Kicking off the news, although the turkey trade environment is off to a relatively quiet start here in February, there is no shortage of factors which are capturing the attention and consideration of market participants. In addition to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding disease and its impact on both supply and export throughput, feed costs remain top of mind for those on the grow outside of the business. More from this UB turkey analysis by Dylan Hughes here. 

Next, Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington D.C. last month to discuss strengthening agricultural ties between the two countries. During their meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary country-of-origin labeling (VCOOL) regulations for meat and livestock. These regulations along with California's Proposition 12 could restrict trade and disrupt supply chains, said the Minister. Read more on this story from Courtney Shum here. 

Meanwhile, the US trade dispute with Mexico over genetically modified corn is expected to be resolved by the end of this year, according to US Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip. Mexico's 2020 presidential decree prohibiting GM corn from human diets is not based on science and violates US trade commitments. The dispute panel, which will hear arguments in 2024, is expected to address the issue. More on that story here. 

In other news, Cargill aims to expand its production and distribution of supermarket case-ready beef and pork to retailers in the Northeast with investments to two Infinity Meat Solutions USA plants, subsidiaries of Ahold Delhaize USA. Terms of the deal haven't been made public, but these case-ready meat plants are in North Kingstown, RI and Camp Hill, Pa. Cargill will continue to service Ahold Delhaize USA brands in the Northeast while expanding its case-ready production and distribution capabilities from the two plants to additional retailers. See more about that here. .

Finally, a public health alert was issues by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and inspection Service for Trader Joe's Chicken Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf. The frozen, ready-to eat product may be contaminated with foreign materials, rocks. The problem was discovered and reported to the FSIS after several customers complaints, including one who suffered a dental injury after consumption. Details on this public health alert here. 

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