Archived News

20th July 2013

Laurence is travelling to Paraguay for the 16^th International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD), representing the National Farmers Union along with Guy Gagen who is Chief Combinable Crops Advisor for the NFU.

At each IOPD the delegates participate in discussions relating to all aspects of oilseed production. This year’s IOPD will have representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, Paraguay, France, Germany, USA and the UK

There will be a number of visits to farms in the region as well as a visit to the Itaipu Dam which is the world’s largest (in terms of energy production) hydroelectric dam located on the River Paraná  on the border of Brazil and Paraquay.

This year’s agenda includes:

·  regional updates from each country

·  trade emerging issues; Agricultural policy, Common Agricultural Policy, neonicotinoid and other pesticides and identity preservation of specific qualities or attributes of grain. Guy will give a presentation on robust traceabilty of oilseeds.

·  renewable energy legislation in US, EU and UK; Laurence will be giving a presentation on certification, traceability and EU biofuel sustainability and consumer requirements.

·  food, fuel and sustainability