colonization and takeover, page-37

When you look at competitive advantage, you really need to look at the US rather than Olam. Its the world price that determines the return to SHV.
While we have the minerals boom and the $A remains above the $US we remain at a huge disadvantage to the US. Their farm wages are half of what Australias are, on top of which we also have the super levy. Thats when you can get the labour on the farm.
Transport, machinery, mechanical repairs, etc are all more costly here than in the US.
Let alone mentioning interest rate comparisons.
Thats all manageable when our dollar equalled 60c US, but at present levels, I cannot see them competing profitably.
I will be staying out until I can see some prospect of improvement in the exchange rate.