BRIEFS

Greg Marshall, president of the

Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan, has resigned from his position, citing health reasons, the association announced Oct. 6.

Marshall is recovering from a heart attack. Mr. Marshall has provided valuable leadership on behalf of Saskatchewan producers, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. We have enjoyed a good working relationship with Greg and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

Vice-presidents Don Connick and Arlynn Kurtz have agreed to jointly assume the duties of the president s office until the annual directors elections, Dec. 9.

Ukraine back on the list

CAIRO/REUTERS Egypt s state-owned wheat buyer, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), will start a visit to Ukraine this month as it prepares to add the country as a source in tenders, the firm s vice-chairman said on Sept. 29.

We will research some issues with the government and agricultural unions there to see the specifications as a preparatory step to add Ukraine as one of the Black Sea origins on our list, Nomani Nomani told Reuters by telephone.

Egypt, the world s largest wheat importer, removed Ukraine from the origins permitted in its purchase tenders in late 2008 following a series of disputes about quality.

Monsanto sales increase surprises

REUTERS Monsanto has reported stronger-than- expected sales but is restating financials for prior periods amid an ongoing regulatory probe into its Roundup business.

Total sales for the quarter hit $2.2 billion, well above analysts estimates for $1.89 billion.

Monsanto said the restatement involves the timing of accruals related to customer incentives for Roundup. The herbicide was once a key driver of its revenues, but the company has struggled with stiff competition in recent years.

However, strong sales of corn and cottonseed boosted revenue by 39 per cent for the quarter and 13 per cent year over year.