JAPAN, March 17, 2004 -- Despite a 10 year low in rice production, no additional imports are expected for 2004. The ban on U.S. beef imports and the outbreak of avian influenza in Asia are disrupting Japan's livestock industry but feed demand for beef cattle and swine is expected increase slightly. Due to a shrinking harvest of grains in Eastern Europe and South America, imports are likely to return to traditional supply sources in 2004. While soaring trans-Pacific freight costs favor imports from China, a tight domestic supply and an absence of government subsidies should limit China's exports to Japan.

CANADA, March 17, 2004 -- Canada has announced its intention to increase access for U.S. feeder cattle from 39 states. Canada's Agriculture Minister, Bob Speller announced that Canada will remove anaplasmosis and bluetongue testing and treatment requirements from feeder cattle imported from the United States enabling year-round access to Canadian feedlots.

EUROPEAN UNION, March 17, 2004 -- Earlier this week, the European Parliament adopted the Commission's food and feed control proposal. This is a framework regulation establishing the legal basis for all future feed and food controls, including import controls. The new regulation will start to apply on January 1, 2006. Final adoption and publication in the Official Journal will take place in the next few weeks.

MOROCCO, March 17, 2004 -- Moroccan wheat and barley production is expected to be at least as high as last year's level provided adequate rainfall is recorded during end of March - beginning of April period. The free trade agreements concluded by Morocco with the EU late last year and, more recently, with the US are likely to

ARGENTINA, March 17, 2004 -- Argentina's cotton production for marketing year 2003 is estimated to drop to 95,000 tons as result of lower-than-expected planted area and dry conditions. Exports have also been adjusted downward due to expected shorter surpluses.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, March 17, 2004 -- Higher international prices have resulted in lower raw cotton imports and a reduction in profitability for the local processing industry. In contrast, expanding disposable income is increasing fabric consumption, which will by supplied mostly through imports.

CANADA, March 17, 2004 -- * Increased Access for U.S. Feeder Cattle * Canada's Hog Industry to Defend Itself Against U.S. Countervail and Anti-Dumping Charges * High Pathogenic Avian Influenza Found on B.C. Farm * Dumping Decision Extended on U.S. Frozen Pizza * New Canada Food Guide Could Be Good News for U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Exports * Trade Minister Defends Supply Management * Higher Dry Pea Production Forecast