U.S. President Donald Trump (r) and Vice-President Mike Pence meet with Congressional leadership Dec. 7 in Washington. (Video screengrab from WhiteHouse.gov)

Trump open to biofuel policy reform, senators say

Washington | Reuters — U.S. President Donald Trump is open to reforming the country’s biofuels policy if it can be done in a way that protects jobs in both the refining and agriculture industries, senators said on Thursday after a meeting with Trump on the issue. Nine lawmakers had requested the meeting to argue that […] Read more

Catedral Metropolitana de la Asuncion de Maria, Mexico City. (CIA.gov)

Canada, Mexico to rebuff U.S. over NAFTA goals

Mexico City | Reuters — Canada and Mexico will rebuff the United States over its demand for tougher NAFTA automotive content rules, top officials said on Monday as negotiations to renew the treaty bogged down with only a few months to go. U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to quit NAFTA, which has reshaped the […] Read more


(Video screengrab from CBSA-asfc.gc.ca)

Trade talks a dicey situation, Coyne says

Winnipeg | CNS Canada — With Canada in the midst of negotiations for two different trade agreements, the North American Free Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership, trade concerns are getting muddled, according to Andrew Coyne. “We need to be conscious of diversifying our trade interests beyond just North America. It would be extremely foolish that […] Read more



The Big River Resources ethanol plant at West Burlington, Iowa, about 120 km southwest of Davenport. (Steven Vaughn photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

U.S. EPA abandons changes to biofuel program

New York | Reuters — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has backed off a series of proposed changes to the nation’s biofuels policy after a massive backlash from corn-state lawmakers worried the moves would undercut ethanol demand, according to a letter from the agency to lawmakers seen by Reuters. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said in […] Read more

Ripe soybeans near Morden, Man. on Sept. 14, 2017. (Allan Dawson photo)

U.S. grains: Soy, wheat, corn firm on export demand

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures firmed on Thursday on supportive export demand and light bargain buying following a three-day slide, along with renewed optimism about demand for soy-based biodiesel fuel, analysts said. Wheat and corn rose on light technical buying and bullish weekly export sales data. Chicago Board of Trade November soybean futures […] Read more