FAS Daily
Attache Report Digest
March 30,
2004
FAS Daily Attache Report Digest
GMO Testing
SLOVENIA, March 30, 2004 -- The Slovenian Institute for
Health Protection has started to test for genetically modified
organism (GMO) in food. The Institute tested 20 samples and
found 3 samples containing GMOs. None of the products required
labeling because the GMO content was low. However, Slovenian
health inspectors have announced they will tighten their
oversight of raw materials used for foodstuffs.
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Unconfirmed BSE Finding
SLOVENIA, March 30, 2004 -- On March 22, the Slovenian
National Veterinary Institute announced a suspected finding of
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). If confirmed, this
will be the fourth case since 2001. Final results will be
available in two weeks.
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Annual Marketing Report
UNITED KINGDOM, March 30, 2004 -- The UK is arguably the
most important wine market in the world. It is the number one
export market for US wine, and this focus has served the US
well. According to AC Nielsen, the US is now the third largest
supplier to the UK retail sector. UK Customs data shows that
European suppliers versus non-European suppliers are currently
on an equal footing. However, forecasters predict that the
"New World" will continue to take market share from
traditional EU suppliers.
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Annual
BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, March 30, 2004 -- Belgian sales figures
over nine months in 2003 show a 2.8 decrease in wood product
sales. The furniture sector, Belgium's largest wood processing
sector, lost 8.6 percent in sales and the panel sector lost
2.1 percent. The construction elements sector and the
packaging industry saw increases in sales of 6 and 5.8 percent
respectively. Outlook for 2004 is positive for construction,
panels and packaging as the economy improves, but furniture
outlooks, traditionally the largest user of U.S. hardwoods,
remains bearish.
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Prospects Increasing for U.S. Dairy Genetics in Russia
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, March 30, 2004 -- The Russian market
for dairy genetics is the hottest it has been in more than a
decade. Renewed profitability of dairies and high demand for
domestic dairy products are allowing milk producers to jump
back into the international market in search of high quality
genetic material. Now is the right time to begin establishing
contacts with the key players in dairy breeding industry
before other international competitors make serious inroads
into the Russian market.
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Swine Genetics Market
CROATIA, March 30, 2004 -- Swine genetics in Croatia are
improving as commercial slaughter houses are sourcing meat
units and purchasing lower fat hogs. Lower quality traditional
carcasses (the largest share of production) are being heavily
discounted, and these market changes are creating demand for
consistent quality hogs. At present, there is a shortage of
piglets for fattening. Progressive producers are responding to
the new demand and are interested in crossbreeding present
breeds and establishing grandparent stock. This is an
opportune time for the promotion of U.S. swine genetics to
Croatia.
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Approval of Border Inspection Points in Accession
Countries
EUROPEAN UNION, March 30, 2004 -- Some 20 border inspection
posts for animals and products have been approved at the new
external EU borders in preparation of the EU accession of 10
central and eastern European countries on May 1, 2004.
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Fish meal and Fish oil Exports
CHILE, March 30, 2004 -- This report contains January
through December 2003 export data and cumulative data for
fishmeal and fish oil. Sources: Central Bank. Units: Metric
Tons.
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Report
AUSTRALIA, March 30, 2004 -- The food-processing sector is
the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, accounting for
goods and services sales of about US$30 billion in 2000/01,
representing about one quarter of total manufacturing. In
Australian dollars, food and beverage sales have increased
steadily over the past six years. Food, beverage and tobacco
were the largest contributors to the aggregate Australian
manufacturing industry in value added terms. Within the food,
beverage and tobacco sub sector, beverages (including wine)
accounted for 22% of total value added. Total consumer
expenditures on food are approximately US$39 billion. The
value of food imports totaled about US$2.8 billion in 2001/02,
representing approximately 7% of the Australian market.
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