EU-25, June 24, 2004 -- The European Commission has revised the current export subsidies available for common wheat, rye and barley from '-' (dash) to zero and indicated that they will guarantee this rate for the next four months. A 'dash' means that exports receive subsidies at the prevailing rate, but this can also theoretically be negative, i.e. a form of export tax. The move to zero subsidies removes any uncertainty that an export tax could be introduced. The Commission has also agreed to open a tender for the export of 1 MMT of German intervention rye from July 1, 2004

EU-25, June 24, 2004 -- On June 10, 2004, the European Commission adopted the "European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming". This plan will form the basis for future policy development and outlines 21 concrete policy measures to be implemented in 3 main areas.

EU-25, June 24, 2004 -- 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 USDA publication "Rice Market News".

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, June 24, 2004 -- The food processing industry is developing rapidly in China. Strong economic growth combined with higher disposable incomes means increased demand for high quality processed food by Chinese consumers. This report briefly discusses opportunities for US exporters of high-quality processed food products