Corn fell to the lowest in almost two months amid speculation falling energy costs will diminish the appeal of commodities as a hedge against inflation and as Japan plans to cut imports of the grain. In sympathy, wheat and soybeans also declined.
- Japan, which imports more than 60 percent of its food requirements, the highest level among developed countries, wants to become less dependent on overseas grain supplies to protect it from soaring international prices and ensure long-term security of supply, Yuji Sawa, vice minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said in an interview.
- South Africa, the biggest corn producer in Africa, may increase its forecast for this year's crop by 1.7 percent, according to a Bloomberg survey of grain traders.
