Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2010

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business—Bunge Limited is a Bermuda holding company. Bunge Limited, together with its consolidated subsidiaries through which its businesses are conducted (collectively, "Bunge"), is an integrated, global agribusiness and food company. Bunge Limited common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BG." Bunge operates in four divisions, which include five reportable segments: agribusiness, sugar and bioenergy, edible oil products, milling products and fertilizer.

Agribusiness—Bunge's agribusiness segment is an integrated business involved in the purchase, storage, transport, processing and sale of agricultural commodities and commodity products. Bunge's agribusiness operations and assets are located in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, and we have merchandising and distribution offices throughout the world.

Bunge's agribusiness segment also participates in related financial activities, such as offering trade structured finance, which leverages our international trade flows, providing risk management services to customers by assisting them with managing price exposure to agricultural commodities and developing private investment vehicles to invest in businesses complementary to our commodities operations.

Sugar and Bioenergy—In the first quarter of 2010, Bunge began reporting the results of its sugar and bioenergy businesses as a reportable segment, which includes the results of its sugar production, merchandising and distribution businesses and its ethanol production investments and activities. Prior to the first quarter of 2010, sugar and bioenergy results and assets were included in the agribusiness segment. Accordingly, amounts for prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period segment presentation. This reportable segment became significant to Bunge in February 2010 with the acquisition of five sugar mills in Brazil. See Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Bunge's sugar and bioenergy segment is an integrated business involved in the procurement and growing of sugarcane for its mills, production of sugar and sugarcane-based ethanol, merchandising and distribution of sugar within Brazil and on a global basis through Bunge's merchandising and distribution office in London. In addition, the segment includes Bunge's minority investments in the U.S. corn-based ethanol industry.

Edible oil products—Bunge's edible oil products segment consists of producing and selling edible oil products, such as packaged and bulk oils, shortenings, margarine, mayonnaise and other products derived from the vegetable oil refining process. Bunge's edible oil products operations are located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China and India.

Milling products—Bunge's milling products segment include its wheat, corn and rice milling businesses. The wheat milling business consists of producing and selling wheat flours and bakery mixes. Bunge's wheat milling activities are located in Brazil. The corn milling business consists of producing and selling products derived from corn. Bunge's corn milling activities are located in the United States. In 2010, Bunge acquired a U.S. rice mill. See Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Fertilizer—Bunge's fertilizer segment has historically been involved in every stage of the fertilizer business, from mining of phosphate-based raw materials to the sale of blended fertilizer products. In May 2010, Bunge sold its fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil, including its phosphate mining assets and its investment in Fosfertil S.A., a phosphate and nitrogen producer in Brazil. In addition, Bunge acquired the Argentine fertilizer business of Petrobras Energia S.A., which produces liquid and solid nitrogen fertilizers. Bunge also has a joint venture with Office Chérifien des Phosphates, or OCP, to produce fertilizer products in Morocco. See Notes 2, 3 and 10 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all entities over which Bunge exercises control.

Noncontrolling interest related to Bunge's ownership interests of less than 100% is reported as noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries in the consolidated balance sheets. The noncontrolling ownership interest in Bunge's earnings, net of tax, is reported as net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of income.

Bunge evaluates its equity investments for consolidation in accordance with a standard issued by the FASB that provides guidance on entities subject to consolidation as well as how to consolidate. The standard focuses on controlling financial interests that may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. A variable interest entity (VIE) is a legal structure that does not have equity investors with voting rights or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. The standard requires that a VIE be consolidated by a company if that company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is an entity that is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE's activities or entitled to receive a majority of the VIE's residual returns or both. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Bunge had no investments in affiliates that have not been consolidated that would be considered VIEs where Bunge is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

Investments in businesses in which Bunge does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for by the equity method of accounting whereby the investment is carried at acquisition cost plus Bunge's equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition. Investments in which Bunge does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. Equity and cost method investments are included in investments in affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets.

Use of Estimates and Certain Concentrations of Risk

Use of Estimates and Certain Concentrations of Risk—The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and require management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They may also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Amounts affected include, but are not limited to, allowances for doubtful accounts, valuation allowances for recoverable taxes and deferred tax assets, impairment of long-lived assets, restructuring charges, useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, contingent liabilities, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and pension plan obligations. In addition, significant management estimates and assumptions are required in determination of fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities. See Note 15 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts may vary from these estimates.

The availability and price of agricultural commodities used in Bunge's operations are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, government (domestic and foreign) programs and policies, and changes in global demand and production of similar and competitive crops. The markets for Bunge's products are highly price competitive and are sensitive to product substitution. Bunge competes against large multinational, regional and national suppliers, processors and distributors and farm cooperatives. Competition is based on price, product and service offerings and geographic location. In addition, Bunge has significant commercial activities related to logistics as it moves commodities around the world and also related to energy as agricultural commodities and commodity products have become key components of ethanol and other biofuels. Bunge also enters into over-the-counter derivative instruments with financial counterparties, primarily related to management of interest rate and foreign currency risk. As a result of these activities, Bunge also has concentrations of risk with counterparties in the agribusiness, shipping, energy and finance industries.

Foreign currency translations and transactions policy

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements—Bunge's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the majority of Bunge's foreign subsidiaries is their local currency and, as such, amounts included in the consolidated statements of income are translated using average exchange rates during each period. Assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates and resulting foreign exchange translation adjustments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign Currency Transactions—Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured into their respective functional currencies at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting exchange gain or loss is included in Bunge's consolidated statements of income as foreign exchange gain (loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits and readily marketable securities with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of acquisition.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Secured Advances to Suppliers

Trade Accounts Receivable and Secured Advances to Suppliers—Accounts receivable and secured advances to suppliers are stated at the historical carrying amounts net of write-offs and allowances for uncollectible accounts. Bunge establishes an allowance for uncollectible trade accounts receivable and secured advances to farmers based on historical experience, farming economic and other market conditions as well as specific identified customer collection issues. Uncollectible accounts are written off when a settlement is reached for an amount that is less than the outstanding historical balance or when Bunge has determined that collection of the balance is unlikely.

Secured advances to suppliers bear interest at contractual amounts which reflect current market interest rates at the time of the transaction. There are no deferred fees or costs associated with these receivables. As a result of these factors, there are no imputed interest amounts to be amortized under the interest method. Interest income is calculated based on the terms of the individual agreements and is recognized on an accrual basis.

Bunge adopted the accounting guidance on disclosure about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2010. This guidance requires information to be disclosed at disaggregated levels, defined as portfolio segments and classes. Based upon its analysis of credit losses and risk factors to be considered in determining the allowance for credit losses, Bunge has determined that the long-term receivables from farmers in Brazil is a single portfolio segment.

Bunge evaluates this single portfolio segment by class of receivables, which is defined as a level of information (below a portfolio segment) in which the receivables have the same initial measurement attribute and a similar method for assessing and monitoring risk. Bunge has identified accounts in legal collection processes and renegotiated amounts as classes of long-term receivables from farmers. Valuation allowances for accounts in legal collection processes are determined by Bunge on individual accounts based on the fair value of the collateral provided as security for the secured advance or credit sale. The fair value is determined using a combination of internal and external resources, including published information concerning Brazilian land values by region. For determination of the valuation allowances for renegotiated amounts, Bunge considers historical experience with the individual farmers, current weather and crop conditions, as well as the fair value of non-crop collateral.

For both classes, a long-term receivable from farmers in Brazil is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if Bunge determines it to be probable that all amounts due under the original terms of the receivable will not be collected. Recognition of interest income on secured advances to farmers is suspended once the farmer defaults on the originally scheduled delivery of agricultural commodities as the collection of future income is determined to not be probable. No additional interest income is accrued from the point of default until ultimate recovery, where amounts collected are credited first against the receivable and then to any unrecognized interest income.

Inventories

Inventories—Readily marketable inventories are agricultural commodity inventories that are readily convertible to cash because of their commodity characteristics, widely available markets and international pricing mechanisms. The majority of Bunge's readily marketable inventories are valued at fair value. These agricultural commodity inventories have quoted market prices in active markets, may be sold without significant further processing and have predictable and insignificant disposal costs. Changes in the fair values of merchandisable agricultural commodities inventories are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold. Also included in readily marketable inventories is sugar produced by our sugar mills in Brazil. These inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. They are readily convertible to cash because of their commodity characteristics, widely available markets and international pricing mechanisms.

Inventories other than readily marketable inventories are principally stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using primarily the weighted-average cost method.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—Bunge enters into derivative instruments that are related to its business and financial exposures as a multinational agricultural commodities and food company. Bunge uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to movements associated with agricultural commodity prices, transportation costs, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and energy costs. Bunge's use of these instruments is generally intended to mitigate the exposure to market variables. See Note 15 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Bunge enters into interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of managing certain of its interest rate exposures. The interest rate swaps used by Bunge as hedging instruments have been recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded contemporaneously in earnings. Certain swap agreements are designated as fair value hedges. Additionally, the carrying amount of the associated debt is adjusted through earnings for changes in the fair value arising from changes in benchmark interest rates. Ineffectiveness is recognized to the extent that these two adjustments do not offset. In addition, Bunge has entered into certain interest rate basis swap agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting, and therefore such agreements have not been designated by Bunge as hedge instruments for accounting purposes.

Bunge uses a combination of foreign exchange forward and option contracts in certain of its operations to mitigate the risk from exchange rate fluctuations in connection with anticipated sales denominated in foreign currencies. These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. The changes in the fair values on the contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes, and are reclassified into earnings when the anticipated sales occur. The ineffective portion of these hedges is recorded as foreign exchange gain or loss in the consolidated statements of income. Bunge also may use net investment hedges to partially offset the translation adjustments arising from the remeasurement of its investment in its Brazilian subsidiaries. Bunge records the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments designated and qualifying as net investment hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes, as an offset to the foreign currency translation adjustment.

Bunge generally uses exchange traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effects of changes in agricultural commodity prices on its agricultural commodity inventories, including produced sugar, future sugar production and forward purchase and sale contracts, but may also from time to time enter into OTC commodity transactions, including swaps, which are settled in cash at maturity or termination based on exchange-quoted futures prices. Changes in fair values of exchange traded futures contracts representing the unrealized gains and/or losses on these instruments are settled daily generally through Bunge's wholly-owned futures clearing subsidiary. Forward purchase and sale contracts are primarily settled through delivery of agricultural commodities. While Bunge considers these exchange traded futures and forward purchase and sale contracts to be effective economic hedges, Bunge does not designate or account for the majority of its commodity contracts as hedges. Changes in fair values of these contracts and related readily marketable agricultural commodity inventories are included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of income. The forward contracts require performance of both Bunge and the contract counterparty in future periods. Contracts to purchase agricultural commodities generally relate to current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of agricultural commodities generally do not extend beyond one future crop cycle.

In addition, Bunge uses exchange traded futures and options as economic hedges of portions of its forecasted oilseed processing production requirements, including forecasted purchases of soybeans and sales of soy commodity products. For hedges of U.S. production requirements, the changes in the market values of such futures contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged items and, therefore, these derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. For economic hedges of production requirements outside the U.S., location differences between processing facilities and commodity exchanges generally cause these futures and options contracts to not meet the highly effective criterion for hedge accounting. Therefore, these instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

Bunge is exposed to loss in the event of the non-performance by counterparties to over-the-counter derivative instruments and forward purchase and sale contracts. Adjustments are made to fair values of derivative instruments on occasions when non-performance risk is determined to represent a significant input in fair value determination. These adjustments are based on Bunge's estimate of the potential loss in the event of counterparty non-performance.

Bunge enters into time charter agreements for utilization of ocean freight vessels for the purpose of transporting agricultural commodities based on forecasted requirements. In addition, Bunge sells through "relet agreements" the right to use these ocean freight vessels when excess freight capacity is available. The market price for ocean freight varies depending on the supply and demand for ocean freight vessels and global economic and trade conditions. Bunge's time charter agreements, which represent unrecognized firm commitments for utilization of ocean freight vessels, have terms ranging from two months to five years. Bunge uses derivative instruments to hedge both time charter agreements and other portions of its anticipated ocean freight costs. A portion of the ocean freight derivatives may be designated as fair value hedges of Bunge's time charter agreements.

Bunge uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to volatility in energy costs. Bunge's operations use substantial amounts of energy, including natural gas, coal, steam and fuel oil, including bunker fuel.

Generally, derivative instruments are recorded at fair value in other current assets or other current liabilities in Bunge's consolidated balance sheets. Bunge assesses, both at the inception of a hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged items. The effective and ineffective portions of changes in fair values of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, along with the gains or losses on the related hedged items are recorded in earnings in the consolidated statements of income in the same caption as the hedged items. The effective portion of changes in fair values of derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are reclassified or amortized to earnings when the hedged cash flows are realized or when the hedge is no longer considered to be effective. In addition, Bunge may designate certain derivative instruments as net investment hedges to hedge the exposure associated with its equity investments in foreign operations. The effective portions of changes in the fair values of net investment hedges, which are evaluated based on spot rates, are recorded in the foreign exchange translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets and the ineffective portions of such derivative instruments are recorded in foreign exchange gains or losses in the consolidated statements of income.

Recoverable Taxes

Recoverable Taxes—Recoverable taxes include value-added taxes paid upon the acquisition of raw materials and taxable services and other transactional taxes which can be recovered in cash or as compensation against income taxes or other taxes owed by Bunge, primarily in Brazil. These recoverable tax payments are included in other current assets or other non-current assets based on their expected realization. In cases where Bunge determines that recovery is doubtful, recoverable taxes are reduced by allowances for the estimated unrecoverable amounts.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net—Property, plant and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and depletion. Major improvements that extend the life, capacity or efficiency and improve the safety of the asset are capitalized, while minor maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Costs related to legal obligations associated with the future retirement of assets are capitalized and depreciated over the lives of the underlying assets. Depreciation is computed based on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives for property, plant and equipment are as follows:

		Years

Buildings			10-50
Machinery and equipment			7-20
Furniture, fixtures and other			3-20

Included in property, plant and equipment for 2010 and 2009 are biological assets, primarily sugarcane, that are stated at cost less accumulated depletion. The remaining useful lives of Bunge's biological assets range from 1 to 6 years. Depletion is calculated using the estimated units of production based on the remaining useful life of the growing sugarcane.

Included in property, plant and equipment for 2009 are mining properties that are stated at cost less accumulated depletion. In May 2010, Bunge sold its fertilizer nutrients assets in Brazil, including its phosphate mining assets and its investment in Fosfertil S.A., a phosphate and nitrogen producer in Brazil (see Note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). The remaining useful lives of Bunge's mines operated in its fertilizer operations estimated through the date of Bunge's sale of its fertilizer nutrients assets ranged from 15 to 52 years. Bunge determined the estimated useful lives of its mines based on reserve estimates and forecasts of annual production. Depletion was calculated using the unit of production method based on proven and probable reserves.

Bunge capitalizes interest on borrowings during the construction period of major capital projects. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is depreciated over the asset's estimated useful life.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in a business acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested annually for impairment in the fourth quarter of Bunge's fiscal year or whenever there are indicators that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Bunge uses a two step process to test goodwill at the reporting unit level. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. Fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows of the reporting unit based on planned growth rates and estimates of discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step of the process is necessary. The second step measures the difference between the carrying value and the implied fair value of goodwill. If the estimates or related projections of the fair value of reporting units change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges.

Bunge's reporting segments in which it has recorded goodwill are agribusiness, sugar and bioenergy, edible oil products, milling products and fertilizer (see Note 7 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). Impairment losses are generally included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of income, unless the goodwill is associated with acquired marketing or brand assets, in which case impairment losses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Other intangible assets that have finite useful lives include brands, trademarks and other assets which are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested annually for impairment in the fourth quarter of Bunge's fiscal year or whenever there are indicators that the carrying values of the assets may not be fully recoverable. To test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, Bunge compares the fair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets with their carrying values. The fair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined using discounted cash flows based on planned growth rates and estimates of discount rates. If its carrying value exceeds fair value, an indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value. If the estimates or related projections of the fair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 50 years. See Note 8 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets —Bunge reviews its property, plant and equipment and other finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of an asset may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, Bunge bases its evaluation on such indicators as the nature, future economic benefits and geographic locations of the assets, historical or future profitability measures and other external market conditions. If these indicators result in the expected non-recoverability of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group, Bunge determines whether impairment has occurred by analyzing estimates of undiscounted future cash flows. If the estimates of undiscounted future cash flows during the expected useful life of the asset are less than the carrying value of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value, measured by the present value of the estimated future cash flows or by third-party appraisal. Bunge records impairments related to property, plant and equipment and other finite-lived intangible assets used in the processing of its products in cost of goods sold in its consolidated statements of income. The impairment of marketing or brand assets is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 9 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Property, plant and equipment and other finite-lived intangible assets to be sold or otherwise disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Impairment of Investments in Affiliates

Impairment of Investments in Affiliates—Bunge continually reviews its investments in affiliates to determine whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary. Bunge considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time that the fair value of the investment is expected to be below its carrying value, the financial condition, operating performance and near-term prospects of the affiliate, which include general market conditions specific to the affiliate or the industry in which it operates, and Bunge's intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery in fair value. Impairment charges for investments in affiliates are included as a reduction in share of the equity in earnings of affiliates in the consolidated statements of income.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation—Bunge maintains equity incentive plans for its employees and non-employee directors, which are described in Note 25 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Bunge accounts for stock-based compensation using the modified prospective transition method. Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation cost recognized for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 includes (1) compensation cost for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value in accordance with a FASB issued standard that provides guidance for recognizing transactions under share-based payment arrangements with employees, and (2) compensation cost for all share-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the FASB standard.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes—Income tax expenses and benefits are recognized based on the tax laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Bunge's subsidiaries operate. Under Bermuda law, Bunge is not required to pay taxes in Bermuda on either income or capital gains. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes currently payable and deferred income taxes arising as a result of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in Bunge's financial statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

The calculation of the tax liabilities involves management judgments concerning uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in the many jurisdictions in which Bunge operates and involves consideration of potential liabilities for potential tax audit issues in those many jurisdictions based on estimates of whether it is more likely than not those additional taxes will be due. Investment tax credits are recorded in income tax expenses in the period in which such credits are granted.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition—Sales of agricultural commodities, fertilizers and other products are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is determinable, the product has been delivered, title to the product and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which is dependent on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer, and when collection of the sale price is reasonably assured. Sales terms provide for passage of title either at the time and point of shipment or at the time and point of delivery of the product being sold. Net sales consist of gross sales less discounts related to promotional programs and sales taxes. Interest income on secured advances to suppliers is included in net sales due to its operational nature (see Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). Sales of a primarily financial nature, such as trade structured financing activities, are recorded net, and margins earned on such transactions are included in net sales. Shipping and handling charges billed to customers are included in net sales and related costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Research and Development

Research and Development—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses were $24 million, $26 million and $35 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements—Amendment to Consolidation—In June 2009, the FASB issued a standard that requires an enterprise to (1) determine whether an entity is a variable interest entity (VIE), (2) determine whether the enterprise has a controlling financial interest indicating it is a primary beneficiary of a VIE, which would result in the enterprise being required to consolidate the VIE in its financial statements, and (3) provide enhanced disclosures about the enterprise's involvement in VIEs. As a result of the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2010, Bunge consolidated one of its agribusiness joint ventures (see Note 23 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements).

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—In June 2009, the FASB issued a standard that amended a previously issued standard to improve the information reported in financial statements related to the transfer of financial assets and the effects of the transfers of such assets on the financial position, results from operations and cash flows of the transferor and a transferor's continuing involvement, if any, with transferred financial assets. In addition, the amendment limits the circumstances in which a financial asset or a portion of a financial asset should be derecognized in the financial statements of the transferor when the transferor has not transferred the entire original financial asset. Upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2010, all trade accounts receivables sold after that date under Bunge's accounts receivable securitization programs (the "securitization programs") are included in trade accounts receivable and the amounts outstanding under the securitization programs are accounted for as secured borrowings and are reflected as short-term debt on Bunge's consolidated balance sheet. As a result of this adoption, Bunge has reduced its utilization of these programs and either terminated or allowed certain of these programs to expire. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Bunge's financial position, results from operations or cash flows. See Note 18 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses —In July 2010, the FASB issued a standard that amended a previously issued standard requiring an entity to include additional disaggregated disclosures in their financial statements about their financing receivables, including credit risk disclosures and the allowance for credit losses. Entities with financing receivables are required to disclose a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses, certain credit quality information, impaired loan information, modification information, and past due information. Trade receivables with maturities of less than one year are excluded from the scope of the new disclosures. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on Bunge's financial position, results from operations or cash flows, but resulted in expanded disclosures (see Notes 5 and 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements).