It is not only a good proxy to rising palm oil prices (72% of its profits are expected to be derived from plantations), it will also be a restructuring play. We are highlighting 20 stocks that (a) we expect to be beneficiaries of the forecast rise in agricultural prices, (b) screen well on Credit Suisse HOLT and our composite valuation screen and/or (c) are Outperform or Neutral rated by Credit Suisse/Credit Suisse Standard Securities analysts. We are highlighting 20 stocks that (a) we...

SALMON farming is making a dramatic recovery in Orkney following a period of serious decline, according to new figures. The change has been put down to better prices, renewed confidence, new investment, a new operator and high demand. The start of the decline was attributed to the effects of worldwide low prices. Salmon production leaps on islands. The industry contributes over 1.5 million directly into island pay packets. Salmon production leaps on islands. The page is still readable....

Ministers are set to push ahead with plans to introduce genetically-modified crops across Britain, despite widespread public opposition. Officials expect the go-ahead for the commercial cultivation of GM crops to be given next year. Phil Woolas, the environment minister, said: "GM crops may be approved for cultivation here in the future, if they pass the rigorous safety assessment procedure that is in place. Officials expect the final go-ahead for the commercial cultivation of GM crops to...

Other responses included those from farming organisations, councils, organic farmers, biotechnology companies, scientific bodies and other organisations. Of the remaining 20% about 1,370 people registered a "general opposition to GM crops" while about 390 people were mainly concerned about "a perceived threat to organic farming" And farmers intending to sow GM crops would be required to notify neighbouring farmers. Chris Huhne said responses to a Defra survey show planting should not be...

But this year, obesity has become a national obsession just as Congress is embarking on one of its periodic overhauls of the nation's farm policy. In response to growing concerns about health, particularly children's health, the new five-year farm bill going before the Senate now provides a record $2 billion for specialty crops, including money to buy fruits and vegetables for school lunches and to assist organic agriculture. A kernel of truth? Nation's obese are corn-fed. The national...

The bill would boost target prices and loan rates for a variety of crops grown in North Dakota and South Dakota - including wheat, barley, oats, soybeans and minor oilseeds - when prices are low. Thune also successfully pushed language that would preserve current rules for farmers' loan deficiency payments and require the Department of Agriculture to purchase and distribute locally grown food produced by American Indians. The Senate Finance Committee passed farm legislation earlier this...

The government has decided to clear landmines from the areas near the borders in Jammu and Kashmir so that these areas are made safe for farming. The India Pakistan debate.

A new GM cotton variety that uses a gene from cowpea could overcome the problem, as the gene is expressed throughout the crops' growth. While governments and environmental groups argue over the safety and morality of GM crops, many farmers in Asia are quietly working with scientists to overcome minor problems they are experiencing with this burgeoning technology. Agricultural scientists reassured Zu that increased insecticide spraying in the early stages of the mirid bug life-cycle could...

PAUL At an antique farm equipment beet harvesting demonstration in Paul Saturday, those who gathered got to see first hand the evolution of technology. The first demonstration was a two-mule plow, which slightly lifted the beets from the soil and required workers to follow behind to pluck and top the beets. A drastic improvement could be seen as Fisk used a 1951 model McCormick tractor and sugar beet harvester on another row of beets. During the demonstration, a patch of beet field was...