Country News
Brazil: Dalton Carlos Heringer of Fertilizantes Heringer says that the drop in the amount of corn being exported has reduced the availability of trucks for backhauling fertilizer to the interior, which means it costs 15-20 percent more to get the input back to farms. (Bloomberg)
India: Prime Minister Modi wants the Ethanol Blending Program to increase the percentage blend to 10 percent across the country. Given the rapid expansion in the number of automobiles, this will involve a significant increase in demand. (WPI)
Kenya: Head smut has been found in corn fields in the North Rift region of Kenya and Anthony Kioko of the Cereal Growers Association is worried that the infestation could spread in future planting seasons; the disease can ruin 30-50 percent of production. (Bloomberg)
Mexico: The government announced a mandatory ethanol blend rate in gasoline of 5.8 percent. However, the requirement will be waived in three metropolitan areas. (Bloomberg)