COSTA RICA, May 31, 2004 -- Costa Rica's 2003/2004 crop reached 2,119,227 60 kg. bags, 4.5% lower than previously expected. Lower use of inputs by farmers and in many cases abandonment of the plantations, are blamed for lower output. Although the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) does not yet have a forecast of next year's crop, there are indications that production may decline further to approximately 2,050,000 60 kg. bags.

PHILIPPINES, May 31, 2004 -- On May 12, 2004, Republic Act 9296 entitled "An Act Strengthening the Meat Inspection System in the Country, Ordaining for this Purpose a Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines and For Other Purposes" was signed into law. The GRP states that RA 9296 was crafted to harmonize Philippine meat inspection laws with international standards to enable the domestic meat processing industry to participate in global trade. The new law makes it unlawful for shipping lines and agents to ship meat and meat products to the Philippines without an accompanying Philippine Veterinary Quarantine Clearance certificate. Local meat traders and meat processors oppose this new law as being unduly trade restrictive.

HONDURAS, May 31, 2004 -- Coffee production in Honduras is forecast to maintain the same level of production of 2,753,000 sixty kilogram (kg) bags in 2004/2005. This follows several years of low international prices, which have stunted coffee production. However, there has been a recent improvement in the price of coffee, from $51 in 2002 to $66 per 46 kilograms bag in 2004. This is providing a greater incentive to farmers to pay better attention to their farms

MEXICO, May 31, 2004 -- Mexico has again modified its BSE ban, this time to allow imports of sheep meat and sheep heads from animals under 12 months. In addition, import requirements for boneless marinated beef from cattle less than 30 months of age have been established.

CHILE, May 31, 2004 -- Chile's Food Processing Sector offers opportunities for U.S. ingredients exports.

GREECE, May 31, 2004 -- Greece is among the most popular tourist destination in the world and ranks as the world's 15th largest destination by number of visitors in the world. In 2001, Greece received 14.7 million tourists, representing earnings of $6.3 billion, 4.9% of the country's total GDP. Greece, the host of 2004 Summer Olympic Games, expects tourism to reach 25 million people in 2004. This event provides exciting marketing opportunities for U.S. foods to meet the increased demand

POLAND, May 31, 2004 -- Incomes in Poland's agricultural sector are expected to rise at least 35 percent after EU accession. There are several factors which are expected to contribute to this rise including EU financial assistance to modernize farm operations and increases in production and sales of commodities.