The international derivatives exchange Eurex is expanding its product range to include the agricultural products asset class.

The international derivatives exchange Eurex is expanding its product range to include the agricultural products asset class.

Trading will start in July 2009 with four new futures based on the agricultural products hogs, piglets and potato crops (London potatoes and European processing potatoes).

All four futures are settled in cash. Market price indices act as underlyings which aim to increase market transparency.

Peter Reitz, member of the Eurex executive board, says: 'Our entry into the segment of agricultural derivatives is the systematic continuation of our strategy of covering all important asset classes with our own products. We aim to bring the well known advantages of our global network and central clearing system into this market that has had a strong national focus thus far. The strengths of the Eurex business model will accelerate international growth in this segment considerably.'

Plans are underway to expand the product offering of agricultural derivatives in 2010.