World Peanut Magazine - 01/2021

01/2021 ISSUE NUMBER / 01 OCTOBER 2021

ARGENTINA PEANUT CHAMBER

World Peanut Magazine

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index

_ Why a World Peanut Magazine? / 2

_ Market Trends _ Feeding the Birds / 6

. Peanuts are an essential ingredient of bird food and this market is growing . Edward Rudd gives us his take on price trends of peanuts as bird food

_ Hard Times for Ocean Freight / 12

. Cancelations and price hikes are disrupting the delivery schedules of many commodities . An interview with Alonso Sopeña, Managing Director of MSC Argentina

_ Peanut Market Data

_ Charts & Tables / 20

_ Industrial Processing

_ Drying: Peanut conditioning, the first step to securing shelf life / 24 . Drying tips . Drying peanuts around the world

_ Science and Technology _ Quest for the Genes / 32

. More genetic research is fundamental for the development of new varieties . The next steps in peanut genetic research

_ Laws and Regulations _ Farm to Fork / 36

.The EU initiative and what it means for the distribution of peanuts “It is essential to provide the tools and the investments to the operators” . An interview with Silvia Tombesi, manager at the European Snacks Association

_ Peanuts as a Superfood _ The Future of Meat / 44 . Peanuts are a phenomenal ingredient for plant-based meat alternatives

_ Peanut Farming _ Every‌ ‌Drop‌ ‌of‌ ‌Water‌ ‌Counts‌ / 50

. Peanut growers’ technology and the evolution of tillage in Argentina

_ Shortening the Cycle / 54

. A breeding program at Embrapa may help increase peanut production in Brazil . Significance of short-cycle peanut crops

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Nº 01 Why a World Peanut Magazine?

We believe a new magazine dedicated to the world of peanuts can be an important tool to help all industry professionals keep up to speed with the relevant events of the day. We are not proposing a new magazine in order to simply deliver the latest news of the peanut sector as we are fully aware, of course, that there are many websites, bulletins, papers and newsletters that present the events concerning peanuts, and they mostly do so in a timely fashion. However, we think that a new magazine can play a significant role in assisting peanut professionals, not only to keep updated on the issues, but also to develop a perspective on what is happening and, perhaps more importantly, gain insights into what will happen in the near future. While there is a lot of raw data and information available at all times from a variety of different sources, we believe it is also helpful to dedicate some time to processing the information available and trying to figure out its deeper meaning.

So we will work hard to provide the necessary context to the relevant issues of the day.

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly complicated, and even strange at times. One of the problems seems to be that the pace of change has accelerated to such a degree that it is really difficult to keep up with all the uncertainties, even just the ones that may directly have an impact on peanuts. It is not only the pandemic, which in itself created an unprecedented situation for all of us. Until not long ago, the progressive extension of the international trade of goods seemed a settled trend; however, we have seen new obstacles to free trade arise in the last couple of years. Consumers’ tastes and behaviors are also shifting dramatically, while climate change, with all its largely unknown implications for agriculture and the environment, will also certainly impact our industry. So we feel it is more important than ever to be able to count on references. Our aim with World Peanut Magazine will be to keep track of the changes in the industry, detect the most important events and focus on their implications for the long term.

While the cam is taking on the responsibility of organizing the magazine, providing the contents and covering its costs, we are open to all peanut professionals that wish to participate; in fact, we are fully aware that the success of wpm will depend largely on the participation of peanut experts from all over the world. So we hope that many will join in and help this project in different ways, whether that translates into participating regularly by providing data or submitting articles or contributing occasionally on specific topics. While wpm will be distributed free to all those who wish to receive it, we will make advertising space available to companies and organizations to cover at least part of the costs.

As for the contents, we have identified six areas of topics that will constitute the six sections of the magazine: 1 Market Trends; 2 Industrial Processing; 3 Science and Technology; 4 Laws and Regulations; 5 Peanut as a Superfood; 6 Peanut Growing. All the issues will be treated with everyday language and have the general peanut professional in mind. We will avoid excessively technical terminology and scientific jargon in order to provide a clear picture of the issues to all readers. We will make extensive use of charts and tables, try to put things in historical perspective, and compare situations around the world to highlight the special character of the ways we produce, transform, study and trade peanuts.

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_ Market Trends

This section of the wpm deals with the dynamics of the demand and supply of peanuts in the international markets. We will try to keep track of the changes in peanut consumption in the main areas of the world, the factors that can affect production, and the price shifts of the various peanut products.

_ Industrial Processing

This area of the magazine focuses on shellers as well as companies transforming peanuts into consumer products. We will focus on current industry standards, quality issues, new technologies and the different industrial solutions adopted by producing countries. A special section will be dedicated to new products and tools for peanut processing developed by the best manufacturers.

_ Science and Technology

The activities of the universities and other research institutes engaged in scientific research on peanuts are of paramount importance for the future of the business.

We will follow the main discoveries, from the latest issues concerning peanut genetics to the development of projects on pathogens or the impact of peanut consumption on human health. The consequences of scientific research on the future of the industry are hard to overstate, so we will be putting them in perspective in order to try to understand where the sector is heading in the long term.

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_ Laws and Regulations

The Laws and Regulations section of World Peanut Magazine analyses the impact of new legislation and regulations affecting the production and trade of peanuts.

The main issues treated in this section are governmental measures directly affecting international trade (such as the introduction of tariffs or quotas), health safety issues (such as the establishment of Maximum Residue Limits for certain substances) but also legislation impacting distribution, packaging and sales.

_ Peanut as a Superfood

This section offers peanut professionals news and insights into the world of peanut consumption and all its aspects. Typical news is related to findings concerning the nutritional values of peanuts, the impact of peanut consumption on human health, and the development of peanut-based food.

_ Peanut Farming

The primary production is where the peanut business starts, of course, so we will have a dedicated section for all events, activities, techniques and equipment related to growing peanuts in different parts of the world. The general idea is to bring farming in the producing countries closer to all peanut professionals so that they can have a better grasp of the business from a grower’s perspective and maybe on what the future of peanut farming may look like.

— Section — MARKET TRENDS

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Peanuts are an essential ingredient of bird food and this market is growing

Is the pandemic affecting the consumption of peanut butter?

While we are writing this article, professionals from the pet food industry all around the world are meeting for an international trade show in Kansas City, Missouri, exchanging information and listening to the latest news of an industry that is approaching $90 billion in revenues worldwide (t.ly/YZHM). Within this market, as might be expected, food for dogs and cats plays the biggest role; however, the bird food market is also quite significant, and in this segment peanuts are a key ingredient.

Europe, for instance, which accounts for about 40% of the world market of bird food (for a dollar value in the neighbourhood of 1 billion), has more than 50 million ornamental birds according to fediaf, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (see the chart on next page). But that is not all: in addition to the feeding needs of caged birds, there are a growing number of people who enjoy helping wild birds and providing them with food, especially during winter, when finding food becomes more difficult for pigeons and sparrows 1 . As Julie Thakker, manager of jkt Europe, a company specializing in bird food, explains: “The weather impacts on the seasonality of all wild bird food sales, including ‘straight peanut’ sales. The average seasonality in the years 2012-2019 have shown peaks in December and January and again in high summers.”

Bird food sales by geographic area (millons of us$)

In the United Kingdom alone, about 150,000 metric tons of bird food are purchased every year and, if anything, the pandemic helped increase the market according to a study conducted by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association: “The current situation, like the previous recession, may encourage many people to focus on what really matters to them. The outcome is likely to see more people engaging with nature in their gardens, growing plants and feeding and observing wild birds.” As a consequence, sales went up: “The largest increase in orders has been from those who have a significant online presence. We are now in our fifth week of lockdown and even still, the volume of orders on our system has never been higher – even at times of snow during winter or good bird populations during Spring and Summer.”

— Section — MARKET TRENDS

Ornamental Bird Population. Europe (thousands)

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Peanuts, thanks to their caloric potential and their protein, fats and vitamins, are an excellent ingredient for bird food, particularly for wild birds and especially in the colder months. Most experts recommend peanuts as bird food, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, a registered charity in the United Kingdom, states that: “There are different mixes for feeders, for bird tables and for ground feeding. The better mixtures contain plenty of flaked maize, sunflower seeds, and peanut granules.”

A study by researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Edinburgh, performed by analysing the droppings of wild birds, found that as many as half the samples contained peanuts, as opposed to just over 30% that included moths, the favourite prey of wild birds. Edward Rudd, Trading and Purchasing Director for whm Pet Group Ltd, confirms that peanuts are massively used “for feeding wild birds; mainly whole and kibbled are packed off into different packs varying from 500g to 25kg. We also buy either blanched to kibble or pre-kibbled blanched peanuts which can be sold as straights but are mainly added to the mixture of wild bird foods.

Blanched, kibbled and peanut flour is also utilised in fat-based treats such as fat balls, suet pellets and other fat-based treats.”

Besides the UK, other key markets in Europe are Germany and the Netherlands. According to figures presented by Julie Thakker at the World Peanut Meeting in September, these two countries account for 35 and 20% respectively of the European imports of peanuts to be used as bird food.

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1 Peanuts for bird feeding use are usually purchased in the following categories: _ Raw whole kernels: peanuts, mostly 60/70, 70/80 or 80/100 _ Raw splits _ Blanched whole kernels _ Blanched splits _ Blanched chopped / peanut granules _ Raw chopped / peanut granules _ Peanut flour _ Peanut blanched/flour used for peanut butter for bird feed. _ Peanut butter _ Raw Java /Spanish peanuts (mostly premium peanuts) _ Sortex rejects, which are sold as straights in the discounter stores or as fat-based products

— Section — MARKET TRENDS

Edward Rudd gives us his take on price trends of peanuts as bird food “The market price over the last 12 months has seen an increase of 30% from the low to the high end of the season, this is due to the price of the whole oil complex going up, especially sunflowers, with prices higher than ever in the last 10 years.

As a consequence, during this season, peanuts sales recovered some of the volume they had lost to sunflower kernels after the price increases of the 2010-11 period, which saw peanut sales drop dramatically. Sunflower kernels at their peak got up to €1140 per metric ton (CIF), which based on today’s exchange rate means US$ 1345/MT. This explains why peanuts have seen a resurgence. In addition, the market was boosted by increased sales as a result of the lockdowns; people literally re-engaged with nature.”

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— Section — MARKET TRENDS

Hard Times for Ocean Freight Cancelations and price hikes are disrupting the delivery schedules of many commodities.

2021 will probably be remembered by many as the year of the great ocean freight disruption. Starting at the beginning of the year (but getting worse in the months that followed), the lack of containers, the delays in shipping schedules, the cancelations and the dramatic increase of fees contributed to a crisis of international sea freight without precedent in recent memory. The trade of peanuts was not spared, of course; quite the opposite in fact.

— Section — MARKET TRENDS

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The causes of the crisis are rather well known. There are essentially two: the first one being the long-term effects of the Covid pandemic. Security measures and protocols introduced after the spread of the pandemic in 2020 generally reduced productivity in many transportation-related businesses, and when contagions are detected, things can go south very quickly. In August 2021, for example, a terminal at the Ning Zhousthan Port, close to Shanghai, was closed when an operator tested positive for Covid. The worst situation of all is probably when an infection is detected aboard a ship; the vessel is usually quarantined, and it may sit at anchor for a long time with its cargo, creating delays, possibly jamming a port and feeding the disruption.

The second cause of the current freight crisis is the significant increase in traffic on some international routes: mainly the Asia-US and Asia-Europe traffics. In 2020, because of the pandemic and other issues, international trade slowed down a little, but in 2021 it was back with a vengeance, especially in the US, wreaking havoc in ports, shipping lines and the container industry. Most companies and terminals had adapted their capacity to the necessity of a reduced international trade; especially in those countries where labor laws allowed flexibility to employers, the workforce was let go. In China, home of the biggest container-producing industry, factories were often shut down. Bringing the capacity back to normal is taking time, and with strong demand and inventories still low, the end of the crisis is still not in sight.

Many in the US are very worried about shipments for the holiday season. Just a few weeks ago, Rolf Habben Jansen, the ceo of Hapag-Lloyd, stated that he “currently expects the market situation only to ease in the first quarter of 2022 at the earliest.” Other experts are even more pessimistic.

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The combination of high demand and low capacity, as can be expected, caused prices to soar. Drewry Shipping, a company based in London, keeps a World Container Index. According to its data, the cost of a 40-foot container on the major East-West routes increased by 360% compared to the previous year, up to more than 9,000 US dollars. Steep price hikes have been common at least since April on most routes.

The bad news for peanuts (as for most commodities) is that the freight chaos may affect them more than other internationally-traded products. It’s one thing for a huge freight cost increase for a 40-foot container full of, say, sneakers, with a cargo value probably in excess of $150,000, quite another for a similar hike for a peanut container, whose value is usually less than $40,000: the cost of shipment may become impossible.

Peanut companies in all main producing countries have seen booked freight frequently canceled and, when trying to book a new shipment, a catastrophic increase in the fees (not to mention all the connected cost increases: waiting fees, additional land transportation, etc.).

As Tyron Spearman announced at the end of August: “The peanut industry is still trying to ship peanuts abroad but is having some troubles with containers. The low supply with a high demand drives prices up; the minimum delay is one month and for several destinations, there is no certainty of cargo… it is a problem for the peanut industry at this time. Shipments of in-shell peanuts have dropped 15%.”

Exporters in Argentina are in a similar situation: exports of all peanut kernels (the sum of hps, blanched and roasted) during January-July dropped by about 25,000 mt in 2021 compared to 2020.

The worst thing is that a solution is not in sight, certainly not in the near future.

— Section — MARKET TRENDS

16 An interview with Alonso Sopeña, Managing Director of MSC Argentina

What do you think about the current situation of sea freight for peanut exporters?

International trade is going through one of the most critical moments in its history worldwide, and of course the peanut market is no exception. Currently, we are seeing congestions at various ports around the world, with huge impacts on vessel operations and the entire supply chain, putting extreme pressure on vessel and container supply. In Argentina, the situation mirrors what we’re seeing in some key trade markets around the world.

On top of that, inland transportation, port and warehousing operations continue to be hit by lockdowns, and some ports are also putting in place tight measures to prevent Covid outbreaks, which end up also increasing port congestion at nearby ports and transhipment ports. This causes the positioning, use and return of containers within the global supply chain to slow down significantly, therefore impacting vessels’ schedules.

Earlier this summer, southern Brazil, which is the source of the Parana River, was hit by severe dryness.

This has reduced water levels in the Argentine port hub of Rosario in the Santa Fe province, where most of the country’s agricultural exports are loaded, therefore impeding the loading of cargo quite significantly.

What is your company doing to improve the situation? msc’s businesses have been providing good continuity of service in a challenging market environment, keeping trade flowing around the world. In the first half of 2021, msc has deployed available vessel capacity to help respond to the huge demand for cargo transportation in an extremely challenging and congested market. We have also been diversifying the portfolio of available ports to alleviate some of the pressure from the more congested areas, rerouting cargo through other gateways. In Argentina, we have stayed close to customers by building a fully integrated logistic offering that runs from the pick-up of empty containers to the coordination of the release of full containers at the port. This has not only ensured greater efficiency from our side, but has also helped our customers by lowering costs and ensuring a unique point of contact for them locally.

While it’s difficult to predict when things might return to some form of normalcy, there’s no doubt that the pandemic has shown how critical the shipping industry is, as well as its exceptional resilience in keeping global trade flowing in spite of the multitude of challenges.

Global Schedule Reliability

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— Section — MARKET TRENDS

What should we expect in the next 12 months?

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It is difficult to say exactly what the outlook might be as much will hinge on the pace and trajectory of the coronavirus recovery curve around the world.

Clearly, no one could have planned for the type of surges that are stressing the container transportation network at present. The system will ultimately return to a healthier equilibrium, with steadier volumes coming in, but it’s important that we all collectively do a better job of managing it through the crunch period.

We continue to take great care to avoid disruptions to our service network and ensure business continuity.

We work closely with our customers and various other stakeholders in the supply chain to keep them abreast of market trends and respond proactively to changes in the market.

North America and Europe Import Growth Annual average growth vs 2 years prior

Are there short-term solutions to shipments from South America?

Each specific case must be analyzed, but there are actions that can be taken to help mitigate the impacts.

We encourage clients to make a proper long-range forecast for their exports, in order to get space and equipment and we also encourage them to change the type of containers they need based on availability, when it is fitting for their products.

We are also communicating in a timely manner with customers and keeping them informed on what is happening in the market, including which ports are heavily congested, and how we are operationally dealing with such issues.

— Section —

PEANUT MARKET DATA

charts & tables

Source: Comexstat

peanut exports of brazil - kernels (mt)

Source: Eurostat

peanut eu imports - hps+blanched (mt)

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Source: INDEC

peanut exports of argentina - kernels (mt)

Source: USDA

us peanut exports by destination - shelled (mt)

peanut eu imports - hps+blanched. jan/jun 2021 (mt)

Source: Mintec Benchmark Prices

mintec benchmark prices for peanuts delivered to rotterdam. Courtesy of Mintec Global

— Section —

INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING

Drying

Peanut conditioning, the first step to securing shelf life

Peanut kernels develop underground and the first step of the harvest process consists of digging them out of the soil. At this stage the moisture content is close to 40%; it is essential, therefore, to wait for a few days with the shells in the field so that humidity is reduced to less than 20%, which makes the harvesting of the peanuts easier and more efficient. The correlation between high moisture content and the development of fungi and bacteria is well known; in fact, it is one of the main causes of the loss of both quantity and quality in food.

In the case of peanuts, the safety threshold for conservation is estimated at around 9-10% of kernel moisture. When the moisture is higher, proper drying is fundamental to achieving kernel conservation, excellent quality and a longer shelf life. In this article, we will take a look at drying operations, either natural or artificial, adopted in different peanut-producing countries around the world.

Approaching drying from a theoretical standpoint, Dr Chris Butts, a scientist at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), explains that: “Curing, whether it occurs in the windrow or in a mechanical system, is the ‘controlled’ removal of moisture from the peanut kernel, acknowledging that the kernel is a living seed and biochemical processes are occurring in the process. Drying, on the other hand, would be the removal of moisture with no regard for the quality of the dried product. However, these terms are used interchangeably and most are actually speaking of the curing process.

Prior to the implementation of mobile harvesting equipment, peanuts were placed in stacks in the field and allowed to cure naturally and slowly in the process. Some research showed that during this slow curing process that occurred over several weeks, if not months, the peanuts apparently continued to mature. This results in anecdotal reports that stack-cured peanuts had a very well-developed profile.

The modern peanut digger/inverters and combines were introduced at about the same time and required a change in the harvesting process. This resulted in the current system of allowing the peanuts to remain in the windrow for 3-5 days when

Drying tips — Clean product allows the uniform air circulation for even drying — Air temperatures 8C above ambient temperatures to minimize splits — Never above 35C, to preserve flavor — Airflow rates of approximately 10 m3/ min-m3 of peanuts for proper drying

the moisture content of the peanut seed (kernel) will decrease from approximately 35% to between 15 and 17% depending on weather conditions. When peanuts are above approximately 20%, they are susceptible to freeze damage which causes a glassy or shiny appearance to the kernel surfaces and a fruity fermented odor and possibly flavor attribute. This fruity fermented flavor attribute is also indicative of curing at temperatures in excess of 39C which could also occur in the windrow.

After curing in the windrow, the combine is driven through the field, lifting the windrow into the combine, where the in-shell peanut pods are mechanically separated from the vines. The in-shell peanuts are then off-loaded into trailers that are equipped with a plenum chamber that has a top surface made of perforated metal. The trailer is transported to a drying facility where a fan with a propane or natural gas burner is used to introduce heated air into the plenum, then up through the peanuts in the trailer.

The research established an optimum range of temperature and humidity conditions and is presented in Young et al (1982). The practical application of this was the rule of thumb to heat the air 8C above ambient, but no higher than 35C. However, many managers ignore the portion that limits the temperature rise to 8C above ambient and use a thermostat setting of 35C. This practice can result in air with very low relative humidity (30% or less) being introduced into the plenum after heating. Curing peanuts with low humidity air tends to increase the amount of peanut seed that splits and skin slippage during shelling and handling. Some operators set dryer thermostats at temperatures greater than 35C in an effort to speed up the drying process. This also

causes splits and skin slippage, and elevated moistures may result in an undesirable fruity fermented flavor attribute.

Research has shown that an airflow rate of 10 m3/ min per m3 of peanuts provides adequate drying.

When heated 8C above ambient and no higher than 35C, this cures peanuts at an average rate of 0.5% moisture content per hour.”

Mauricio Santa Juliana, an expert at the National Institute of Agriculture Technology of Argentina (INTA, from the Spanish acronym) underscores the importance of pre-cleaning when the peanuts are carried to the processing plant: “It is fundamental,” he explains, “to eliminate all dirt, leaves, stems, small lose kernels and unmatured shells. All these elements reduce the porous space between the shells and limit the flow of air between them. Foreign materials of higher density, including dirt and stones, tend to stay in the center of the wagon, while lighter materials, like stems and leaves, will flow with the shells toward the exterior edge. The main consequence of this is an uneven aeration, as the air flows best where the space is porous. Foreign materials, besides affecting the distribution of the air, also represent a danger for fungi and mycotoxin development. It has been estimated that pre-cleaning enhances the efficiency of drying by 15 to 20%. Drying must be performed slowly and at low temperatures in order to preserve the natural flavor while avoiding susceptibility to mechanical damage of the kernels, as over-drying raises the rate of splitting and the loosening of the skin. Relative humidity of air during drying should not be lower than 40%.”.

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Drying peanuts around the world Different conditions in peanutproducing countries lead to different methods and procedures to dry or cure peanuts: workforce availability, economies of scale, financing options, cultural issues, access to machinery all explain the diversity we can find today around the world.

Mr Zhang Peng, from JLA China, explains that: “regardless of whether peanuts are dug manually or mechanically, they are kept on the fields for a few days to allow the moisture to go down 1 . The pods, with a moisture content of about 15%, will then be picked up and further dried on a flat ground 2 . The final moisture content of peanuts ultimately depends on market factors. In different crop years,

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moisture requirement will be between 9%-15%, but mostly close to 10%.

Generally, the processing factories which purchase peanuts will try to reduce the moisture to safe levels before storage.

Mr Tushar Thumar, from Khedut Feeds and Foods, India, shares some pictures about Indian farmers using the stacks method to handle the drying before harvesting, as described by Chris Butts at the beginning of this article 3 . Even though stacks involve a lot of labor, they cure the peanuts naturally and slowly, allowing the kernels to mature. Sun-drying on the floor can also be observed occasionally in India 4 .

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As regards the USA, Chris Butts tells us that, around the year 2000, producers in west Texas began to condition 13.7-meter semi-truck trailers for drying peanuts (Ertas et al, 1999). The new design was later adopted in the southeastern US around 2005. These semi-trailer dryers have a capacity of approximately 20-23 MT, while peanut wagons used in the past had a capacity of about 4 MT 5 .

Among the advantages of semi-trailers vs traditional wagons are: 1. Volume handling: (one semi-trailer can perform the workload of 3 to 4 wagons); 2. The time it takes both to dry the peanuts is approximately the same, therefore semi-trailers allow some economies of scale. There does not seem to be any difference in the quality of dried product between the two vehicles.

However, semi-trailers also present some drawbacks: 1. Initial investment: this system requires a hydraulic truck trailer dumper for transferring to the warehouse or cleaning, and a dump cart will be needed in the field for the removal from the combine to the

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semi-trailer. 2. Increased government regulations, with inspections by the Department of Transportation required. 3. Increased maintenance costs: there are some items that are part of semi-trailers that are not found on the wagons, such as landing gear, tarpaulins, air brakes. Some common items such as tires, bearings, etc are also more expensive for the semi-trailer.

In Argentina, peanuts are carried directly to the processing plants, where pre-cleaning equipment – a combination of sifters and vacuum devices – separates the dirt and other foreign materials from the inshells, before the artificial drying.

As regards airspeed and drying temperatures, operators tend to follow the recommendations from INTA and the USDA, even though the time necessary to lower 1% of moisture in the kernel is longer than in the US: it will take between 3 and 4 hours for each percentage point, resulting in a slower process.

In the last few years, companies introduced software that has the

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5 ability to determine the optimal drying temperatures based on external conditions (basically, relative humidity and air temperature), allowing the automatic setting of the dryers’ temperatures without the need for manual operations. This process ensures optimal drying and minimizes the weakening of the kernel and susceptibility to losing its skin. Most plants use natural gas as fuel. If this is not available, they resort to propane, which is 5 to 6 times more expensive.

Either naturally or artificially, in the field or at the shelling plants, proper peanut drying is essential to preserve quality and shelf life. The more controlled this process is, the less it will be dependent on weather conditions, leading to better opportunities to achieve reliable, and high-quality peanuts.

— Section —

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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Quest for the Genes More genetic research is fundamental for the development of new varieties

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Peanuts, known to scientists as Arachis hypogea L., originated about 10,000 years ago in South America, in the area around the current border between Argentina and Bolivia. This new plant was brought about through the hybridization (natural crossing) of two wild species and further spontaneous chromosome doubling, giving rise to an allotetraploid plant, i.e. a plant with two sets of chromosomes from one species and two from another, instead of the usual two sets for diploid organisms. This wild allotetraploid was domesticated by the ancient inhabitants of South America and, after the arrival of the Europeans, was quickly dispersed, adopted and secondarily diversified in various other areas of the world. Nowadays, peanuts constitute a very significant crop in many countries, with vast planted areas and an important economic weight. As for other crops, there are many challenges to breeding new varieties, such as susceptibility to diseases and other environmental stresses derived from the climatic change, as well as new industrial and market demands that can be pursued through the genetic features of the kernels.

The availability of variable genetic sources is the first necessary condition to effectively generate new varieties.

Fortunately, during the second half of the last century, national and international efforts with researchers and technicians from Argentina, Brazil, China, India, the US and other countries collected specimen of most of the traditional local varieties and wild species that today constitute the diverse peanut germplasm available worldwide for breeding.

These genetic resources, conserved ex-situ in germplasm banks, have become strategic materials for obtaining new varieties. In the last two decades research investment has been intensified to determine their underlying genetic structure and for the discovery, evaluation and improvement of desirable traits.

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One of the most outstanding events in peanut research was the sequencing of its genome. This project was launched in 2012, and soon the International Peanut Genome Initiative (IPGI), with the participation of more than 100 members from 20 different countries, was implemented. Since the peanut genome is huge (with a size of 2,8 Gb, Gigabases, very similar to that of humans) and of an allotetraploid nature, its sequencing and assembling constituted a major challenge. The first step was sequencing the genomes of the two diploid parents, completed in 2016. The reference genome for the male parent Arachis duranensis has 1,2 Gb with 36.734 genes, while the female parent Arachis ipaënsis has 1,5 Gb with 41.840 genes. Three years later, the IPGI published the assembled genome of the Tifrunner variety, with 66.469 potential genes arranged in 20 chromosomes. This information is publicly available to researchers all around the world on the website https://peanutbase.org, and it now constitutes the main reference for the study of the genes which control the relevant characters of stress, yield, nutritional features and quality, among others. Other initiatives centered in China, with the publishing of the sequences of other peanut varieties (Shitoqui and Fuhuasheng) and the genome of the wild tetraploid A. monticola, but the information is still not available in a worldwide accessible and interactive database.

To make the identification of genomic variations possible, highquality sequencing of large samples of genetic material must be performed. Comparing the genomic profile of different varieties with the reference genomes allows the identification of a great number of variations, many of which are responsible for the features of the peanuts that are of interest to growers and shellers. The first resequencing performed, based on about 40 different varieties, led to the development of the “Arachis Axion 58K SNP array,” which includes 58,233 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) – a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals.

This array allows the analysis of the genetic information along the genome of any Arachis species/variety, including those of cultivated peanuts. This genotyping array, by significantly reducing the cost of sequencing, is a phenomenal tool for breeders, enabling them to develop markers to identify the genetic bases of traits such as high content of oleic acid, kernel size, and resistances to leaf diseases, nematodes, peanut smut and others.

So far the peanut research community has been able to achieve significant results. It is of paramount importance that this legacy is carried out by means of cooperation and networks, so that the germplasm and the benefits of the research can be made available to the public and effectively applied in significant improvements for the entire value chain of peanuts and for the products offered to peanut consumers.

The next steps in peanut genetic research — In just a few years it was possible to generate massive genomic information and genetic resources in peanuts, similarly to other important crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. In order to enhance the research in peanuts to meet the new challenges it is imperative to proceed with investments to accomplish: _ The complete sequencing of the peanut germplasm in different banks _ The diversification of the current genetic material by using wild and ancient varieties _ Development of additional markers to identify and characterize significant phenotypes _ Development and application of phenotyping protocols to identify complex features _ Optimization of genomic selection breeding for complex traits _ Development of more cost effective low to medium density marker platforms for extensive use _ Increase human resources with the skills needed to apply the genetic and genomic techniques available

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LAWS AND REGULATIONS

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Farm to Fork

The EU initiative and what it means for the distribution of peanuts

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The Farm to Fork strategy, launched in May last year by the European Union, is an agenda-setting initiative aimed at actively meeting the challenges of a sustainable food system and seeking to improve people’s health and quality of life while preserving the environment. It can be viewed as the cornerstone of the Green Deal under the 2019-2024 EU Commission program, and as the strategy that will organize the food side of the great effort of the region to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in response to climate change and environmental challenges.

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As the action plan published last year reads, the strategy stems from the fact that “people pay increasing attention to the environmental, health, social, and ethical issues… they want to feel closer to their food” and they want it to be “sustainably sourced.” Hence, the commission set a number of objectives to be achieved through both legislative and non-legislative measures which will be adopted in the next few years. The idea is to take into account all aspects of food production and consumption and “build a food chain that works for consumers, producers, climate and the environment.” Food security has been a bedrock of the EU policy for decades, particularly since the launch of the “Farm to table” approach of the year 2000, which can be considered one of the conceptual precedents of Farm to Fork. However, with the new initiative, sustainability becomes one of the key objectives, together with the promotion of healthy consumption patterns and the reduction of food waste. In order to reach such goals, the EU will allocate resources for research and development, investment and communication, and will put in place efforts to foster cooperation from food partners outside the union.

In July, the EU Commission, along with more than 60 companies from the food sector, launched the Code of Conduct.

As the Vice-President of the Commission, Frans Timmermans, declared, “We need to make our food system sustainable, and we need to do it soon. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt biodiversity loss related to food production and shape a food system that makes it easier to choose a healthy and sustainable diet.” The code includes a number of voluntary commitments aimed at promoting healthier food patterns and eco-friendly productions practices.

The reaction of the business world to the initiative overall was rather positive. The CEO of Nestlé, Mark Schneider, for example, stated that the new vision brought by the code aims to foster “trust with the public and a healthy sense of competition on the market.” However, other parties, particularly NGOs, have underscored that, while non-legislative initiatives such as the code are a positive step, mandatory measures must also be undertaken in order to achieve significant results.

Of course, as Farm to Fork is an all-encompassing initiative, it will have an impact, to some extent, on the trading and consumption of peanuts. Considering that virtually all peanuts consumed in Europe are imported, there will not be immediate applicability of farming legislation and other initiatives designed to shape the primary production of food.

However, the strategy will certainly affect the way peanuts are processed, packaged, distributed and consumed. And even non-European growers and shellers will have to comply with new regulations if they want to keep exporting to the old continent, not to mention the effort that the EU will enact to include the sustainability objectives of Farm to Fork in its international trade agreements with third countries (also part of the action plan).

One of the main goals of Farm to Fork is to make diets healthier and more affordable at the same time. As far as this particular aim of the strategy is concerned, peanuts have two very interesting features: a) as a carrier of vegetal proteins, they are considered an excellent food choice by most nutrition experts, especially within the snacks category; b) they have a great value: few other products feature the same nutrition potential at such low cost, while they are also greatly appreciated by consumers because of their taste. From this perspective, even though a number of measures that may increase processing costs are to be expected, the strategy overall can be of great benefit to the peanut industry as it may significantly foster consumption.

From a different viewpoint, the strategy calls for a progressive reduction of pesticides and fertilizers. While the latter should probably not be a great concern as, unlike other crops, peanuts do not require significant quantities of fertilizers, the banning of certain chemicals and the reduction of the Maximum Residue Limits is something growers may expect to have to deal with in the near future. They should also prepare for carbon footprint accounting standards and processes to increase environmental sustainability if they wish to export to the EU. Another area where the peanut industry could expect some benefits from the Farm to Fork Strategy is the EU allocation of research funds aimed at new, more sustainable ways to produce, process and market peanuts.

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“It is essential to provide the tools and the investments to the operators”

An interview with Silvia Tombesi, manager at the European Snacks Association

“The European Snacks Association supports and promotes the use of sustainable practices by their suppliers of agricultural products that preserve natural resources,” says Silvia Tombesi, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Manager at the European Snacks Association. “Since the publication of the strategies, we have been working with our members and with other stakeholders on how the sector could positively contribute to the objective of the strategy and further work on defining the sector’s positions on some of the key initiatives.” \\\ What is your general take on the Farm to Fork Strategy?

The From Farm to Fork strategy includes 27 objectives to be achieved by 2030 through a series of legislative and non-legislative actions, focused on different aspects of the food supply chain from agriculture (“Farm”) to production and processing, as well as consumption and international trade (“Fork ”). To facilitate the transition, the commission set different proposals, including: a) Develop an EU code and monitoring framework for responsible business and marketing conduct in the food supply chain; b) Launch initiatives to stimulate reformulation of processed food, including the setting of maximum levels for certain nutrients; c) Set nutrient profiles to restrict promotion of food high in salt, sugar and/or fat;

d) Proposal for harmonized mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling to enable consumers to make healthy choices.

On the other hand, the biodiversity strategy analyses the main causes of the continued loss of biodiversity, proposing 39 initiatives to be taken by 2030 for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.

Among the proposals: a) Revision of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive and enhance Integrated Pest Management provisions; b) Action Plan for Organic Farming for 2021-2026; c) Assess the impact of trade agreements on biodiversity.

The communication also proposed an ambitious plan to make the EU a green world leader. In addition to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), trade policy will have to include full implementation of environmental provisions in all existing and future trade agreements, strengthening dialog with partner countries from all over the world. \\\ There are obviously many good intentions in the Farm to Fork strategy and lots of agreeable objectives. But do you think there are also risks involved for many business sectors?

If so, what can be done to prevent them?

Indeed, the two strategies are a great opportunity for the European Union to move toward a more sustainable and fair food system preserving, at the same time, biodiversity. Of course, those strategies cannot be implemented without the involvement of farmers, fishermen, fish farmers and operators of the entire food chain.

It is clear that one of the biggest challenges is to transform all the initiatives proposed into a realistic and competitive plan that can make a difference for the environment and for European citizens. In order to do so, it is important to take into account all the actions already implemented by the business operators and to listen to their concerns considering that the strategies are highly ambitious. Moreover, it is essential to provide the operators with the tools and investments for progress, otherwise there is a risk of “leaving someone behind”; especially SMEs. \\\ What changes do you think the strategy will bring to the snack industry? And particularly the peanut sector?

While there are no immediate, short-term impacts on the peanut sector, key objectives in the strategy could affect the exports of products in the longer term. As you know, nuts are mainly produced and imported from all around the world. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Turkey and the USA are some of the major nut origins coming into Europe. This means that international agreements are fundamental to ensuring continuity of trade.

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To respond to the environmental challenges, the commission proposed the inclusion of a sustainable chapter in all EU bilateral agreements, in both the existing and future ones. In general terms, the objective of this new chapter is to increase sustainability in food production, marketing and consumption. It will include provisions for cooperation on specific aspects of sustainable food systems, such as the fight against food fraud and food loss and waste, and contain commitments related to the improvement of animal welfare standards, the reduction of the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and the reduction of antimicrobials. \\\ One of the aims of the Farm to Fork program is to reduce the use of pesticides. What happened in this regard in the first year of the program and what do you think farmers, particularly peanut growers and exporters, should expect in the next few years?

One of the key objectives of the From Farm to Fork Strategy, further developed in the biodiversity strategy, is the reduction by 50% of the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030, and by 50% the use of more hazardous pesticides by 2030. It goes without saying that, to achieve the targets, farmers need to have access to effective and affordable tools and alternatives to ensure food security and sustainable production, including, for example, biocontrol technologies, crop rotation systems, innovative agronomic practices, digitalization methods, etc.

By applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM), farmers are already avoiding excessive use of pesticides and increasingly moving toward low-risk substances and selective crop protection techniques, optimizing the application of fertilizers and pesticides. However, pesticides will remain an essential element in IPM. Therefore, investments in research, innovation and in the development of new tools should be incentivized through concrete measures which would support farmers in the sustainability path.

Regarding peanut growers and exporters, imported food would continue to have to comply with relevant EU regulations and standards. The commission stated it will take into account environmental aspects when assessing requests for import tolerances for pesticide substances no longer approved in the EU. It is not yet clear how import tolerances will be established for pesticides no longer approved in the union and if products imported into the EU would not be allowed to have residues of any pesticides prohibited for use in the EU.

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The Future of Meat Peanuts are a phenomenal ingredient for plant-based meat alternatives

Vegetables, with their content of fibers, vitamins and proteins, while carrying very little saturated fat, are usually considered much healthier than meat. So, for decades, food scientists and researchers have been trying to figure out how to produce plantbased food that would also appeal to the public in terms of taste.

The task has proved difficult, as imitating the sensorial experience of tasting a juicy steak presents many technical challenges. In the last few years, however, many private and public research centers seem to have taken giants steps toward achieving the goal.

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PEANUTS AS A SUPERFOOD

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In the following interview, Prof. Qiang Wang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Food Science and Technology at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and President of the China Peanut Food Association of CCOA, answers our questions.

Your academy is positioned right at the frontier of innovative food development. Can you mention some of the products you are working on? Including some of the products you developed and that have been launched into the market A sustainable alternative to current modes of meat production would be the development of environmentally friendly plant protein-based meat substitutes to feed the estimated 9 billion people on the planet by 2050. High-moisture extrusion (HME) has been one of the most promising technologies for developing high-quality plant protein-based meat substitutes with a similar texture to animal meat. We have designed the whole HME process, which greatly shortens the processing procedure, and some new plant protein-based meat substitutes have been successfully developed, which can be shaped, flavored and colored one-time online during the extrusion processing without producing pollution or increasing nutrient losses1 Ten new plant protein-based meat substitutes, including plant protein-based ham sausages, plant protein-based dried beef, plant protein-based beef tripe, plant protein-based chicken breast, plant protein-based chicken nuggets, plant protein-based casual meat et al, have been developed using peanut protein as the main raw material, which has comparable meat-like fibrous structure and texture meeting the consumer requirements.

For many reasons, starting with health concerns and environmental sustainability, there is a lot of expectation, all around the world, for plant-based meat alternatives. One of the products you are working on is plant-based sausages. How is it proceeding?

We chose the HME technology to develop plant-based sausages to meet Chinese consumer habits. Different from the traditional animal meat or plant-based sausages, the high-moisture extruded plant-based sausage showed a rich fibrous structure, which is similar to the texture of wholecut chicken. The flavor of this product has been improved to avoid the beany smell and three products with spicy, garlic and smoky flavored products have been developed. Moreover, the follow-up processes such as packaging, sterilization and storage have also been investigated to keep the quality. Professor Patrick Brown from Impossible Foods spoke highly of the fibrous structure of the plant-based sausage on September 6, 2019.

What are the main challenges going forward? Do you expect this product to be available to consumers any time soon?

The market for plant protein-based meat substitutes is still quite small, probably because the meat substitutes currently available do not meet consumer preferences regarding sensory quality. To obtain a larger market share, plant protein-based meat substitutes need to be comparable with the rich fibrous structure offered by real animal meat products, and HME technology should be one of the best choices2 . We are currently working to promote the industrialization of plant protein-based meat substitute products by HME, and if more consumers choose these new “double green” plant protein-based meat substitutes, the CO2 emission would also be reduced.

What can you tell us about the acceptance of Chinese consumers of plant-based meat alternatives? Do you expect a growing market?

The plant-based meat substitute has a long history of development in China since the 1980s and its market will occupy half of the global market in 2025. The Chinese government, academies and universities attach great importance to the development of plant-based meat products, and two standards about “general standard for plant-based foods” and “plantbased meat products” have been set by the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) in 2020 (we are involved in this work). The Chinese consumers are very selective for the taste and flavor of these products, and compare them with animal meat, while they also pay more attention to health and environmental protection3. Of course, we expect a growing market for the plant-based meat substitutes developed by the HME technology because of the excellent fibrous structure and texture.

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PEANUTS AS A SUPERFOOD

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How did you select peanut as the main ingredient for this product?

China is the world’s largest producer of peanuts, accounting for 40% of the total. Peanut protein biomass waste, obtained as a by-product of the edible oil industry, has become the third-largest vegetable protein source in the world with a protein content greater than 55%. More than 5 million tons of peanut protein biomass waste is produced globally every year with most being used as animal feed, which leads to a lower added value for these natural resources and results in an environmental problem4. Using bio-waste feedstocks (including agricultural waste, food processing waste, municipal solid waste and sewage sludge) to make plant-based products can help solve both resource and waste problems and be “double green”5.

Do you expect peanuts to play a big role in this area of food development in the future?

Peanut protein, mainly arachin and conarachin, has higher digestibility (~90%), no flatulence factor and bean flavor, and so helps overcome the disadvantages of consuming soybean protein6. Additionally, according to Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), peanut protein and other legume proteins are nutritionally equivalent to meat and eggs for human growth and health. Thus, we expect peanuts to play a big role in this area of food development in the future.

SOME REFERENCES 1. Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2019; Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,2018; Qiang Wang & Jinchuang Zhang et al., US patent, 15/791,845.

2. Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2018; Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. Journal of Food Engineering, 2018 3. Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. Food Hydrocolloid, 2019 ,2020, 2021 4. Qiang Wang et al. Springer, 2018 5. Qiang Wang et al. Food Hydrocolloid, 2014; Qiang Wang &Jinchuang Zhang et al. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2018 6. Clark, J. H. Green Chemistry, 2018

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PEANUT FARMING

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Peanut growers’ technology and the evolution of tillage in Argentina

While the various peanut-producing areas of the world are all located in rather mild climate zones, not far from the tropics in both hemispheres, there are also some differences between them in terms of temperature and humidity. In central Argentina, where peanuts are produced, temperatures tend to be lower and rainfall scarcer if compared to other areas, and water reservoirs for irrigation are almost non-existent. To make peanut growing possible, farmers introduced practices that maximize the use of the water available and allow plants to resist for longer periods without rain. We asked José Gamba, an expert from the Catholic University of Cordoba, to tell us about these practices:

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“The incorporation of different techniques to improve peanut growing is a never-ending process. Among the low-cost strategies which also have a high impact on the production environment, we can include changing tillage systems. Soil preparation starts with the management of stubbles from the previous crop. Weed control and water accumulation are two of the most important objectives when selecting the kind of tillage to implement. Tillage techniques can be classified into three broad types: a. the conventional system, which entails a deep soil penetration and inversion (using a moldboard or disk plow); b. mild tillage systems, with vertical tillage elements which do not invert the soil but still cause the rupture below the surface (chisel, vibrocultivators, etc.); c. finally, direct seeding, which does not employ any proper tillage equipment, but rather sowing machines designed to avoid soil disturbance.

Conventional tillage

Direct seeding

The evolution of the type of tillage applied to peanuts in Argentina in the last 23 years (see chart on next page) shows the constant increase of the lots under direct seeding. Currently, close to 60% of lots use this technique, while about 40% adopt minimal tillage. This shift toward a more sustainable system is due to the evolution in the development of herbicides, with more versatile and efficient chemical elements, and sowing equipment, which better adapt to the new conditions. Moreover, agronomists are getting to know, and better appreciate, the accumulation of water in the soil during the pre-sowing period, as well as the importance of soil conservancy in a sustainable production system.

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PEANUT FARMING

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Tillage evolution in peanut growing in Argentina (1998 - 2020)

Source: Center of Agronomists of Gral. Cabrera

The conventional tillage system accounted for almost half of the lots still in the 1997-98 season, but during the following years it was progressively reduced, and ultimately disappeared starting in 2008. This reflects the importance that the peanut sector assigned to those tillage alternatives with the ability to reduce water loss, making crop management more efficient. In the last three seasons, minimal tillage is again increasing, a trend that can be explained by higher resistance to herbicides. This situation leads to the use of integrated management for weed control, a strategy that adopts both chemical and mechanical elements.”

Agricultural practices evolve depending on the specific needs of production, as well as environmental, and even social, factors. Direct seeding has been a creative and innovative management tool used to maximize the efficiency of rainwater use for the production of peanuts. As the climate and the environment are changing, the future will present new challenges to achieve higher yields, better productivity, less resort to pesticides and other chemicals, and maximization of soil sustainability. A significant phenomenon in Argentina is the migration of people from the countryside to the cities, which will add an additional challenge in the future: the need to develop new professional and cultural patterns to ensure the proper training of professionals in the peanut fields.

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Shortening the Cycle A breeding program at Embrapa may help increase peanut production in Brazil

Leaving environmental challenges aside and examining a different type of hurdle to agriculture, we take a look at Brazil and the way peanut production is intimately linked to another crop, the sugar cane, in a situation where the latter imposes a number of significant constraints to the former, especially in terms of seeding and harvesting schedules.

We asked Jair Heuert, a peanut breeding expert from Embrapa, what strategy the Brazilian Agency for Agricultural Research is studying to solve the main problems facing the growth of peanut production.

Significance of short-cycle peanut crops _ Most peanut crops are located in sugar cane-producing areas _ These áreas are available for only a short time (approximately 120 days) _ A short cycle allows better planning of operations and harvest programming _ Less time in the lot may decrease pest control _ More uniform ripening and well-formed kernels

“The Brazilian peanut production is concentrated in the state of Sao Paulo, where, according to CONAB (Companhia Nacional de Abastecimiento, a governamental agency) estimates, 90% of the country’s peanuts have been harvested in 2021 on a 158,000-hectare area (a 7.6% increase compared to 2020). Total production reached 512,000 metric tons, 18.5% more than the previous year.

Local growers are often also producers of sugar cane, a crop that is planted for about five years (or until there is a reduction of yield), when a legume, such as peanuts, must be used for rotation in order to allow an efficient return of the cane.

In this scenario, after the legume harvest, there is little time for the seeding operations of the sugar cane because summer rains tend to decrease at this time of the year.

Hence, it is imperative to have a peanut cycle as short as possible to optimize the process. In many cases, soybeans have won the favor of sugar-cane growers in this region precisely because of their growth cycles, which is in the 105-120 days range, while peanut varieties traditionally planted here range from 130 to 150 days.

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PEANUT FARMING

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Brazil has an enormous potential to significantly increase its production and become the largest peanut exporter worldwide, however, this growth is directly linked to the development of new short-cycle varieties; this is the basis for the sustainability of the whole production chain. Hence, in order to meet this goal, the peanut breeding program of Embrapa, which counts on a private-public partnership, has intensified its research to achieve new short-cycle varieties. Besides the desired cycle, this program seeks to generate varieties that may satisfy growers’ demands, providing high yields, resistance to the main pests and diseases, high-oleic acid content, size and shape of the kernel, and sensory features.

New programs, thanks to the use of germplasm banks, especially in the Northeast of Brazil, are proving successful in the task of reducing the cycle. During the last season in 2021, surveys were performed with peanuts harvested at 118 days from seeding, using new lines and the varieties typically used in these regions. After the harvest and drying operations, the maturity degree of the kernel was evaluated as the fundamental element of the variety cycle in order to select based on early maturity. As the chart shows, there are some new lines achieving the highest percentages of maturity, which confirm them as shorter-cycle varieties. They are very promising and they can become commercial varieties recommended for an early harvest, which can be used in the sugar cane renovation lots.”.

The chart displays new varieties ready to be harvested at 118 days, while the two commercial varieties were still not ready for harvest, needing additional days of maturity

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The experimental área at the peanut breeding program of Embrapa

Immature wrinkled kernels

Mature smooth kernels

There is no doubt that breeding and the development of new varieties is one of the most effective tools leading to agricultural solutions. Not just to shorten the peanut cycle, but also, for example, preventing diseases that affect the crop. The work of the International Peanut Genome Consortium and the identification of molecular markers associated with resistance, high oleic property, nutritional values, and other traits, are starting to bear significant fruits and will give breeders all around the world an exceptional toolbox of solutions. We explore peanut genetics in the section about Science and Technology.

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This issue of the World Peanut Magazine has been completed thanks to the efforts of: Chris Butts

Julie Thakker

USA

Europe

US Department of Agriculture

JKT Europe Edward Rudd

Mauricio Santa Juliana

Guillermo Seijo Argentina

IBONE (Botanic Institute of the Northeast, CONICETFACENA, UNNE)

United Kingdom

WHM Pet Group Ltd.

Argentina

Jair Heuert Brazil

INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology of Argentina)

Alonzo Sopena

Zhang Peng

Duncan Glass

Argentina

EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agency for Agricultural Research)

MSC Argentina

China

Argentina

JLA China

Exolgan

Tushar Thumar

Silvia Tombesi

India

Belgium

Khedut Feeds and Foods

European Snacks Association

José Gamba Argentina

Qiang Wang

UNC (National University of Cordoba)

China

Javier Martinetto Gabriela Alcorta Verónica Quiroga Soledad Bossio Juan Soave Edoardo Fracanzani Sebastián Della Giustina Argentina

cam (Argentina Peanut Chamber)

Institute of Food Science and Technology

Design and illustrations. ese-estudio.com.ar Typography. Journalist by Sergio Rodriguez / Cantarell by Dave Crossland / Work Sans by Wei Huang

Cámara Argentina del Maní 20 de Septiembre 855 “A”.

(X5809AJI) General Cabrera · Córdoba, Argentina Tel +54 358 4933118 cam@camaradelmani.org.ar www.camaradelmani.org.ar