California Lettuce Virus Spreads and China Considers Easing COVID Restrictions

California Lettuce Virus Spreads and China Considers Easing COVID Restrictions

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.

**A virus spread by insects is causing widespread damage to lettuce crops in California’s Salinas Valley.

The impatiens necrotic spot virus, or INSV, is spread by thrips, tiny insects that reproduce rapidly and feast on vegetable crops.

Salinas Valley produces more than half of America’s lettuce, and farmers in the region are predicting big financial losses.

They expect the crop loss to be worse than 2020, when the bug-spread virus cost growers an estimated $100 million in lost revenue.

**Chinese leaders are considering steps toward reopening after nearly three years of tough pandemic restrictions.

Chinese officials have grown concerned about the costs of their zero-tolerance approach.

www.agweb.com reports, China’s growth in exports fell for the first time in more than two years in October, as demand declined on rising risks of a global recession.

While China’s exports take a downturn, so have China's imports, falling to its lowest point in eight years.

www.agweb.com/news/policy/politics/china-looks-move-away-strict-covid-19-restrictions-imports-exports-slow

**The Export Exchange Conference recently hosted by the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association is already paying off.

According to surveys of grain buyers who attended the event, they bought $225 million worth of grain and ethanol co-products, along with another $128 million still under negotiations.

Growth Energy CEO, Emily Skor says, “Exports of U.S. grains and DDGS create jobs at home while helping international companies satisfy their demand.”

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