JAPAN, September 1, 2004 -- From America's largest overseas food and agricultural export market as translated from Japan's mass media and food industry news. This issue includes: Seven-Eleven continues to gain strength increasing market share to 32%, while the growth rate of overall Japanese convenience store market slows down; Wal-Mart is seeking to assist in revitalization of Daiei; McDonald's Japan expects improvements in its earnings for the first half of fiscal 2004; Japan's agricultural self-sufficiency rate holds steady at 40% in 2003 and; the U.S. Honey Board launched several promotions targeting the HRI sector in Tokyo in August.

INDIA, September 1, 2004 -- *India sold out to West at WTO: Agriculture Minister*, *Farm exporters may reap double harvest*, *Import prices of edible oils may be cut*, *FDI flip-flop: Retailers give country the skip*, *ICRISAT to promote transgenic technology*.

AUSTRIA, September 1, 2004 -- In 2003, Austria's bull, steer, cow and heifer stock was 1 percent above the previous year. The calf stock was 3 percent below 2002. Slaughter cattle totaled 684,951 head, a 3 percent drop. Total production of beef and veal amounted to 200,000 MT with domestic consumption reaching 155,000 MT. In 2003, Austria's opening swine stock was 1 percent above the previous year. Slaughter hogs totaled 5,310 thousand, a 1 percent increase. Due to the decoupling process of the EU CAP reform and the accession of 10 new EU member states in May 2004, Austria faces significant uncertainties in the livestock sector during the next couple of years. However, cautious forecasts do not foresee major changes in this sector.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, September 1, 2004 -- Russian poultry production is forecast to expand for an eighth straight year in 2005, as broiler production grows by 13 percent. The poultry import quota and its poor implementation will play a decisive role in 2004 by restricting imports to about 70 percent of the quota level. The Russian import substitution policy and growing demand will continue to push prices significantly higher and simultaneously depress domestic consumption of poultry.

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, September 1, 2004 -- Uzbekistan's MY 04/05 official seed cotton production and planted area were set at 3.6 million metric tons (MMT) and 1.33 million hectares. Lint production is forecast at 1.04 MMT. Although the Uzbek textile industry is expanding, consumption is expected to remain unchanged. MY04/05 lint exports are forecast at 750,000 MT.

FINLAND, September 1, 2004 -- In 2003, the output from Finnish sawmills amounted to 13.6 million cum, 2.5 percent more than in 2002. A 5% increase in domestic consumption of sawnwood in Finland in 2003, stimulated the growth in production. Although threatened in the European market by increased output from the Baltics, the Finnish industry believes that the Baltics cannot expand their exports much more. Russia is considered to have huge possibilities to increase its export supply to Europe. Finnish exports to the U.S. decreased by 58% in 2003 due to the weakened dollar. Hardwood lumber and panel products continue to present the best opportunities for U.S. suppliers.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, September 1, 2004 -- Broiler production reached 808,000 tons in 2003 but a small decrease in production is foreseen for 2004. This is mainly due to increased import competition brought about by the strong SA rand. The exchange rate, currently about R6.68 to the Dollar after a 2002 average of R10.52 was recorded, is putting pressure on domestic prices, which is influencing expansion plans.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, September 1, 2004 -- UAE poultry producers face significant production hurdles that inhibit their ability to capitalize on opportunities presented in this growing consumer market. Poultry suppliers are reacting to the unsatisfied market demand by importing frozen poultry, at record level in 2003 that does not appear to be waning in 2004 despite health/safety problems internationally.