Vietnam Agriculture Trade

Agriculture trade is important for the success of so many. This week we take a look at the country of Vietnam and agriculture trade. We challenge you to utilize the discussion points below and explore with others how Vietnam agriculture trade may or may not relate to your life. 

Vietnam: A Feed Importing Powerhouse

Discussion Points

• What has been the trend with feed imports and meat production in Vietnam? How does this look in comparison to your home country?
• What global challenges and/or successes have had an impact on Vietnam agriculture trade? How have these same challenges and/or successes impacted your home country or region?
• What other world events could impact agriculture trade that were not mentioned in the report?
• This report discusses the different regions in which aquaculture, pigs, or birds are produced in Vietnam. What factors influence production by regions? Do you see the same type of regional patterns with agricultural production in your home country?

China Suspends Meat Imports from Some Processors

 There is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted our food systems. This week we take a look at the global impact that is occurring. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to further guide your conversations around the world.

Why is China suspending imports?

Discussion Points

• Why is there a concern for some meats being imported into China? 
• Is this a valid concern? Do some further investigating...what does the science say? Share your sources with your findings.
• How could these import suspensions impact the global meat supply? 
• Will these actions impact your home community or country? Why or why not?

Meat Industry and a Pandemic

Lately there has been great discussion in the agriculture world revolving around meat packing plants, COVID-19, and the food supply chain. This is such a complicated web that deals with the food supply chain, worker health, and animal health. Below we have shared several articles and releases to view regarding our current situation in the United States. Please look through the links provided and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others.

USDA Press Release

Pig Farmers Continue Life's Work

Food Supply Chain is Breaking

Discussion Points

• Over the past weeks what has happened in the meat packing and processing industry?
• Why is this such a complex issue? Why does it impact so many different individuals and groups?
• What does the executive order issued by President Trump mean for the meat industry? Do challenges still exist?
• While we are facing tough times in the meat industry this is an opportunity to learn and make improvements. What can we learn and how can we improve (food supply chain, worker safety and health, animal safety and health, etc.)?
• Further research: Are all countries around the world facing these same challenges? If yes, how are they handling things? If no, what did they do differently?

World Diets: Beef or beans?

Diets around the globe vary in their make up greatly. A recent study shows we need to cut down on the beef and increase the beans in our diets. However, this does not come without some controversy. We encourage you to read the article linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Less Beef, More Beans. Experts Say the World Needs a New Diet.

Discussion Points

• What stuck out to you the most from this article and why?
• Besides health reasons what other factors determine diets around the world?
• There is a quote in the article that states, "The evidence is not as strong as it seems to be." Why is this statement made? 
• What are the ramifications to the world in general if there are massive shifts in diet? 
• If there were to be a major change in diets around the world how does this happen? How do you convince people of this?

Brazilian Meat

Even though we have returned from Brazil we will keep our focus on Brazil for this weeks post and discussion points. About a week ago the meat industry in Brazil took a hit domestically and globally. Below I have linked two articles regarding the recent issues facing the meat industry in Brazil. One includes a video and the other is strictly text. I encourage you to check out both and then utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe. 

Brazil Beef Halts After Allegations (includes video)

Brazil Meat Exports Plunge

Discussion Points

• What is the meat industry in Brazil facing at this time?
• What are other countries doing in reaction to the current situation? What has been the impact on Brazilian exports?
• What are the possible impacts that this could have on the global meat markets? Explain your reasoning.
• If you were a high ranking official in Brazil how would you deal with the current situation to ensure as little impact to the Brazilian meat industry as possible?

Lab Grown Meat

This week we look at a new and controversial way to produce meat. Some scientists around the globe are working on ways to produce meat in a lab from cells. The linked article below was first printed last fall, but gives interesting insight into the task. There is a video that is included with the article that has one of the scientists explaining the process. We encourage you to look over the linked article and encourage you to start up conversations in your classrooms, communities, and around the world utilizing the discussion points below!

Team Wants to Sell Lab Grown Meat

Discussion Points

• Explain why scientists are pushing for this. What are the benefits they shared?
• How is this process achieved? How is lab grown meat created?
• At this time what are the challenges/drawbacks of lab grown meat?
• Currently how is lab grown meat similar/different than meat from animal production?
• How do you think this method of meat production will be perceived in your local community and around the world? Be sure to explain your response.