Self-sufficiency in meat:

Russia wants to achieve self-sufficiency in poultry meat and pork in two years, first Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said April 3. “In the year 2011 we will be quite capable of providing ourselves with poultry meat and pork. And we may start to actively work on increasing the production of beef,” Zubkov said at a meeting with meat producers at a turkey farm. Russia is the largest importer of U. S. chicken.

More support for exports:

The federal government has launched its Trade and Market Development Program to help provide exporters with more information and support to sell products outside of Canada. A key component is the AgriMarketing program, which ensures the Canada Brand maple leaf is on promotional materials. For additional information about the Trade and Market Development Program, go to: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher. do?id=1238587686348&lang=eng.

Best buy:

Indonesia will buy more wheat from the United States and Canada in the April-June quarter as a slowdown in supplies from Australia has caused delays of up to two months, forcing millers to seek new origins. Indonesian millers were also active in contracting Black Sea wheat, shipments of which will start rising after June, said Franciscus Welirang, chairman of Indonesia’s Wheat Flour Producers.

“Due to the delay in shipments from Australia we ran out of stocks, which are being replaced by Canadian and American wheat,” he told Reuters.

Birthday bash finalists:

Manitoba Homecoming 2010 has announced its five finalists for the Celebrate Manitoba’s Birthday contest that will be bringing the province’s 140th birthday bash to a Manitoba city or town in May 2010. The top five chosen from the 23 entries are: La Salle, Thompson, Neepawa, Morden and La Broquerie. Manitobans have until 6 p. m. May 8 to visit the Manitoba Homecoming 2010 website (www.manitobahomecoming2010.com) and vote online for their favourite town. The grand prize winner will be announced May 12.