Global Agriculture Watch

There is a lot happening in agriculture markets around the world. A link below provides a look around the globe concerning agriculture supply and demand and potential impacts on markets. While it focuses on impacts to the United States markets you can apply the information to all markets around the world. We encourage you to read the article linked below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the globe.

Global Game-Changers

Discussion Points

• Brazil and Argentina agriculture look to have great impact on United States markets. What will these impacts be and why respectively for each country?
• Outside of Brazil and Argentina of the countries and scenarios listed which do you feel will have the most positive impact on your home country and why?
• Outside of Brazil and Argentina of the countries and scenarios listed which do you feel will have the most negative impact on your home country and why?
• Which country's scenario do you find the most intriguing and why?

GMO's, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Economics

GMO's (genetically modified organisms) are always a hot topic issue around the world. Recently Purdue University conducted research on GMO's globally. They focused on two separate scenarios revolving around GMO crop production. This article takes a look at how changes in GMO crop production could change the way we live in different parts of the world. I encourage you to read the linked article and then utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe.

Model Predicts GMO Impacts

Discussion Points

• What two scenarios were researched as part of this project?
• What were the findings from each scenario? Be specific.
• Where does your home country fit into the GMO perceptions and regulations picture?
• Why would poorer countries be impacted greater than more developed countries with each scenario?
• The article states that the U.S. would actually benefit economically from a global GMO ban even though the U.S. is a leader in GMO production. Why is this the case?
• The article states several times the safety of GMO's and the science behind it. Take some time to research the science behind GMO's and share your findings.

Battling Sheep and Goat Plague

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are teaming up to battle Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and eradicate the disease by 2030. PPR is a disease that is ravaging sheep and goat flocks in parts of the world. The linked article provides facts and the plan for this. Along with the article on the right side of the webpage there are additional links to provide better understanding. You are encouraged to read the linked article and watch the linked video below. From there utilize the discussion points to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world!

FAO and OIE Global Campaign to Eradicate PPR

PPR Video

Discussion Points

• What is PPR and why is it such a concern?
• Animal diseases can have negative impacts on human health, but what other areas can they negatively affect? Explain.
• How can farmers protect their flocks from PPR currently?
• What parts of the world are being directly impacted by PPR and why are these areas such a concern?
• How does the FAO and OIE plan to work together to eradicate PPR? Evaluate the plan. What do you like? What would you improve?