The impact of volatile exchange rates on grain prices and a detailed look at the “good, bad and ugly” aspects of the developing EU/US trade agreement, will be the focus of attention at this year’s grain market outlook conference, organised by AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds.
Due to be held in London on October 14, the event promises all-sector information and comment this year as specialists look at the future of the euro, developments in China and Greece, while also assessing the potential impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on food safety laws, environmental legislation and banking regulations.
“Longer-term trade policy is back in the spotlight with the EU and US embarking on TTIP, one of the most ambitious trade agreements known to man,” said AHDB lead analyst, Jack Watts (pictured above). “What will be the implications for the food and grain industries?”
The person charged with delivering some answers to that question is DWF’s head of food group, Dominic Watkins. He will give a general introduction to the potential partnership, with an “impartial look” at the headlines, both positive and negative, during a presentation called: “TTIP – the good, the bad and the ugly”.
Other speakers are LMC International’s senior economist, Julican McGill, and Capital Economies’
Hamish Smith.
“We’re now in a shrinking world with growing markets, seeing the influence of politics and trade,” said Mr Watts. “The issues in Greece and China bring the global economy back into focus, as well as converting volatile exchange rates into volatile grain prices.
“Furthermore, the recent movement of the pound against the euro has had the biggest impact on oilseed rape prices. So, is the future all gloom and doom?”