Agribusiness As The Future Of Agriculture

This informative book reviews the challenges of agribusiness in the Southeast Mediterranean. The author focuses on sugarcane cultivation in Egypt to illustrate the impact of climate change on agribusiness, and his method and findings may be helpful for other studies in other regions as well. As climate change creates new risks to human populations and food security, a better analysis is needed to understand this new level of uncertainty and to understand how it will impact agriculture and its relationship with economies, livelihoods, and development. Africa emits low greenhouse gases but is hit the hardest by global warming, posing a serious challenge to increasing agricultural productivity in the Southeast Mediterranean. Sugarcane in Egypt is used as a local food source, for international trade, for the balance of payments, for land and water use, and as a basic product for food and fiber manufacturing. Hence every aspect of the economic structure of Egypt relates to agriculture. The book examines the causes and effects of climate change on agribusiness in the Southeast Mediterranean region, such as its effect on prosperity and net farm incomes crop yields. It considers how to promote agribusiness development in the area and the potential to alleviate poverty in rural areas. It looks at the future of the sugarcane industry in Upper Egypt as a case study of agribusiness, with implications that can be applied globally.

Industrial agriculture is generally characterized as either the salvation of a growing, hungry, global population or as socially and environmentally irresponsible. Despite elements of truth in this polarization, it fails to focus on the particular vulnerabilities and potentials of industrial agriculture. Both representations obscure individual farmers, their families, their communities, and the risks they face from unpredictable local, national, and global conditions: fluctuating and often volatile production costs and crop prices; extreme weather exacerbated by climate change; complicated and changing farm policies; new production technologies and practices; water availability; inflation and debt; and rural community decline. Yet the future of industrial agriculture depends fundamentally on farmers’ decisions. In Defense of Farmers illuminates anew the critical role that farmers play in the future of agriculture and examines the social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities of industrial agriculture, as well as its adaptations and evolution. Contextualizing the conversations about agriculture and rural societies within the disciplines of sociology, geography, economics, and anthropology, this volume addresses specific challenges farmers face in four countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. By concentrating on countries with the most sophisticated production technologies capable of producing the largest quantities of grains, soybeans, and animal proteins in the world, this volume focuses attention on the farmers whose labors, decision-making, and risk-taking throw into relief the implications and limitations of our global industrial food system. The case studies here acknowledge the agency of farmers and offer ways forward in the direction of sustainable agriculture.

Farming for Our Future examines the policies and legal reforms necessary to accelerate the adoption of practices that can make agriculture in the United States climate-neutral or better. These proven practices will also make our food system more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Agriculture's contribution to climate change is substantial--much more so than official figures suggest--and we will not be able to achieve our overall mitigation goals unless agricultural emissions sharply decline. Fortunately, farms and ranches can be a major part of the climate solution, while protecting biodiversity, strengthening rural communities, and improving the lives of the workers who cultivate our crops and rear our animals. The importance of agricultural climate solutions can not be underestimated; it is a critical element both in ensuring our food security and limiting climate change. This book provides essential solutions to address the greatest crises of our time.

A book that suggests agri-tech techniques to make agriculture a lucrative business and liberate the farmer in the future.

Under the pressure of climate and social changes, agriculture is called to play a fundamental role in the world food challenge of the next few decades. A severe reduction of arable land and water scarcity combined with a growing food demand, changes in the dietary preferences in many countries and, more recently, a growing threat to food security and logistics from supply chains interruptions and global trade fragmentation, all require the implementation of processes, techniques, and innovations able to increase productivity and make a better use of scarce resources. Against this backdrop, a growing number of investors and asset managers have started looking at agriculture as an interesting investment theme to exploit the long-term strategic opportunities emerging from technological innovation and social changes. The industry is undergoing a process of transformation driven, on the one hand, by the emergence of new data and technologies that promise enhancing process efficiency and improve yields and, on the other hand, by an increased attention on the GHG emissions of agricultural processes and the impact of farmland on climate change, water and land scarcity. All these factors call for a radical rethinking of many agriculture business models. This book provides a detailed overview and analysis of those new technologies with the greatest potential to disrupt agriculture products and processes by improving productivity and the management of food loss and waste, making a more efficient and sustainable use of resources and enhancing food security. Then, it discusses the implications for investors and asset managers, starting with an assessment of the status quo of agriculture investing and providing a thorough description of the agriculture asset class with an emphasis on its distinctive characteristics and the innovations in the technological processes used in agriculture and farming with the greatest potential to obtain long-term sustainable returns.

The Second Edition of The Future of Food Business: The Facts, The Impacts and The Acts is an updated collection of thoughtful articles previously published in leading newspapers around the world based on the author's practical life as international project leader, consultant, businessman, academic professor and world traveller. These articles focus on global food and agribusiness environment, food production trends, the structure of food chains as well as new concepts and ideas on how to increase competitiveness of food companies to create, capture and share value within the global food and agricultural sectors. This book also includes practical methods and smart tools that can be used by companies to facilitate their strategic planning and thinking processes, demand-driven orientation, supply chain organization, marketing channels re-structure and mostly, how to create, capture and share value in innovative market strategies. It is designed to be an easy-to-read business book with short chapters, discussion questions and group exercises. Receiving more than 20 positive endorsements from CEOs, the book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, researchers, executives and students who are active in the world's food business. Contents:The Food Production Chains Environment:Environmental Changes Affecting Food and Agribusiness: What are the Trends?Let Us Ensure the Seven Billionth Inhabitant is Well FedDry Spell Necessitates Plan for a CrisisEffects of Exchange Rates in Food TradeFrom Farms to … EverythingNavigating the Global Food SystemThe Roots of Food and Agribusiness ThinkingUnderstanding the Global Food ConsumerThe World of Retaliers BrandsRetailers: The Giants of ChainsThe Evolving Role of Trading Companies in Food ChainsThe New World of FarmersThe World of “Seed, Weed and Bug” Companies within Food ChainsGlobal Risks, Financial Crisis, BRIC and Food CompaniesThe Food Crisis Will be BackStrategies for Solving the Food Inflation ProblemBridging the Food Dilemma: The Case of China and BrazilInteresting Differences of Developed and Emerging EconomiesHow Can Chinese Companies Feed the World?Structural Challenges in Chinese Food and Meat ChainsAn Incredible Journey through IndiaWhat to Expect from Africa?There are Alternative Solutions for the Food CrisisFood Chains and Networks Development: A 14-Point ListScenario Planning for Food ChainsHow to Build a Strategic Plan for a Food Chain: The ChainPlan MethodThe Four P's of Sustainability PlanningProducing More Food with Less ResourcesSustainable Supply Chain InitiativesMore about Sustainable Supply ChainsStrategic Planning and Management for Food Comapanies:The Consumer's KingdomDeveloping Offers in Tune with Consumer MovementsDemand-Driven OrganizationsQuestions Toward a Demand-Driven OrientationStrategic Planning SatelliteThe Company is an Integrated Network in the New EraFood Companies' Strategies in the Network EraPlanning Strategies for 2025Questions to Think “Out of the Box”Strategic Planning of ClustersHow to Organize the Supply Chain of a Company?The Macro-Environment and Risk AnalysisHow to Create, Capture and Share Value?:Innovation in Integrated Food ChainsInnovation Agenda for Food Industry and RetailersMarketing and Distribution Channels Analysis and TrendsImproving Food Marketing Channel's PerformanceWhat are Advantages and Risks of Building Joint Ventures in Food Business?What are Advantages and Disadvantages of Building Franchisees in Food Business?Developing Own Stores: What are Advantages and Disadvantages?Creating Differentiation and Positioning for Food Business“Go to Market” Strategies in Emerging CountriesCreative Food Pricing StrategiesValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: The CostsValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: DifferentiationValue Creation, Capture and Sharing Trilogy: Collective ActionsCreating a Winning Food ConceptThe Consumer's Risk AnalysisBuilding Inter-Organizational Relationships and ContractsThe Connectivity Era: Receiving InformationGap Analysis Tool (GAT) for Improving PerformanceInternational Investment & Role of Governments:Building a Strategy for International Investments in Food and AgribusinessHow to Promote and Regulate International Investments in Food and Agribusiness?How to Evaluate International Investments' Capacity to Promote Economic Development?Land for Free … Is This Possible for Food Companies? The CODEVASF CaseThe Benefits and Risks of Governments Supporting Local Companies to InternationalizeColombia: An Example of the Role of GovernmentsIncorporating Small Holders into Modern Food ChainsSocial Inclusion in Modern Food Chains Readership: Students and researchers of agribusiness and marketing courses; business professionals; environmentalists; and general public interested in food chain. Keywords:Food Production;Food Consumption;Agribusiness;Food;Strategic Planning;MarketingKey Features:Gives a comprehensive description of global food and agribusiness environment, food production trends and the structure of food chainsCovers international investments and the role of governments in food chainsEasy-to-read book with practical discussion questions and exercisesReviews: “Professor Neves' knowledge and insights on the complexity of food chains is impressive. Food safety crisis is never such a big challenge to the stakeholders of the food chain in China, especially to the government authorities of various levels and agribusiness companies. The Future of Food Business is a valuable tool for them as well as the researchers to find practical solutions to address the tough food safety and quality problems in China.” Jiqin Han Professor of Nanjing Agricultural University, China “With an ever growing population and limited natural resources, The Future of Food Business is an extremely valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the food supply chain, and what the future of food business holds, particularly at a time when we find ourselves grappling with critical issues which will have a lasting impact on natural resources, the entire food system and how it is governed.” Adil K Sattar Executive Director, K&N's, Pakistan “Marcos develops creative ideas based on facts that are likely to contribute to the shaping of the food sector over the next ten years. His visions are accompanied by innovating tools very helpful for entrepreneurs, young managers and government officials by doing their strategic planning in the food sector. I fully share the epilogue of his book where he outlines the importance and the characteristics of managers that ‘make it happen’.” Hans Peter Baier COB Bongrain/Polenghi, South America “In less than 35 years, Africa's population will double to two billion people, approximately 25% of the global population then. Large areas are richly endowed with land and water, yet Africa remains a net importer of food. Professor Marcos Fava Neves, a very good friend of South Africa and Africa, has again shown, through The Future of Food Business, the way to develop globally competitive value chains that provide sustainable food security solutions and growth for the sector.” John Purchase CEO, Agribusiness Chamber, South Africa “I bought the book The Future of Food Business, from Kinokuniya in Singapore. It was a very unusual literature I ever came across on a book stand and bought it immediately after glancing once. I'm in the aquaculture segment operating in Singapore, and found this book very useful for my business future planning. It opened a wider perspective of my business and truly contributed in mapping my business operation and strategic plan.” Frank Tan Marine Life Aquaculture Pte Ltd, Singapore “Considering all the macro-environmental changes that are affecting food companies and agribusiness, Prof. Dr Marcos Fava shows us in a simple and clear way, what are the trends and impacts of this market in the future, and presents solutions, studies and new methods to elaborate an effective Strategic Plan. The Future of Food Business is required reading for students, agribusiness professionals and entrepreneurs.” Liza Rocha Account Manager at Natural Design, Brazil “Marcos Fava Neves is a novel professor who tries to understand why some players apply certain strategies, move in different directions or work with several companies. His insights in this new book are the result of the study of food and agribusiness at theoretical and practical levels. He provides many examples and cases with strong theoretical support leveraged with his experiences as advisor of companies, networks, chains and clusters in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and the US among other countries. As a result, Professor Fava Neves' book, a must-read for students as well as for entrepreneurs, has the makings of a best seller.” Sebastian Senesi and Hernan Palau Professors at University of BuenosAires, Argentina “The challenge that we have to feed the world in the next fifty years is enormous. I am very pleased that Dr Marcos Fava is making the effort to enlighten those people not working in agriculture so that they have a better understanding of the magnitude of the efforts that are needed for us to be successful.” Jerry Moye President of Cobb, Vantress International, USA “This book provides an answer to the future of food business challenges. Really, we are living in a time when the world is more connected, and equally the challenges are more complicated as never before, furthermore society, environment and economics are interconnected more. Within this view, Marcos Fava Neves presents solutions and our future thinking to address the problems in simple and innovative manner with scientific discoveries. In addition, this book is very informative in how to fill the gaps in the world's demand for food and society responsibility during this uncertain and volatile food market. Thank you for showing us the facts, the impacts and how to act …” Mogos Yakob Teweldemedhin Professor at University Polytechnic of Namibia, Africa “Marcos Fava Neves has written a very intelligent book providing both expert as well as the general public stimulating insights into the intricacies of the global food business. In view of its complexities and challenges this book is a must-read.” Guy Kempfert Director, Syngenta Basel, Switzerland Reviews from the First Edition: “Marcos Fava Neves describes the very complex global food chain and suggests methods and tools that can be used by companies to adjust their strategies and operational concepts in an ever rapid changing world. He discusses trends, world food crises, food chain complexity and strategic planning for food companies. It is an essential read for entrepreneurs and researchers who are active in the worldwide food chain network.” Hans Johr Corporate Head of Agriculture, Nestle Switzerland “The Future of Food Business presents a comprehensive look at our challenges in food chain, combining theory with relevant examples in this space. This should be mandatory for all students and professionals that work in agribusiness.” Renato Seraphim Business Development, Bayer Latin America “I think the research and analysis done by Dr Fava Neves leading to a rather conclusive strategy is a good reflection of his deep insight into the food value chain. The presentation style in the book makes for easy reading too.” M D Ramesh CEO of OLAM Africa “The Future of Food Business is an easy-to-read book. Each chapter presents an important issue and ends with intriguing questions for debate, which makes it particularly useful in strategic planning processes. Highly recommended.” Mary Shelman Director of Harvard Business School, USA “The path forward to 2050 requires new innovative thought leaders in order to meet the challenges of increased food production for a growing and affluent global population. Dr Fava Neves motivates readers to rethink how business gets done on frontlines.” Paul Jasper CEO, Covered Logistics and Transportation, USA “Marcos' book elucidates the impending food challenge that will be a central concern for most governments in the immediate future; he puts forth innovative practical solutions to address the issue. The book is a must read for not only concerned people in the public and private enterprises but responsible citizenry all over the world. The book should be part of reference reading for most college graduates to create an awareness about the issues as they are impacted most by the food crisis.” Raj Vardhan Vice President, OLAM International, China “I had the opportunity to actively participate in a one day seminar of Professor Marcos Fava Neves in Saint Louis, USA, where the content of the book was presented and discussed. I am amazed about the knowledge the author has about the food industry.” G B Sundarajan Suguna Foods Limited, India “Marcos is a profound analyst of global food and agribusiness issues. He has a great vision, youth behavior and sagacity to understand complex environment and translate in a simple message.” Gustavo Grobocopatel CEO of Los Grobo, Argentina “Food used to be a day-to-day task to provide for it and it is very close to everybody's imagination. However, today's society is characterized by individuals who are regarded to be a food expert but it takes people like Dr. Marcos Fava Neves who not only explains today's food supply and puts food into a global perspective but also challenges tomorrows needs and requirements. All with an open mindset and in a stimulating and inviting style. I suggest you join and become a knowledgeable food entrepreneur as well.” Marc van Genuchten Commercial Director, Continental Juice/Cutrale, The Netherlands

This book features a comprehensive foresight assessment, exploring the pressures — threats as well as opportunities — on the global agriculture & food systems between now and 2050. The overarching aim is to help readers understand the context, by analyzing global trends and anticipating change for better planning and constructing pathways from the present to the future by focusing on the right questions and problems. The book contextualizes the role of international agricultural research in addressing the complex challenges posed by UN 2030 Agenda and beyond, and identifies the decisions that scientific leaders, donors and policy makers need to take today, and in the years ahead, to ensure that a global population rising to nine billion or more combined with rising incomes and changing diets can be fed sustainably and equitably, in the face of the growing climate threats.

Discusses the various opportunities in the field of agriculture and the necessary education and training.