TURKEY, September 5, 2002 -- Turkey is expected to have an average treenut crop in MY 2002. After a record year in production and exports, hazelnut production is currently estimated at 625,000 MT. Procurement prices have not yet been announced for this year's crop, but it is expected that as much as 150,000 MT of hazelnuts will be procured if funds are made available from the government. As a result of rainy and cold weather in the spring, Turkish pistachio production in MY 2002 will be significantly lower than expected, but not as low as MY 2001.

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Wheat Update

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, September 6, 2002 -- Uzbekistan's MY 2002/03 wheat production forecast has been increased to 4.8 million metric tons. Imports are forecast to decrease to 250,000 metric tons.

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Grains Update - September Lockup

AUSTRALIA, September 6, 2002 -- The 2002/03 Australian wheat and barley crops continue to be negatively affected by dry conditions. Wheat output is expected to be over 20 percent below year-earlier levels. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics expects even greater declines in 2002/03 output for both wheat and barley.

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Poultry and Products Annual

INDIA, September 6, 2002 -- Increasing demand fueled by affordable prices, and better feed availability are expected to lead to 15 percent growth in India 2002 broiler production, estimated at 1.4 million tons. India might soon emerge as a competitive supplier of poultry meat in world markets given its greater production efficiencies, lower feed conversion, and mortality rates attributed to increasing integration.

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Oilseeds and Products Update - September

INDIA, September 6, 2002 -- Post increases its MY2002 soybean production estimates to 5.4 million tons following improved monsoon in major soybean growing states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

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Wheat & Corn Import Update

TAIWAN, September 6, 2002 -- Despite forecast increases in world wheat and corn prices, Taiwan's import demand for these products is not expected to fall from earlier forecast levels. The wheat import forecast for 2002/03 is one million metric tons, while for corn it is 4.8 million metric tons.

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Weekly rice report: Brussels September 3 , 2002

EUROPEAN UNION, September 6, 2002 -- 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".

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Crop Update

AUSTRIA, September 6, 2002 -- Austrian wheat yields were hurt by hot dry weather in May and June and are 10 percent to 15 percent lower than last year. Quality is good and very little wheat is being marketed as ‘feed grade'. A PS&D is provided for wheat in this report. Durum wheat quality is also very good and area was about five percent higher than last year at about 12,500 ha and total harvest of 40,000 MT (durum is not part of the wheat PS&D).

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Solid Wood Products Annual

EGYPT, September 6, 2002 -- Softwood lumber imports reached a record level at 2.65 MCBM in 2001 due to increased availability of low-priced quantities in traditional markets, while hardwood lumber imports decreased by about 9 percent. Both softwood and hardwood imports are, however, expected to decline by about 25 and 10 percent, respectively next year.

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Guide to Service Providers in Mexico

MEXICO, September 6, 2002 -- This report provides contact information for service providers to US exporters who need assistance in Mexico. Mexico remains on excellent market for US exporters and investors. US agricultural exports to Mexico topped $7 billion in 2001.

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Grain and Feed September Update

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, September 6, 2002 -- Post increases its 2002 total grain production estimate to 77 million metric tons, with feed quality wheat expected to occupy the greatest share of output. Although domestic Russian prices are low and competitive with world prices, total exports are not expected to notably increase over last year's, as infrastructure and trade barriers will constrain trade.

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Mexico's Monthly Crop Update, August 2002

MEXICO, September 6, 2002 -- Official and private sources indicate that the pace of planting returned to a normal pattern for main grains and oilseeds for the fall/winter 2002/03 harvest, as weather conditions improved during July.

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Solid Wood Products Annual

THAILAND, September 6, 2002 -- Thailand's solid wood product imports may increase in 2002 and 2003. The U.S. market share would also be on a rise.

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Korean Market for American Croaker

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, September 9, 2002 -- This Market Brief contains information about the market for American Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in Korea. This has been a subject of interest, particularly by the U.S. fishing industry in the Mid-Atlantic States. Our market research indicates that the local market deems the American Croaker to be significantly different in taste and other qualities than the local product. While the current adjustment tariff of 70 percent on croakers is "high", the reduction of the tariff would have a greater benefit to competing countries exporting the higher priced "Yellow Corvina" to Korea than it would to U.S. exporters.

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Corn & Wheat PSD Update

PHILIPPINES, September 9, 2002 -- Wheat imports in MY02/03 are predicted to rise from the previous year's level with feed wheat from India expected account for most of the gain. Major buyers are also seriously considering purchases from non-traditional suppliers such as Argentina, France and Poland due to rising prices in the U.S. and Canada. Corn imports are expected to be roughly unchanged.

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Oilseeds Report

INDIA, September 9, 2002 -- Government of India fixes reference price for crude soybean oil imports.

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Grain and Feed Update

TURKEY, September 9, 2002 -- Turkey's wheat production and trade forecasts for the marketing year 2002 are revised slightly. Corn production and trade forecasts remain unchanged from the most recent update on July 31 (TU2032). Quality remains the greatest concern for the current wheat crop, and TMO has recently tendered to import wheat from the EU, Romania and Hungary.

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Weekly Rice Price Update

THAILAND, September 9, 2002 -- Weekly rice price and trade update.

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Wheat and Corn Update

CROATIA, September 9, 2002 -- Croatia's wheat crop is nearly 950,000 MT, much larger than expected. Up to 250,000 MT will be exported using government subsidies, a policy that likely violates Croatia's WTO commitments. The corn crop looks very good and weather conditions have been favorable. Croatia will export small surpluses to neighboring ex-Yugoslav countries. Some farmers are prepared to store or feed corn in light of the current low price for corn.

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Danish 2002/03 Grain and Corn Import Demand

DENMARK, September 9, 2002 -- With a decrease in 2002 wheat harvest of 17 percent, Danish wheat imports are forecast to reach 400,000 tons in 2002/03. Danish Corn trade is almost nonexistent.

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Corn PS&D Update

THAILAND, September 9, 2002 -- Thai corn imports exceed exports as sales head towards new low and local poultry industry and dry weather fuel demand.

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Grain and Feed Update

SYRIA, September 9, 2002 -- The 2002 wheat crop was a record, estimated to exceed 4.5 million tons. Wheat stocks have sharply increased, enabling exports of over one million tons before the next crop is in. The barley crop was not as good and is estimated at 800,000 tons. Barley imports continue due to international prices that are significantly below local crop prices. The corn crop has not yet been harvested, but imports have increased significantly due to increase in poultry production and feed exports to Iraq.

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Grain and Feed Update

JORDAN, September 9, 2002 -- Jordan's total annual wheat imports are expected to decrease slightly next year, but US wheat exports to Jordan are expected to decline 21 percent during MY 2002/2003 due to high US prices relative to other wheat origins.

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Positive Outlook for U.S. Grain Exports

MEXICO, September 9, 2002 -- Despite the fact that U.S. prices for corn and wheat are expected to increase significantly in MY 2002/03, Mexican imports are not expected to drop from current forecasts given the limited availability of domestic grains and growing consumer demand for meat and processed consumer food products.

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Grain Exports for June 2002

ARGENTINA, September 9, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during June 2002

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Oilseeds and Products: Exports for June 2002

ARGENTINA, September 9, 2002 -- Argentine exports of oilseed, meal and oil during June 2002

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Grain and Feed: September Update

ARGENTINA, September 9, 2002 -- Post estimates 2002/03 corn production at 12.4 million tons and area at 2.25 million hectares, an increase of 1.4 million tons and 250,000 hectares from the USDA August estimate. Increasing expected returns, higher grain prices, and improving access to credit have helped create greater incentive to plant corn.

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Oilseeds and Products: September Update

ARGENTINA, September 9, 2002 -- Post estimates 2002/03 soybean production to 31.5 million tons with no change in area planted, an increase of 1.5 million tons, as the improving agricultural situation has increased expected yields.

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Revised Wheat PS&D

TUNISIA, September 9, 2002 -- MY2002/2003 wheat production is lower than expected due to the worsening of the drought.

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Wheat Update

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, September 9, 2002 -- The wheat harvest in Bosnia-Herzegovina was good but the country still remains dependent on imports. Overall supply in the coming months will be supported by USDA food assistance. This reports contains a production, supply, and demand (PS&D) estimates for wheat.

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Wheat Production Falls to 28 Year Low, Corn Imports Reach Record High

CANADA, September 9, 2002 -- Drought in western Canada reduces all wheat production by 25% to 15.4 MMT, production levels not seen since the 1970/71 crop year. Drought-induced reductions in barley production result in increased imports of corn, a record high of 5.5 MMT.

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Production and Marketing of Honey in Israel

ISRAEL, September 9, 2002 -- Israel produces between 2 and 3 thousand metric tons of honey annually and imports varying quantities between 250 and 650 metric tons to complement domestic production. Duties on honey are prohibitive and allow the government complete control of the quantities entering the honey market. In the long term, Israel is a potential marketing center for U.S. honey throughout the region

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Wheat and Corn Update

COLOMBIA, September 9, 2002 -- Higher prices are expected to reduce domestic consumption and imports of wheat. Imports are projected to fall from 1.22 million tons to 1.1 million tons in MY 2002/2003. Imports of corn are not expected to change significantly, since part of the higher world price has been offset by reductions in duties paid under the price band system.

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Grain and Feed Update

VENEZUELA, September 9, 2002 -- Post is submitting these tables to clear up past discrepancies in data between Post and Washington. Please refer to VE2017, VE2020, and VE2007 for more details. Post is also reducing the wheat import forecast this month due to the major devaluation of the bolivar during the past six months. Revised actual data for 2001/02 is not yet available.

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Grain and Feed: Update for September Lockup

BRAZIL, September 9, 2002 -- Post raised the 2002 wheat production forecast to 3.8 million tons and lowered the 2002 import forecast to 6.2 million tons. Post lowered the 2002/03 corn area and production forecasts to 12 million hectares and 35.4 million tons respectively. Due to the smaller production forecast, Post raised the 2002/03 corn import forecast to 800,000 tons and lowered the export forecast to 500,000 tons. The 2001/02 and 2002/03 rice area and production forecasts were lowered slightly.

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Mexican Government Announces New Corn Import Certificates

MEXICO, September 9, 2002 -- On August 29, 2002, the Secretariat of Economy (SE) announced the new corn import permit certificates for 2,666,925 MT which exceed the NAFTA tariff-rate quota. The new certificates are valid from August 28 until December 31, 2002. With these new import permits, SE will enforce the over-quota tariffs of 1 percent on yellow corn and 2 percent duty on white corn.

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Poultry and Products Annual

MEXICO, September 9, 2002 -- Mexico's poultry industry is forecast to continue expanding during MY 2003 (Jan-Dec) as the trend toward vertical integration in the chicken sector continues. Imports of U.S. poultry products are forecast to increase as North American Free Trade Agreement tariffs and tariff-rate quotas are eliminated in January 2003. The Mexican poultry industry is concerned about the potential for growth in imports, and is seeking measures to slow imports. Imports of fresh and frozen poultry for retail sale came to halt in June of 2002 when the Government of Mexico imposed new testing requirements for Avian Influenza. At the time of this report, only imports of cooked chicken and chicken for processing are being imported.

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Agribusiness Report August

NEW ZEALAND, September 10, 2002 -- General: Negotiations on a free-trade agreement with Hong Kong have stalled. New Zealand's competitiveness remains in agriculture. Horticulture: Guiness Peat Group unveils plans for Enza and Turners & Growers merger. Dairy: Fonterra's financial position deteriorated in the six months to March 2002. Forestry: Fletcher Forests' proposal to purchase Central North Island Forests Partnership assets is rejected by shareholders.

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Livestock and Products Annual

NEW ZEALAND, September 11, 2002 -- New Zealand's cattle population grew 3.5 percent to 9.6 million mainly driven by an increasing dairy cattle herd. Beef and veal production in 2002/03 is forecast to increase 2 percent, with exports rising 4 percent. Sheep numbers increased to 44.7 million but lamb production and exports in 2002/03 are forecast to decrease somewhat. The industry strives to increase sales of lower grade manufacturing beef in markets outside the U.S. and Canada.

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HRI Food Service Sector Market Brief

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, September 10, 2002 -- The expansion of incorporated chain restaurant businesses and consumers' ever strong demand for new and international tastes, quick service and quality foods have fueled a rapid growth and diversification of the food service sector in recent years. Koreans spent 41% of their total food budget on eating outside of the home in 2001, an amount which is expected to grow 4-5% annually. The outlook for U.S. exports of a variety of food products in the Korean market is excellent.

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Crop Update

HUNGARY, September 10, 2002 -- After record export sales last year, a mild drought hit grain production and reduced Hungary's wheat and corn export forecasts for the 2002/2003 marketing year. Hungarian wheat and corn are increasingly being exported to nearby countries, especially the EU, which has established duty free access for Hungarian corn and wheat. A strong local currency may hurt exports in the short term. Grain imports are marginal.

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Grain and Feed Update

LEBANON, September 10, 2002 -- Lebanon imports most of its wheat consumption which is approximately 400,000 MT to 450,000 MT per year. Local production is estimated at 60,000 MT per year. Government control on wheat imports via import licensing is expected to continue. The private sector is expected to import approximately 80,000 MT of barley, 300,000 MT of corn, and 50,000 MT of rice.

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Pork Imports from the U.S. Exceed 2002 Safeguard

MEXICO, September 10, 2002 -- On August 12, 2002, Mexico announced that the quantity of select pork products (HS0210.12.01) imported from the United States had exceeded the safeguard quota agreed to under NAFTA. As a result, beginning August 12, 2002, the tariff increased to 10 percent from the in-quota rate of 2 percent. The higher rate will remain in effect through December 31, 2002.

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Grain and Feed Update

ISRAEL, September 10, 2002 -- US wheat exports are expected to decline by 44 percent next year due to an anticipated increase in local production and high U.S. prices relative to other suppliers. U.S. corn exports to Israel are also expected to decrease by 40 percent because of an anticipated increase of low-priced feed wheat imports from the Black Sea Basin.

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Grain and Feed: September Update

ROMANIA, September 10, 2002 -- No summary available.

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Sunflowerseed and Products Update

TURKEY, September 10, 2002 -- Due to increased area and favorable weather conditions, the MY2002 Turkish sunflowerseed production forecast was increased to 820,000MT. The recent import tariff change (TU2028) favors utilization of local sunflower seed but the continuing domestic need for sunflower oil and meal and available supplies in Black Sea countries are expected to increase sunflowerseed imports for crushing. Government polices continue to constrain imports of sun oil for refining and re-export. As a result, Turkey' refined sun oil exports decreased drastically to about 20 TMT in MY2001. At this time, sun oil exports are expected to recover during MY2002 due to availability of seed in Turkey and in the Black sea region.

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Grain and Feed Update

NIGERIA, September 10, 2002 -- Forecast of Nigeria's wheat and corn imports have been revised downwards to reflect the impact of rising international market prices and recent sharp devaluation in the local currency.

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Local and Imported Products Treated Differently Under New IVA Law

VENEZUELA, September 10, 2002 -- One of the changes to the Venezuelan Added Tax (IVA) this summer states that certain imported products will be treated differently from domestic products in the collection of the tax. Imported products will be assessed the IVA tax if the respective Venezuelan Ministries state that there is sufficient national production of the same or equivalent products, which remains exempt from IVA. In the agricultural sector, this ruling now affects imports of rice, eggs, tuna and sardines, coffee, sausages and mortadella, and bottled water. In certain cases Customs officials are also requiring specific documentation stating there is no national production in order to waive the application of the IVA tax. This has so far affected the import of fruits, particularly grapes. The normal IVA is now 16 percent.

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Livestock and Products Annual

MEXICO, September 10, 2002 -- Imports of cattle and beef are forecast to increase marginally during CY2003, while imports of swine and pork are forecast unchanged in CY2003. Mexico's livestock industry is going through tough times. As 2003 approaches, pressure from producer groups to impose trade measures may increase, particularly in the pork sector. On August 8, 2002, the Government of Mexico (GOM) unveiled a suit of so-called "agriculture armor," a strategic program to defend the nation's ailing agriculture sector from rising food imports. However, production trends within the livestock industry, such as vertical integration in the pork sector, and problems with cost of production in the cattle sector are not likely to be altered through trade remedies.

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Exporting U.S. Wine to Ontario

CANADA, September 10, 2002 -- Many of the wineries of California, New York, Oregon, Idaho and Washington state have established associations and marketing representatives to help with the promotion and export of their wines in foreign markets. Wineries from other states, and particularily smaller wineries, do not have such an established network to guide them through the process.

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Tree Nuts Annual

MEXICO, September 10, 2002 -- Mexico's pecan production for MY 2002/03 is forecast to slightly increase to 63,500 MT, approximately 1 percent more than last year's crop. Due to water limitations, new trees have not been planted for the past couple of years, therefore, farmers are resorting more to quality inputs such as better fertilizers and pesticides and better tree care in order to improve production and nut quality.

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Weekly Highlights & Hot Bites, Issue #29

MEXICO, September 10, 2002 -- Sales to Mexico Results From HRI Latin America/Caribbean Buyers' Mission*Record Sales of U.S. Soybeans and Products*Extension of NOM-EM-015-ZOO-2002*The Poultry Sector and Agriculture Armor*Sugar Mills Expropriation Payment Overdue

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This Week in Canadian Agriculture, Issue 31

CANADA, September 10, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * Potato Wart Found Again on Prince Edward Island * Trade Challenge Threatened If U.S. Imposes Country of Origin Labeling * Canadian Government Urged to Open Agricultural Markets, Says Leaked Memo * Grain Workers Union at Vancouver Port Reject Contract Offer * Eastern Europe Feed Grain Enters Eastern Canada * Wet Weather Hampers Saskatchewan Harvest Progress * Ex-Ag Minister to Advise Western Canadian Wheat Growers * Needs of Crop and Feed Industry Guide New Alberta Fusarium Policy

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Poultry and Products Annual

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, September 10, 2002 -- In 2003, broiler production and imports of chicken cuts are expected to increase slightly from 2002 levels to support the continuing trend of increasing poultry meat consumption. In 2002, production of broilers in Korea sharply increased. In 2003, Korea's market for imported chicken is expected to be dominated again by the U.S. if the U.S. continues to offer price competitive chicken legs. In 2002, poultry imports, mainly chicken legs, are projected to reach nearly 20 percent of domestic production.

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Grain and Feed Update

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, September 10, 2002 -- Increased food wheat prices and the recent FMD outbreak have reduced prospects for food wheat and corn imports in MY 2002/03.

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AFTA Preferential Tariff

VIETNAM, September 10, 2002 -- The report updates list of agricultural products subjected to Vietnam's Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA)'s tariff reduction for 2002/06 period.

Food Business Line

JAPAN, September 11, 2002 -- Report Highlights: A summary of current news reports in Amercia's largest food and agricultural export market as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: USDA Secretary Veneman attends a seminar at Japan's Akasaka Elementary School's cooking school featuring U.S. beef and pork; Seven-Eleven Japan continues to outpace its competitors with plans to open 900 stores in 2002; Attempts to target the environment and health-conscious Japanese consumer is noted with a new offer of foods produced with minimal chemicals and fertilizer, and in another example, preservative-free, ‘non-GM' sandwiches offered by Pret A Manger of Britain; McDonald's Japan's very successful hamburger price promotion causes local competitors to respond in like manner and; Nippon Meat Packers admits to disguising imported meat as domestic under a government-funded beef buyback program.

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Agriculture Grows 3.17 Percent in First Half

PHILIPPINES, September 11, 2002 -- Philippine agriculture slowed to a 3.17 percent expansion in the first six months of 2002 after posting a 4.32 percent growth rate during the same period last year. This year's growth was fueled mainly by good production and higher farmgate prices. All agricultural subsectors registered production gains during the period.

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Livestock and Products Annual

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, September 11, 2002 -- As farmers adapt to the liberalized beef and cattle market, contraction of hanwoo beef cattle has stopped. 2003 should continue to see gradual increases in beef imports. Chilled beef and pork imports are expected to increase to meet consumer preferences. Australia will continue its efforts to ship live feeding cattle but success will depend on whether they overcome farmer protests. Korea is expected to be recognized by OIE for being free from FMD in late 2002 with resumption of pork exports to Japan, its largest export market, following in March 2003.

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Livestock and Products Annual

JAPAN, September 11, 2002 -- Monthly beef consumption and import levels are expected to recover from the BSE crisis to near average levels by the end of 2002. The outlook for Japan's beef market in 2003 is improving. Consumption is forecast to increase 7%, while import demand is expected to rise 17%. However, the possible imposition of Japan's beef safeguard in 2003 could hamper imports. Strong pork demand is expected to ease late in 2002. For 2003, pork consumption is forecast to fall 2% as BSE-related demand eases, while imports are expected to fall by about 2%. Japan's pork safeguard is not expected to trigger in 2003.

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Poultry and Products Annual

MALAYSIA, September 11, 2002 -- The best prospects for U.S. exporters appear to be in supplying day-old chicks (DOC), broiler grandparent stock, frozen turkey/turkey parts and frozen chicken parts. There are also limited opportunities for sales of processed poultry meat. Joint-venture investments in the production of higher quality processed/deli meat may also be an area worth exploring by U.S. business investors.

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Livestock and Products Annual

INDIA, September 11, 2002 -- MY 2002 Carabeef exports are estimated to rebound to 280,000 tons following efforts taken by the industry and the government to control frequent FMD outbreaks and increased demand from traditional importing countries following the current Argentinian crisis. MY 2003 exports are forecast to grow by 5 percent estimated at 295,000 tons.

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Livestock and Products Annual

ARGENTINA, September 11, 2002 -- Argentine beef production for 2003 is projected to remain stable, while exports are expected to increase to 360,000 MT. The strong devaluation of January 2002 improved cattlemen's returns and export competitiveness. More than half of the markets which closed in 2001 because of Argentina's foot and mouth disease crisis have now re-opened, with most others expected to re-open in 2003. The recently created Argentine Beef Promotional Institute is expected to commence operations before the end of this year.

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Poultry and Products Annual

THAILAND, September 11, 2002 -- Thailand's broiler meat production and exports are forecast to grow in 2003.

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Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual

BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, September 11, 2002 -- Adverse weather conditions led to lower Belgian and European apple production for the second year in a row, 2002 Belgian production is estimated 8.8 percent lower than 2001. Prices are therefore anticipated to remain firm. Belgian and European 2002 pear production is expected to equal the five year average level. With Belgian pear production up 60 percent over 2001, import demand is forecast lower and exports higher than last year.

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Auction of Permits to Import Milk Powder Set for October 4

MEXICO, September 9, 2002 -- On September 5, 2002, Mexico's Secretariat of Economy announced it will conduct an auction on October 4, 2002, for permits (cupos) for the Mexican private sector to import 1,007,000 Kgs. of milk powder from MFN trading partners.

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Exporter Guide Annual

COSTA RICA, September 9, 2002 -- This is an information on how to export to Costa Rica. It includes a general summary of the country on the political/economic and social situation. Also, there is data on the market situation of the food sector, food import regulations, standards and labeling, distribution channels, transportation access, import requirements, etc.

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Livestock and Products Annual

AUSTRALIA, September 12, 2002 -- Post forecasts an eight percent increase in cattle slaughter for CY 2003 to 9.7 million head, the highest slaughter figure since 1978. Beef production for CY 2003 is forecast to rise seven percent to 2,050 TMT. Exports of beef & veal for CY 2003 are forecast by post to increase by over 12 percent to a record 1,600 TMT, driven by an increased slaughter and an improved outlook for exports. Sheepmeat production for CY 2003 is forecast to increase by nearly three percent to 688,000 MT. Post forecasts pig meat production to remain unchanged in CY 2003.

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Poultry and Products Annual

JAPAN, September 12, 2002 -- Broiler demand expected to ease in 2003, as beef demand recovers from BSE. Imports are expected to fall 7% in 2003 due to weak demand. Imports of U.S. poultry, which are expected to fall sharply in 2002, will slowly recover next year. Import demand for eggs is expected to rise by 2% in 2003, due to smaller domestic supplies. Demand for imported processed egg products is expected to increase.

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Livestock and Products Annual

TAIWAN, September 12, 2002 -- Taiwan's pig production is forecast to recover in 2003 in response to high 2002 prices. At the same time, U.S. exports of beef and some pork products are expected to increase because of Taiwan's improved economic prospects and WTO accession. With Taiwan's WTO accession on January 1, 2002, imports of beef variety meats were liberalized while trade in pork bellies and variety meats were moved to a Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) system. The TRQ's will increase from year to year until full liberalization in 2005.

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Planting Seeds Annual

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, September 12, 2002 -- In 2001, South Africa's planted seed production is estimated at about 139,000 MT, an increase of about 37% from a year earlier. South Africa's new biotechnology developments include : the establishment of an Innovation Hub for modern technologies, a provincial Biotechnology Incubator, a Biotechnology Venture Capital fund, and the draft Biotechnology Strategy.

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Livestock and Products Annual

CANADA, September 12, 2002 -- Lower cattle inventories point to reduced Canadian beef output in 2003 and 2004. Increasing hog numbers are expected to result in record hog production in 2003 and record pork exports.

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Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual

POLAND, September 12, 2002 -- After record CY2001 apple production, the crop in CY 2002 is expected to decline 25 percent mainly because of unfavorable weather conditions in April-May 2002. Lower apple production will result in lower concentrated apple juice production. To cover fresh fruit demand, Poland could increase apple imports. Concentrated apple juice exports, virtually all destined for the EU, are forecast to drop over 10 percent.

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Prolongation on Emergency Rule for Control of Beta-Agonist use in Livestock

MEXICO, September 12, 2002 -- On September 2, 2002, Mexico's Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) published the prolongation of the emergency regulation NOM-EM-ZOO-2002, Technical Specifications for the Control in the use of beta-agonists in animals. This regulation will continue in effect until March 2, 2003.

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Wood Furniture Imports Grow 15.7% in 2001

JAPAN, September 12, 2002 -- With China leading the roster of key exporters to Japan, Japanese wood furniture imports grew 15.7% in 2001 from the previous year. Overall furniture imports, including steel and wood furniture as well as related accessary parts, also grew 12.8% from the preceding year.

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Grapefruit

POLAND, September 13, 2002 -- The average Pole consumes almost 7 kg of citrus fruit per year; an increase in consumption of grapefruit and oranges is expected in the near future. U.S. sales of grapefruit to Poland are making a dramatic comeback after significant decreases in the year 2000. Prior to 2000, U.S. exports had been increasing steadily over a span of several years. Exports in 2001 showed a 60% recovery, increasing from 4,237 MT to 7,164 MT. Further increases are expected as a result of the September 2002 import duty reduction from 15% down to 5% applied to U.S. grapefruit.

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Wine

POLAND, September 13, 2002 -- U.S. wine imports by Poland increased 65 percent between 2001 and 1999, reaching $2.5 million in value. Poles have been exploring different types and flavors of wine, increasing overall consumption, which has been predicted to increase 10-15% annually. California held its first industry-wide wine tasting in May 2002 in Poland. Wine tastings as a marketing tool are gaining popularity. In September 2002, a U.S-Polish agreement reduced key import duties from 30 down to 20 percent. Poland's probable EU accession in 2004 will result in duty free access for EU wines, but also ratchet down current import duties for non-EU suppliers.

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Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual

NETHERLANDS, September 13, 2002 -- The production of apples is estimated this year at 355,000 MT, 25 percent less than last year, with stable per capita consumption. The import of apples is estimated higher this coming year, while exports are expected lower. This year the production of pears will be 175,000 MT, a 150 percent increase over last year. The consumption of pears is stable. As a result imports will be lower this year while the export of pears is estimated at 185,000 MT, up from 90,000 MT in 2001.

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U.S. Captures 64% Share in the 2nd SBS Rice Tender

JAPAN, September 13, 2002 -- On August 30, the Food Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted its second Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) rice tender for Japan Fiscal Year 2002 (April 2002 - March 2003). A total of 10,596 metric tons of foreign rice was contracted with the U.S. accounting for 6,807 metric tons, or 64% of the total. Contracts for Chinese rice slumped at 3,060 metric tons for a 29% market share.

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Poultry and Products Annual

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, September 13, 2002 -- Poultry meat and egg production are expected to increase moderately over the next few years in order to meet rising domestic demand. Poultry product exports face difficulties due to continued problems with antibiotic residues and poultry diseases. Poultry product imports face continued difficulties due to import permit controls and restrictions.

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TRQ Re-Allocation Notice

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, September 10, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Notice of TRQ Re-Allocation for Major Agricultural 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 of the regulation is accurate.

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Weekly rice report: Brussels September 10 , 2002

EUROPEAN UNION, September 13, 2002 -- 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".

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Corn Update

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, September 13, 2002 -- Current corn consuption of U.S. corn exceeds one million tons. Higher international prices are not anticipated to lower the Dominican Republic's requirements for imported corn.

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Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual

GREECE, September 13, 2002 -- An extremely cold winter and August storms have reduced apple production by 28% and pear production by 55% compared to 2001 levels. Table grapes were likewise negatively affected, especially due to hail damage, reducing production by 6 percent. Imports, usually supplied mostly by EU partners, are expected to reach 14,000 MT for apples, 28,000 MT for pears, and nearly 8,000 MT for table grapes. A new program registering land planted to table grapes and wine grapes is underway.

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Wheat Update

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, September 13, 2002 -- The overall economic slowdown in the Dominican Republic and the increase in the international prices for wheat reduced wheat consuption in MY 2001 and anticipates further decrease in MY 2002.

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Livestock and Products Annual

PHILIPPINES, September 13, 2002 -- Modest gains in Philippine live cattle and beef imports are forecast this year, with stronger sales predicted in 2003, as BSE-related concerns continue to subside. Strong Philippine pork production is forecast through next year, which will reduce already modest imports of swine meat.

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Sanitary and Epidemiological Norms and Regulations-SanPin 2.3.2.1078-01

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, September 11, 2002 -- New food sanitary regulations have come into force in Russia. Post provides an informal translation of the table of contents and the regulation's scope, general provisions, and hygienic requirements for food safety and nutrition.

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Mexico Initiates a Global Safeguard Investigation Against Plywood Imports

MEXICO, September 11, 2002 -- The Mexican government announced the initiation of a global safeguard investigation against all plywood imports; this is in response to a petition filed by the Mexican National Association of Plywood (ANAFATA).

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Admin Measures for Import and Export Meat Product Inspection & Quarantine

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, September 13, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of china Administrative Measures for Import and Export Meat Product Inspection and Quarantine and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulations is accurate.

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China FAIRS Report Working Index

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, September 13, 2002 -- This report is the China Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Working Index. It is an index of all the food and food import regulations that have been translated by the Agricultural Affairs Office of the US Embassy in Beijing. All translations are UNOFFICIAL.

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