AgWeb’s Tyne Morgan reported that “as 2026 ushers in a fresh start, agricultural economists say the U.S. farm economy has stopped sliding, but it’s far from fully healed. The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows month-to-month sentiment is improving, but deep structural strain remains — especially in row crops. Meanwhile, livestock markets continue to provide strength. Crop producers face another year of tight margins driven by high input costs, weak prices and unresolved trade and policy uncertainty.”
“‘There’s cautious optimism,’ the economists say,” according to Morgan’s reporting, “‘but very little belief that 2026 will bring a meaningful rebound without cost relief or stronger demand.'”
“Economists see the ag economy holding its ground — but not gaining strength,” Morgan reported. “54% say the ag economy is somewhat better than one month ago. Compared with a year ago: 42% say conditions are worse (and) 33% say they are better. Looking ahead 12 months: 46% expect conditions unchanged, 38% expect improvement (and) 15% expect conditions to worsen.”
“‘Momentum has improved since mid-2025,’ (Seth) Meyer (director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri) notes, ‘but tight margins have been with us for a long time. Turning that around requires demand growth, not just price stabilization,'” Morgan reported.
The Global Food Grade Lecithin Market reached USD 21.32 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 30.60 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.62% during the forecast period 2025-2032.
Market growth is driven by rising demand for clean-label and natural emulsifiers in processed foods, expanding applications in bakery, confectionery, and dairy products, and increasing consumer preference for plant-based ingredients. Advancements in soy-free and sunflower-based lecithin production, growing vegan and non-GMO trends, heightened focus on food fortification with choline-rich sources, and supportive regulations for food additives are further accelerating market expansion.
United States: Key Industry Developments
- ✅ October 2025: The US Food Grade Lecithin Market saw projections for sustained growth in clean-label ingredients for convenience foods, plant-based products, and bakery applications amid rising sustainability demands.
- ✅ September 2025: ADM launched its NaturLecTM sunflower lecithin line tailored for dairy alternatives and nutrition bars, highlighting allergen-free and non-GMO attributes.
- ✅ August 2025: Lipoid LLC introduced pharmaceutical-grade sunflower lecithin optimized for liposomal formulations, improving purity and stability in nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
- ...
The ratio of U.S. cropland price to cropland cash rent has nearly doubled since 1998, from 20 to 36 (Figure 1). Empirical analysis so far has not identified any statistically significant explanatory factor, so this article’s purpose is to call attention to this dramatic change. To put the change in perspective, if the ratio had remained at 20, the current average price of U.S. cropland would be $3,244, 44% below its 2025 value of $5,830. Source for the data in Figure 1 is QuickStats (USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service).
Longer Perspective
To provide a longer perspective, ratio of the price per acre of U.S. ag land and buildings to the U.S. ag rent and services index is calculated. Both are available from QuickStats starting with 1971, first year for the rent and services index. This ratio’s numerator and denominator contain non-land components, and ag land includes more than cropland. Nevertheless, it provides a useful longer perspective. To aid in interpretation, both variables are indexed to their 2024 value (last available year). The ratio for 2024 is thus 1.0. It averaged 0.54 over 1971–1995, nearly half its current value. Correlation of the ratios in Figures 1 and 2 over their common period, 1998-2024, is +0.89 (+1.0 is perfect correlation). Correlation of year-to-year changes in the two ratios is +0.69, which is usually considered high for variables measured as change. In short, the paths of the two ratios since 1998 are generally similar.
Analysis
The upward trend in Figure 2’s ratio started in the mid-1990s. In addition, there are a four-year period and a five-year period when the ratio jumped higher: 1976 (0.51) to 1981 (0.62) and 2004 (0.71) to 2008 (0.96). A correction followed both jumps. The earlier correction held for many years while the later correction held for only a few years. The jump between 2004 (23) and 2008 (32) is also evident in Figure 1. In both figures, a notable jump occurred post 2020, although it is unclear if the jump In Figure 2 is within its post 2012 range. A potential explanation for the 1976–1981 jump is the crop prosperity from 1973–1981. A potential explanation for the 2004–2008 jump is the public debate, enactment, and initial implementation of the RFS (Renewable Fuels Standards). If sustained, the jump since 2020 overlaps the expanding use of soy diesel. In addition...
The European Union (EU) remains the world’s largest producer and consumer of rapeseed oil, according to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates reported by Germany’s Union for the Promotion of Plants and Protein (UFOP).
Unable to meet its demand entirely from domestic production and therefore reliant on imports, China followed in second place, the 17 December report said.
According to USDA estimates, global rapeseed oil output in the 2025/26 crop year totalled approximately 35.1M tonnes, an increase of around 1.4M tonnes compared with the previous season.
The EU was the largest consumer at just under 10.1M tonnes, followed by China at 9.9M tonnes and India at 4.1M tonnes.
The USA was the largest rapeseed oil importer with imports totalling 3M tonnes, partly for biofuel production.
While EU member states were virtually self-sufficient, China needed to import 2.2M tonnes.
While the USA had settled its trade dispute with Canada, the largest global rapeseed oil exporter, China’s trade conflict with Canada continued, the report said.
In March 2025, China imposed import duties of 100% on Canadian rapeseed oil imports in response to duties Canada had imposed on imports of electric vehicles from China in the summer of 2024.
As a result, China has had to import rapeseed oil from other countries, which had led to “appreciable changes” in trade flows, the report said.
Today, EU agricultural ministers met in an extraordinary meeting, on the invitation of the European Commission and Minister Maria Panayiotou for the Cypriot Presidency of the Council. The Commission was represented at this meeting by Commissioners Hansen, Šefčovič and Várhelyi.
Recognising that agriculture is crucial for European sovereignty and that the EU agri-food sector is key to European competitiveness through millions of jobs and added value, the participants took stock of the challenges facing farmers and the agri-food sector, and exchanged views on their expectations for 2026. Discussions focused on concerns arising from heightened volatility and uncertainty in the global markets, as well as on the need to preserve a strong competitive position of European farmers.
The EU is aware of its responsibility and fully recognises the sense of urgency felt in the sector. This is why actions have been directed towards alleviating pressures and creating new opportunities. The outcomes of the meeting are structured as follows:
- Securing CAP support: budget and Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027
- Fertilisers: improving availability and affordability, strengthening domestic production, and reducing dependencies
- Global competitiveness: opportunities, level playing field and reciprocity
- Further simplification for the benefit of the farmers
Food security is a key component of the EU's overall security and sovereignty. The future of farming and a competitive agrifood sector in Europe therefore needs to be ensured. The EU stands ready to act where needed, in the short and longer term. It will continue to rigorously defend its interests in the area of farming and food security and turn the Vision for agriculture and food into reality.
Kazakhstan has seen a sharp rise in sunflower oil exports, making the product primarily export-oriented. According to the Bureau of National Statistics and monitoring agency Energyprom.kz, 523.4 thousand tonnes of oil were sold abroad in the first 10 months of 2025, while domestic consumption amounted to only 214.8 thousand tonnes. Analysts note that some of the imported oil may be resold to other countries.
Export growth began as early as 2022, when Kazakh producers actively entered the Chinese market. In 2023, exports increased by 58.9%, in 2024 — by another 30.6%, and in 2025, the growth reached 44%. This expansion strengthened Kazakhstan’s position in international markets and boosted the recognition of its products.
Despite intensive exports, domestic sales have declined. In 2023, sales fell by 36.6%, in 2024 — levels did not return to previous figures, and in 2025, there was an additional decrease of 5.9%. Rising imports have helped compensate for this: 116.1 thousand tonnes of oil were imported into Kazakhstan during the first 10 months of 2025, 39.2% more than in 2024.
The main buyers of Kazakh oil are Uzbekistan and China. Exports to Uzbekistan increased by 74.2%, totaling $266.6 million, while exports to China brought in $139.5 million (+28.8%). At the same time, shipments to distant countries declined, indicating a strategic focus on neighboring markets.
Analysts emphasize that record sunflower oil prices in 2025 were shaped by global market trends. From June to December 2025, the price per tonne rose by 15.2% to $1,400, while domestic retail prices increased by 31.7% in July. This demonstrates the close connection between Kazakhstan’s market and global dynamics, reinforcing the country’s role as an active player in the international sunflower oil trade.
An oil extraction plant in Dnipro was damaged in a Russian drone strike on Jan. 5, spilling about 300 tons of sunflower oil onto city streets, Mayor Borys Filatov said.
The spill forced the closure of the city's embankment to traffic for two to three days, Filatov said.
The facility reportedly belongs to Bunge, a U.S. agribusiness company based in St. Louis, Missouri, according to Filatov.
The mayor did not specify what the enterprise produced, but said it was a "civilian site."
"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is targeting American business — striking U.S. investments in Ukraine and humiliating American interests," Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, told the Kyiv Independent following the attack.
"This must stop. Washington must act to defend American business."
Bunge told the Kyiv Independent that the damage to part of its facility in Dnipro is still being assessed and that the company is working with local authorities to mitigate the impact.
"We can confirm that there were no injuries at the facility, and our immediate focus is on the safety of the people at the site and restoring operations," the spokesperson told the Kyiv Independent, adding that the company currently has no additional details on the consequences of the attack.
In a statement to social media, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strike, adding that "Russia has been targeting American businesses in Ukraine systemically."
"This attack was not a mistake—it was deliberate, as the Russians attempted to strike this facility multiple times," Sybhiha said. "Putin's attacks on American businesses and American interests in Ukraine show his complete disregard for peace efforts led by (U.S.) President Donald Trump."
Rising biodiesel production and emerging non-GMO and sustainable sourcing trends propel market growth
Dublin, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Vegetable Oils Market Report by Type, Application, Countries and Company Analysis 2025-2033" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The North America Vegetable Oils Market will grow to 41.51 million tons by 2033 from 28.32 million tons in 2024. The driving factors are growing health awareness, growing demand for plant-based goods by consumers, and the growth of the food and beverage sector. Between 2025 and 2033, the market will witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.34%, which is reflective of a strong upward trend in the industry.
Growth Drivers in the North America Vegetable Oils Market
Increasing Health Consciousness and Diet Changes
The shifting consumer demand for healthier, plant-based, and heart-healthy diets is fueling vegetable oil consumption in North America. Oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean are generally accepted as being healthier than animal fats. Increased awareness of the advantages of unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 levels is stimulating demand, especially in urban markets that value clean-label and natural foods. Based on the Good Food Institute, plant-based food retail sales in North America grew by 27%, up to USD 7 billion in 2023. In the marketplace, plant-based products such as meat and dairy products are heavily dependent on vegetable oils for processing. Embracing plant-based products grew by 45% between 2019 and 2023 as consumers increasingly yearn for healthy and sustainable food alternatives.
Growing Food Processing and Packaged Food Market
Vegetable oils are significant for baking, frying, and production of processed food. Since the market for ready-to-eat food, snacks, and bakery items is growing further in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the consumption of vegetable oils is also augmenting. Food companies rely on economic and constant oils for mass production, which makes the market grow. In October 2024, Cargill increased oilseed processing capacities in North America by investing in an additional plant to address increasing...