KAZAKHSTAN, REPUBLIC OF, February 20, 2003 -- The Government of Kazakhstan will increase import duties for poultry meat from March 10, 2003. The new duty will be increased to 0.25 Euro per kg from 0.15 Euros and lead to a decrease in poultry meat imports by 3000-5000 MT a year.

PHILIPPINES, February 21, 2003 -- Philippine imports of pet food continue to climb, with sales in 2002 more than doubling from the year before to nearly $16 million, up from $2.9 million just four years ago. The United States is the third largest supplier, with sales of $4.3 million. While pet ownership has remained mostly steady in recent years, growing awareness of pet nutrition is encouraging a steady shift from table scraps to commercial pet food. U.S. and other foreign multinationals, led by Mars and Nestle, account for most sales although the range of branded pet foods in the market continues to expand. Looking ahead, traders predict modest growth in the near term, with imports expected to approach $20 million by 2005.

EUROPEAN UNION, February 21, 2003 -- This weekly report contains data on rice prices in the U.S., Thailand and the EU. It also lists current import duties and export subsidies in the EU. All information will be published as such in the weekly USDA publication "Rice Market News".

THAILAND, February 21, 2003 -- Export prices changed slightly as market remained quiet.

EUROPEAN UNION, February 21, 2003 -- On February 10, 2003, the European Commission presented a brochure featuring case studies on EU trade development projects around the world. At the press conference, Commissioner Lamy said that increased market access is key to the success of ongoing WTO negotiations and that, like aid, trade is instrumental in reducing poverty in developing countries.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 24, 2003 -- Broiler meat consumption and production are adjusted in this report to include Chinese breeds. Chinese meat imports are well off past levels it appears in large part due to Government administrative measures. Chinese exports in turn are hurting as a result of sanitary restrictions by their trading partners.

BRAZIL, February 24, 2003 -- Brazil's 2002/03 apple crop is expected to decline by 4 percent. Apple exports are projected to increase by 10 percent in 2003, while apple imports will likely increase by 5 percent. Pear production is insignificant in Brazil. Imports of pears are estimated to increase by 5 percent in 2003, after a decline of 21 percent in 2002.

JAPAN, February 24, 2003 -- From America's largest overseas market for food and agricultural exports as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: Neighboring Japanese prefectural cooperatives form coalitions to combat increasing competition from supermarkets; An alliance of Tobu Store supermarkets, Marubeni and Maruetsu will combine to surpass Life Corporation as Japan's largest supermarket chain; Aeon Group and several other major supermarket operators report plans for expansion in 2003; Kanemi Shokuhin and Five Fox team up to open a new sozai food shop in Tokyo and; although Sapporo Breweries reported a loss of market share in 2002 for both its beer and happoshu business, happoshu is still the beer drinker's cheapest value.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 24, 2003 -- The city of Shanghai is pursuing plans to change sales of new homes from concrete shells to a fully finished basis by the year 2007. If successful, this project will change the way that interior wood products are marketed, creating an environment much friendlier to imported wood products.

SINGAPORE, February 24, 2003 -- The Singapore food service industry is highly fragmented, with a large number of small to medium sized establishments. There are approximately 27,000 licensed food stallholders island-wide and more than 8,000 registered food outlets. A smaller percentage of establishments make up the HRI food service sector, which comprises, hotels, restaurants and institutional establishments. There were approximately 3,500 establishments in Singapore's HRI sector in 2000. Since 1995, the HRI sector has grown in revenues from $4.7 to $5.4 billion.

JAPAN, February 21, 2003 -- This report was prepared by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service for U.S. exporters of food and agricultural products. This information is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission. Use of commercial or trade names does not imply approval nor constitute endorsement by USDA/FAS.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, February 24, 2003 -- On January 23, 2003, the Russian Federation announced the creation of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on beef and pork imports. The yearly TRQs were set at 450,000 MT for imports of pork and 420,000 MT for beef, though the pro rated 2003 quota will be 337,000 MT and 315,000 MT, respectively. Russian production of pork is forecast to increase by six percent in 2003, while beef production is forecast to fall by two percent. As domestic production is not forecast to be greater than the reduced level of imports, consumption of beef and pork is expected to fall in 2003.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 21, 2003 -- Over the near term, large grain stocks will allow China to continue its corn export program and to restrain grain imports other than malting barley. Long term import prospects are more favorable given recent policy-driven drops in grain production and continued gains in livestock products consumption.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 21, 2003 -- The Chinese State Forestry Administration (SFA) released its most recent additions to its new plant variety protection list on 2 December 2002. This report provides the most current available seeds and seedlings afforded Plant Breeders' Rights by the SFA and the Ministry of Agriculture.

JAPAN, February 25, 2003 -- Japan is proposing broad reforms in its rice policies which would end government controls for rice production by fiscal 2008, and increase subsidies to large-scale farmers. The number of farming households is expected to fall 17-29% as smaller, less inefficient farmers transfer their land to larger farmers. Rice prices could fall by an addtitional 50% due to continued oversupplies, as the Government gives up its role in limiting production. Japan is expected to reduce "blue box" expenditures by shifting production linked subsidies to direct payments and loan-rate type measures.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 21, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Administrative Measures for Import and Export Commodity Sampling Inspection and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 21, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Provisions on Risk Analysis for Entry Animal and Animal Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

INDIA, February 25, 2003 -- A significant decline in India's 2003 wheat harvest on top of a sharp fall in the 2002 fall-harvested rice and coarse grain production, combined with infrastructural bottlenecks and declining government-held stocks are likely to retard India's wheat and rice exports in 2003.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, February 25, 2003 -- The decline in the value of the rand relative to the dollar has affected the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports to South Africa in recent years. U.S. exports of consumer-ready products also face strong competition from other suppliers, in particular the EU which signed a Free Trade Agreement with South Africa in 2002. However, opportunities still exist for U.S. exports of niche products, and the long term prospects for U.S. food and agricultural exports are positive.

CZECH REPUBLIC, February 25, 2003 -- The Czech Republic has approved a variety of field tests for genetically modified (GM) crops. Roundup Ready soybeans may also be used as a food ingredient. However, labeling requirements and anti-biotech non-governmental groups have largely kept GM-ingredients out of consumer foods.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, February 21, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Provisions for Entry Plant and Plant Product Risk Analysis and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, February 25, 2003 -- In 2003, the Korean economy is expected to grow in the 4-5-percent range, down from 6.2 percent in 2002. In general, most local economists are positive about the Korean economy in 2003 despite the slightly lower growth rate. Consumer spending is expected to remain steady, again driving growth in demand for U.S. processed food products, meats, seafood, and fresh fruits.

MEXICO, February 21, 2003 -- WILL YOU BE MY SWEETHEART?*SWEET & LOW*GRAIN PROTECTION*GOM CONTEMPLATES CLOSING BORDERS TO U.S. TRUCKS*BEAN CONTROVERSY*CATTLE FARMERS ADD TO THE LONG LIST OF ANTI-DUMPERS*FDA IMPLEMENTS STRINGENT FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS*NO MORE BEANS*WE ACCEPT*BEANS AND CORN MUST BE EXCLUDED*MAYBE WE CAN HELP*NAFTA IS NOT WHAT’S HURTING SMALL PRODUCERS*NO MORE RENEGOTIATION-TALK*JOB DISPLACEMENT DUE TO NAFTA*CONGRESS WANTS TO CLOSE THE BORDER*GARZA AND USABIAGA DISCUSS NAFTA*“MEXICANS ARE SUBSIDIZING U.S. FARMERS”*“CONFIDENCE” IN GOVERNMENT POLICIES*MEGA-MARCHA UPDATE*MEXICO URGES DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALL-AMERICAN CANAL*FARMERS SEEK POLITICAL ASSYLUM*“NO MORE SUBSIDIES!”*POLITICAL PARTIES SCRAMBLE FOR THE RURAL SECTOR*NO MORE MONEY*DON’T YIELD TO THE BLACKMAIL*“TAKE THE MONEY AND LEAVE US ALONE”*HOMESTATE RESIDENTS CRY OUT AGAINST FOX*PERMANENT AGRARIAN CONGRESS HIDALGO THREATENS TO STRIKE BACK*TURKEY WANTS TO JOIN NAFTA*

MEXICO, February 21, 2003 -- BEANS ARE A NATIONAL PRIORITY*TRQs ON U.S. CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS*MEXICAN SENATE DELEGATION WILL DISCUSS AGRICULTURE*“DON’T WORRY, SAFEGUARDS WORK JUST FINE”* “THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL”*DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT*NAFTA BENEFITS MEXICAN EXPORTS*“PROTESTS AND ULTIMATUMS DON’T RESOLVE ANYTHING”*DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENT FOX POSTPONED*AGRICULTURAL DISCUSSION ROUNDS*DISCUSSION ROUNDS COMMENCEMENT* PRI WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION ROUNDS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES*“PROTEST U.S. FARM SUBSIDIES”* “WHAT CRISIS ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT”*AGRARIAN NATIONAL CONVENTION, CANCELLED* THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL PACT* THE CAP IS OUT* INTRODUCING “NAFTA COMMON STOCK”* ACCORDING TO THE WORLD BANK MEXICO NEEDS TO…* ANGEL OF INDEPENCE SEIZED BY ANTI-NAFTA PROTESTS* EVEN FLOW* TORTILLA MONGOL SUPPORTS THE RURAL SECTOR* NATIONAL HOLIDAY FANS THE FLAMES OF ANTI-NAFTA SENTIMENT

CANADA, February 26, 2003 -- WTO Draft Ag Proposal Doesn't Meet Canada's Objectives * Canada Likely to Join U.S. in Any EU GMO Challenge * Outlook for Canadian Soybeans * Statistics Canada Confirms Lower Cattle Numbers; Slower Hog Expansion * CWB Suggests Using Both KVD and Varietal Declaration Systems * CWB Adds Canada Western Experimental Hard White Wheat to 2003/04 PRO * Saskpool Says Grain Inspection Proposal Risky * Barley Growers Call for Voluntary CWB * Ontario Wheat Board Seeks Loan Guarantee from Feds * Canadian Federal Budget Increases Ag Spending By$483 Million * CFIA Revises Directive on Phytosanitary Requirements on Pathogen Causing Sudden Oak Death

MEXICO, February 26, 2003 -- PREFERRED BY U.S. CONSUMERS AND MARKET SHARE GAINED*CITRIC AND TROPICAL FRUIT WINNERS*BELL PEPPERS AND BROCCOLI: NAFTA CHAMPIONS*CANTALOUPE AND WATERMELON ARE A SUCCESS*UNAM RESEARCH GIVES GMOS THUMBS UP*SALES INCREASE FOR WAL-MART MEXICO*"SAFEGUARDS WILL OPEN NAFTA RENEGOTIATION TALKS"*NAFTA PROTECTS U.S. FROM CHINESE EXPORTS*ACCESS TO MEXICAN AVOCADOS* CANADA REJECTS NAFTA RENEGOTIATION*"THE BEST MEXICO HAS EVER HAD"*RENEGOTIATION OF DATES*COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICIES*FOR OLD TIMES SAKE "LET'S RENEGOTIATE NAFTA"*MEXICO FILES WTO CLAIM AGAINST THE UNITED STATES*NEW SOCIAL PACT*"NAFTA RENEGOTIATIONS, NOT A SMART IDEA"*OECD NOTES DIFFERENCES*SENASICA FEARS NEW FDA FOOD CONTROL MEASURES

INDIA, February 26, 2003 -- *Industries urge zero duty on corn imports*, *President calls for crop diversification*, *Expert advises reduction in support prices*, *Edible oil prices burn consumers' pocket*, *Malaysia requests to treat palm oil same as soy oil*, *Oil trade expects import duty cut*, *Frito Lay eyes bigger South India snack pie*, *Testing facilities for GM crops are inadequate in India*.

MEXICO, February 26, 2003 -- NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DISCUSSIONS*CATTLE FARMERS THREATEN TO JOIN NATIONAL PROTESTS*"EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RURAL SECTOR"*"ELIMINATE DISRUPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES AND ASYMETRIES"* FARMING GROUPS BLOCK INTERSTATE HIGHWAY*GETTING READY FOR 2008: MEXICAN DRY BEAN FARMERS* BANK LENDING TO BUSINESSES INCREASED* CATTLE FARMERS THREATEN TO DUMP MILK* NO MAGIC WAND SOLUTIONS* NAFTA BENEFITS MEXICAN HORTICULTURE FARMERS* FARMING GROUP SCHISM* STATE AGRICULTURE SECRETARIES OPPOSE NAFTA*PRIVATE SECTOR PROPOSES PUBLIC POLICY REFORM*PORK PRODUCERS OPEN TO PROPOSALS* RURAL SECTOR: PREY TO CORRUPTION* PRI PROPOSES 10 NEW POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS* CNA MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS* EQUAL TREATMENT TO ALL PRODUCERS

MEXICO, February 24, 2003 -- Modifications of NOM-012-FITO-1995, which establishes a physical quarantine area to prevent the entry of potato pests into the country. The Mexican government maintains the Northern Border Line as the only geopraphic area where potatoes for consumption can be imported.

YUGOSLAVIA, February 26, 2003 -- This report contains a translation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's (FRY) import regulations for meat and poultry, as found in the

MEXICO, February 27, 2003 -- RENEGOTIATING BRINGS NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO MEXICO*WTO SAYS ADJUSTMENTS WORK TOO*IATP ACCUSED USG OF DUMPING*U.S. PHYTOSANITARY RESTRICTIONS HURTS MEXICAN EXPORTS*WATER PURCHASING* CIGAR EXPORTERS SUES GOM AND WINS*“THIS DIALOGUE BEST BE A SUCCESS”*FARMING GROUPS CALL FOR AGRICULTURAL REFORM*“LET’S SOLVE THE PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF POLITICIZING IT”*DETERMINING WHETHER THE PROPOSALS ARE VIABLE*ENERGY REFORM AND NAFTA RENEGOTIATIONS*WATER RESOLUTION

ARGENTINA, February 24, 2003 -- Argentine cotton production for 2003/04 is projected at 100,000 metric tons, up from the previous year. Production in Paraguay is also forecast to increase to 125,000 metric tons.

UNITED KINGDOM, February 24, 2003 -- On February 20, 2003 two cases of bovine brucellosis were confirmed in a Scottish beef herd. The cases were found in imported animals from the Republic of Ireland. This is the first case of the disease to be identified on the United Kingdom mainland since an October 1993 outbreak linked to imports of cattle from France.

EUROPEAN UNION, February 25, 2003 -- Outlined as a part of the July 2002 Mid-Term Review proposal, the European Commission adopted a draft regulation on February 19, 2003, to simplify the agricultural state aid regime.

KAZAKHSTAN, REPUBLIC OF, February 28, 2003 -- Kazakhstan's food processing sector developed rapidly over the last five years due to rising processed food consumption and significant import substitutions. The growth of consumption will continue as incomes go up and tastes and coking habits change. Major current constraints to exports of U.S. processed food to Kazakhstan include high transportation cost and custom duties. However, currently opportunities exist for poultry meat, edible oils, confectionary and specialized food additives.

EGYPT, February 28, 2003 -- Egypt's wheat purchases since the beginning of MY 2002/2003 (July) are estimated at 4,108,308 MT. Egypt (GASC) and Russia reached an understanding to structure a barter deal involving one million tons of Russian wheat in exchange for unspecified amounts of Egyptian agricultural goods.

EUROPEAN UNION, February 28, 2003 -- This weekly report contains data on rice prices in the U.S., Thailand and the EU. It also lists current import duties and export subsidies in the EU. All information will be published as such in the weekly USDA publication "Rice Market News".

CROATIA, February 27, 2003 -- Croatia faces regular Trichinosis outbreaks, usually culminating in the winter months. The 2002/03 disease ‘season' has seen about 100 cases, nearly two times more than last year. The outbreaks began during the war in the1990's when veterinary controls on the trade and transport of live hogs was weak. This was especially true in the agricultural region of Slavonia, where most of the current Trichinosis problems are today. Government policies aimed at controlling the disease are a barrier to U.S. pork exports.

PHILIPPINES, February 27, 2003 -- The Philippines announced plans to import 200,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand in exchange for delays in tariff reduction on sugar imports under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement-Common Effective Preferential Tariff Program (AFTA-CEPT). Under the AFTA-CEPT, sugar tariffs are to be lowered from 65 to 5 percent, effective January 1, 2003.