs for the unemployed.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola and others spoke about the health and financial benefits derivable from planting cashew should be the driving force to sustain the programme.

Mr Ogbeh re-affirmed the readiness of the Buhari – led administration to improve the lives of Nigerians through agriculture.

He assured that a cocoa and banana plantation programme will also be unveiled very soon .

‎The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, while speaking blamed the nation’s ailing economy on the total abandonment of agriculture, stressing that agriculture remains the largest employer of labour in the world.

The cashew plant is expected to begin to yield it’s fruits three years from now.

The event was graced by several traditional rulers, officials of the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture‎ and a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Source: https://www.channelstv.com/

The Launch of BeninCajù: A New Era for Cashew in Benin

Though cashew is the second largest export crop in Benin, farmer productivity and local processing remain far below potential. The BeninCajù project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and implemented in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, seeks to address these issues by better integrating and accelerating the growth of the cashew sector in Benin. Twelve of the country’s cashew producing municipalities were selected for the implementation of the nearly $20 million project, which will last five years.

The launch of BeninCajù hopes to usher in a new era that will boost greater agricultural production, trade and industrialization. USAID Benin Director Jonathan Richter explained "USDA’s support on this project once again illustrates our commitment to support the development of agriculture in this country. We are determined to work with Benin to promote our common goal of improving economic prosperity."

BeninCajù seeks to create nearly 4,000 jobs in the cashew processing industry – 70 percent of which  are for women – and improve the income of almost 50,000 producers, which represents a quarter of all cashew farmers in Benin. At least 10 processing plants will be supported by the program.

TechnoServe’s Regional Director for West Africa, Katarina Kahlmann, highlighted TechnoServe’s extensive experience in supporting the cashew industry in several countries and shared how honored TechnoServe is to continue the work through this project. According to Katarina Kahlmann, the ardent desire of industry actors to see real improvements in Benin’s cashew sector, the strong will of Beninese political authorities and the availability of the US government to support the project are a strong foundation for the success of the project.

BeninCajù, An Opportunity for Stakeholders

Several cashew sector stakeholders present at the official launch ceremony expressed their support for the project. Georgette Taraf, President of the National Council of Cashew Processors (CNTC), believes BeninCajù is timely, starting in a period where thoughts converge on the need for better organization of the sector, at the same time that production shows signs of weakness, and processing faces challenges with supply, finance, energy and access roads. "BeninCajù therefore represents an opportunity for the cashew sector. We processors are putting a lot of hope in it,” expressed the President of the CNTC. Producers expressed similar sentiments, with President of the National Federation of Cashew Producers of Benin, FENAPAB, pledging to support BeninCajù to achieve its objectives.

Institutional Support from The Beninese Government

Delphin Koudande, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, believes the presence of key industry stakeholders was a reassuring symbol for the success of the project. “The government completely supports it”, reassured the Minister Koudande. His colleague, Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, Lazare Sehoueto went further, explaining that the BeninCajù project could help the country improve farmers’ livelihoods and diversify its economy.

Source: http://www.technoserve.org/

African farmers benefit from increased nut demand

Macadamia farmers in Mpumalanga are set to rake in huge profits this harvesting season, thanks to an increase in demand from the United States and Chinese markets. The harvest season is now in full swing and more nuts are being brought into factories for processing.Valley Macadamias Group's Alan Sutton says, “This year, it’s been a difficult year agriculturally for the farmers because the drought has obviously reduced the yields and affected the size and proportions of the nuts. But market conditions are looking pretty good with regards to the exchange rate; the rand/dollar exchange is in favour of farmers and the market conditions overseas are very good because the demand for the produce is high.”A kilogram of macadamia nuts sold at about five dollars this year, that’s over R75 in local currency. It was less than that the previous year. Buyers are, however, insisting on quality nuts.

Sutton says, "The emphasis is on the farmer to produce a better quality nut, which can be exported into the market, of which they will be prepared to pay for it. But obviously, they are not going to pay for rubbish. They want quality.”

Source: farmingportal.co.za/bizcommunity.com

Students develop solar dryer for cashew kernels

Four final year Mechanical Engineering students of the Bantakal-based Sri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management have developed an eco-friendly solar-powered infrared dryer for cashew kernels.A press release issued by the institute here on Friday said that Anup G. Mendon, Jithendra Shetty, Prajwal Sherigar and Pranesh developed this device under the guidance of Raja Yateesh Yadav, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.Cashew processing and drying is carried out at two stages. The primary drying is done in sunlight before de-shelling. The secondary drying is done after de-shelling to facilitate the peeling process.After the de-shelling process, the moisture content in the cashew kernels will be about 15per cent to 20 per cent. This moisture content must be reduced to 4 per cent to 5 per cent in the secondary drying.

For this purpose, most of cashew industries use the steam generated from conventional energy sources. But, here the students had tried solar energy for the secondary drying process. This technology uses infrared heaters powered by solar photovoltaic cells. The students have found appreciable results of this technology.Presently, a Research and Development Centre for Technology Upgradation of Cashew Processing Equipment, sponsored by the Karnataka Council for Technological Upgradation, Bengaluru, is functioning at the Department at the institute. This dryer was developed by the students as a part of activities of the Research and Development Centre and their final year academic project, the release added.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/

Growing almonds still profitable in California

A recent report indicates strong consumer demand for almonds, suggesting that production of the nut will remain profitable for most California growers, despite a sharp drop in prices since last summer. However, it also highlights looming challenges for nut growers in the southern Central Valley.Rabobank’s assessment says Golden State almond producers are expected to harvest some 2 billion pounds this fall, which roughly equals the record crop of 2011-12.Not coincidentally, that high level of production has come as prices paid to growers have dropped to about $2 per pound, less than half what they were as recently as August, when the industry was still benefiting from past production shortfalls and a strong U.S. dollar.Rabobank’s report says the good news for growers, at least in the long term, is rising demand for the nuts.“More plentiful harvests and, now, lower prices will again encourage more consumption of almonds,” reads the report released late last month. It was authored by Rabobank’s senior fresh produce analyst, Vernon Crowder.Two aspects of the report were less than optimistic for local growers. First, it says almond prices probably won’t rise above $2.33 per pound, their average during the last decade, for another two to three years. But once prices reach that point, the report predicts, they won’t drop below it for at least 10 years.Perhaps more importantly to Kern’s farming industry, Rabobank predicts more and more almond orchards in the southern Central Valley will be converted to other crops because of unreliable surface water supplies.Bakersfield-area almond grower Richard Enns agreed the nut remains profitable for many local growers. But he said low prices are tempting owners of older, less productive orchards to consider replanting them with other crops.“It is questionable if they'll go back to almonds, or maybe they'll go to pistachios or table grapes,” he said, adding that almond prices will likely rebound once the global economy fully recovers from the recession. Source: bakersfield.com

Walnut acreage up 12% in California

California's 2015 walnut acreage is estimated at 365,000 acres, up 12 percent from 2013. Of the total acreage, 300,000 were bearing and 65,000 were non-bearing.Of the walnut acreage reported, Chandler continues as the leading variety with 104,450 bearing acres, followed by Hartley with 33,002 bearing acres. Chandler also accounted for 67 percent of the non-bearing acreage.San Joaquin County continues to show the largest acreage with 14 percent of the total, followed by Butte with 12 percent and Tulare with 10 percent each.

Click here to read the full USDA report.

Source: agfax.com

Association which called for unity to generate power in negotiations

Information from Vietnam Cashew Association, in the first 5 months of this year, partners from continents Africa-sale of crude supply partners that the main raw materials for cashew processing industry in Vietnam-to recurring status to cancel the contract, slow delivery, or demand more money to support. This has caused many damages to businesses in the industry. But it is noteworthy that this situation has repeated for years, but so far has not appeared a truly effective solution.

Source: Source: FBNC