Commerzbank Pulls out of Food Price Speculation

Aug 13, 2012

Commerzbank’s Moral Move

The 2012 drought that’s hammering the Corn Belt regions in the U.S. and parts of Canada has been stirring up chaos in the food price debate with every major bank and agriculture economics expert speculating on what food prices are going to do in response to the drought. It’s been a circus of speculating opinions, instilling fear among farmers and consumers alike. For one bank speculating on food prices is a moral statement, Commerzbank one of the biggest banks in Germany has said that they will stop speculating on basic food prices as they will not play a role in artificially pushing up food prices.

"If a bank can't be sure which damage such speculation may cause, it should not offer such funds to be on the safe side," Foodwatch Germany Managing Director Thilo Bode said in a statement.

Commerzbank has eliminated all agricultural products from its Commodity fund, to ensure that their agricultural funds don’t artificially spur food prices contributing to possible hunger in some parts of the world. This is an admirable move made by Commerzbank and they should be commended on their leadership and signalling to the world that they don’t plan on exacerbating the food price scenario.

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.