PAKISSAN.com; FAS Daily Attache Report Digest

INDIA, August 8, 2002 -- With the imminent prospect of one of the worst droughts in decades, 2002/03 cotton production is forecast to decline to 13.2 million bales (170 kg) on lower planting and yields. Imports are expected to rise to 3.0 million bales due to tight domestic supplies.

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Country Report

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, August 8, 2002 -- Updates in this report include the following:

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Country Report

FRANCE, August 8, 2002 -- The following sections have been updated:

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New TMO Procurement Prices for Grains (Aug. 5)

TURKEY, August 9, 2002 -- The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) once again announced new purchasing prices for grains. This was the third increase in the purchasing prices since the base purchasing prices were announced in mid June. The new prices are 0.5 percent to 10.6 percent higher from the first announced base price. According to industry sources, TMO increased its purchasing prices in order to stimulate more farmer sales to TMO.

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Weekly rice report, Brussels, August 6 , 2002

EUROPEAN UNION, August 9, 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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Mexico's Monthly Crop Update, July 2002

MEXICO, August 9, 2002 -- FAS/Mexico is maintaining the previous forcasts for MY 2002/03, as official sources indicate that weather in the last few weeks has been fairly normal.

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Turmoil in Peru's Agricultural Sector

PERU, August 9, 2002 -- The GOP is facing various protests by agricultural producers, especially producers of corn, rice, cotton and potatoes. Several organizations, including rice producers, took control of the city of Tarapoto (on the eastern slopes of the Andes) in the past week.

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Shrimp situation

PERU, August 9, 2002 -- Shrimp production is expected at 2,400 MT in 2002. After falling for three consecutive years, due to an outbreak of the White Spot virus shrimp production is expected to increase by 111 percent this year.

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Pork Imports from the U.S. Exceed 2002 Safeguard

MEXICO, August 9, 2002 -- On July 30, 2002, Mexico announced that the quantity of select pork products (HS0203.22.01 and HS0203.29.99) imported from the United States had exceeded the safeguard quota agreed to under NAFTA. As a result, beginning July 30, 2002, the tariff increased to 20 percent from the in-quota rate of 2 percent. The higher rate will remain in effect through December 31, 2002.

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Asparagus Annual

JAPAN, August 12, 2002 -- Japanese production of fresh asparagus is projected to reach 31,500 metric tons in 2002, up approximately 10 percent from the previous year. Although Japan’s harvestarea for asparagus has been unchanged since last year at around 7,700 hectares, warm temperatures in early spring and newly planted high-yield trees led to a good crop in 2002. Japanese imports of fresh asparagus from the United States and Mexico declined 18 and 44 percent in 2002, respectively.

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Tree Nuts Annual

FRANCE, August 12, 2002 -- France is both a competitor and market for the United States in the walnut sector. France is the leading European producer of walnuts which, for 2002, are expected to be 30,000 MT. As a major walnut supplier, France exports mainly to Germany, Spain and Italy. French and U.S. products compete in these markets. Currently, the relatively weak U.S. dollar favors U.S. product over French walnut product as shelled snack food. The bulk of the French market is supplied by domestically-grown walnuts. However, there are market opportunities for U.S. shelled walnuts for snacking or as an ingredient in the food processing industry.

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Sugar Annual

SWAZILAND, August 12, 2002 -- Swaziland's current cane crop is estimated at 4.39 million tons, 5% more than the previous crop. As a result raw sugar production is expected to reach 566,000 tons. The regional sales forecast is 292,000 tons leaving about 267,000 tons for exports. About 50% of the exports are preferential sales.

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Grain Production: August Update

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, August 12, 2002 -- Total grain output in Russia is expected to be 75.5 mmt, but dry conditions are expected to limit spring grain yield. Grain exports should remain steady year-to-year at almost 6 mmt, despite high ending stocks, as port capacity constraints and policy actions taken by some importing nations creates limits.

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Effects of the U.S. Drought in Grain Imports

GUATEMALA, August 12, 2002 -- Due to weather conditions in The U.S. and Canada, grains such as corn, wheat and soybeans are already experiencing around 20% price increase in Guatemala.

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Peru's Agricultural Profile

PERU, August 8, 2002 -- There are 128 million hectares of agricultural land in Peru, but only 8 million (6 percent) are actually used for commercial crops. More than 80 percent of the farmland is owned by farmers that have less than 10 hectares (about 30 acres).

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Green Party Loses Bargaining Power Over GMOs

NEW ZEALAND, August 13, 2002 -- New Zealand's July 27 general election saw the Green Party's potential to be the major coalition partner to a new Labour-led government significantly reduced. The Green Party made its anti-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) stance clear prior to the election, promising to bring down any government that lifted the moratorium on the release of GMOs into the environment. The moratorium expires in October 2003. The Greens appear now to have lost their previous position of strength due to the rise of other parties. Of these, the center-right United Future Party, which has not taken a clear position on the moratorium, is the one most likely to form a Government with Labour. Consequently, it now seems more likely that the moratorium will be lifted in October 2003.

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Organic Products: Situation & Outlook

NEW ZEALAND, August 8, 2002 -- New Zealand organics exports are forecast to reach US$ 240 million by 2006 mainly driven by dairy giant Fonterra's planned entry into the organics scene. Pipfruit export increases are likely to peak at 950,000 trays in the next few years. Organic kiwifruit exports may stagnate at the current 2.3 million trays but this will be dependent on price premiums over conventional fruit. Organic frozen processed vegetable exports are likely to stagnate due to supply constraints rather than lack of price premiums. A study by the NZ Ministry for the Environment finds support for the importance of a GE-free New Zealand status for NZ organic exports. A national minimum organic standard is currently being developed in consultation with the industry.

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Exporter Guide Annual

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, August 8, 2002 -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) imports around 60 percent of its overall food needs. The market for processed foods focuses on value rather than quality as consumers seek to obtain the most for their money. Food import tariffs are low compared to other countries in the region. Bulk food imports have been supplemented by U.S. food assistance programs that are being phased out. Challenges to exporters include a complicated dual system of government, low incomes, and poor infrastructure. This report contains marketing tips, information on importing foods, a list of upcoming trade shows, and important points of contact.

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Fishery Products: Market Brief

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, August 13, 2002 -- Fish production in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) is hampered by poor infrastructure and low purchasing power. About 50 percent of consumption is imported and 80 percent of imports are low-priced fish types. Seafood consumption is only 2.5 kg per capita. However, if BiH manages to improve living standards, growth in seafood consumption is expected. The market for high quality seafood products is small but growing. Total imports of fish and seafood in 2001 were $11.25 million and almost no U.S. seafood is currently imported into BiH.

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Country Report

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, August 8, 2002 -- This report covers food import rules for Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. It includes information on labeling, packaging, food additives, and import procedures. Important points of contact for U.S. food exporters are listed in the appendices.

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Rice Product Brief

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, August 13, 2002 -- Rice is usually eaten in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) as a side dish and consumption has been stable over the past few years. Total imports of rice in 2001 were around 6,500 MT ($2,715 000) with Italy being the largest single supplier. For some Bosnians, rice holds an image as a ‘wartime food' but this is changing with the introduction of long grain parboiled and other upscale varieties. This report provides trade and pricing data, information on importers, and general import regulations.

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Country Report

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, August 13, 2002 -- The report contains updates on food laws, labeling requirements, food additives regulations, pesticides and other contaminants, copyright/trademark laws, import procedures and regulatory agencies. Please contact this office if you have any comments or suggestions about the material contained in this report (see appendix B for contact information).

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Statistical Tables for the Annual Report

NETHERLANDS, August 13, 2002 -- This report is a statistical overview of the solid wood product sector in The Netherlands.

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This Week in Canadian Agriculture, Issue 27

CANADA, August 13, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * Canada Wins Key WTO Lumber Dispute * B.C. Government Commits to Further Discussions on Forest Practices Code * Canada to Begin Talks on a Proposed Free Trade Agreement with the Andean Countries * CWB Blasted for Market "Distortion" * CWB Predicts Smaller Canadian Wheat Crop * Canadian Hemp Grower Starts Arbitration over Compensation Claim * Saputo Announces the Closing of its Wisconsin, USA Cheese Manufacturing Plant

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Tree Nuts Annual

ITALY, August 14, 2002 -- Weather conditions have been adverse for almonds (frosts in early April), but more favorable for both hazelnuts and walnuts, thanks to summer rains. Domestic crops are expected to be sharply lower for almonds, and slightly fluctuating for the other nuts. Trade in 2002/03 is expected to develop accordingly: more imports for almonds, slightly lower imports of Californian walnuts, and still very high imports of Turkish hazelnuts. Italy is consoldidating its position as a net importer of tree nuts, as the only commercially important export traffic (related to hazelnuts) is dramatically affected by the aggressive competition from Turkey.

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Wheat Update

SLOVENIA, August 14, 2002 -- Slovenia's total what harvest is estimated to be about 160,000 tons or about the same as in 2001. Of this, about 110,000 tons is milling quality wheat. This crop will cover around 60% of Slovenia's wheat needs. The rest is imported, mainly from Hungary.

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English text of Implementing Legislation and Act

SLOVAKIA, August 14, 2002 -- A new ‘Act' (No. 151/2002 On the Use of Genetic Technologies and Genetically Modified Organisms) was adopted by the Slovak Parliament on February 19, 2002, and came into force on April 1, 2002. However, implementing regulations for this law only came into force on June 1,2002. An English ‘working version' of the implementing regulations was recently made available. A copy of these rules, as well as the Act, are provided in this report.

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Auction of Permits to Import Milk Powder Based Preparations Set for Sept. 5

MEXICO, August 12, 2002 -- On August 8, 2002, Mexico's Secretariat of Economy announced it will conduct an auction on September 5, 2002, for permits (cupos) for the Mexican private sector to import 2,204,000 Kgs. of milk powder based preparations duty-free from MFN trading partners.

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Agricultural Situation in Loreto

PERU, August 14, 2002 -- The Department of Loreto, is in the Peruvian rainforest. The agricultural situation in Loreto is significant as a potential source of growing non traditional agricultural production that already has attracted some U.S. investment.

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Weekly Highlights & Hot Bites, Issue #25

MEXICO, August 14, 2002 -- GOM To Defend Farmers with "Agriculture Armor"*Mexico To Import Milk Based Preparations*Ignacio Chapela Requests Protection of Genetic Diversity*GOM Stays Upbeat On Expansion

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Tree Nuts Annual

SYRIA, August 16, 2002 -- Syrian pistachio production continues to increase gradually. Legal imports of shelled pistachios dropped 40 percent in 2000 and are estimated to stay at the same level in 2001 and 2002. This drop is compensated for by illegal imports through Lebanon. In-shell pistachios are not permitted to be imported. Syria exports significant quantities of "green" pistachios to neighboring countries, but cannot compete in world markets with cheaper pistachio exports from Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan.

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Tomatoes and Products Annual

JAPAN, August 15, 2002 -- The Japanese sales of U.S. tomatoes declined approximately 30 percent to 1,048 metric tons in 2001. The principle reason for the decline was Japan's slow economy, according to Tokyo's traders. Both U.S. round tomatoes and Roma tomatoes continue to be well received by Japanese pizza chains, sandwich shops, hotels and restaurants. Steady sales of U.S. tomatoes are expected in 2002, as clients who continue to favor U.S. tomatoes over domestic ones.

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Result of 3rd SBS Tender for Feed Wheat and Barley

JAPAN, August 15, 2002 -- On July 31, the Food Agency (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) conducted its third simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) tender for feed wheat and barley during Japanese fiscal year 2002. The FA contracted 10,120 metric tons of wheat and 160,000 metric tons of barley. Although country of origin is not published, trade sources indicate that 20,000 metric tons of barley and 5,000 metric tons wheat will be brought in from Ukraine.

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Japanese Meat Wholesaler Caught in Beef Scandal

JAPAN, August 12, 2002 -- On August 9, Nippon Meat Packers, Japan's largest meat wholesaler admitted to mislabeling imported beef as domestic beef and selling it to an industry association under the government-funded beef buyback program. While the beef was never marketed, the company is still facing a serious public scandal with most of its products being pulled from many of the major grocery chains. The company is a major player in the meat and poultry trade procuring large volumes of beef and pork from the U.S. The impact of the scandal on U.S. meat exports to Japan will be followed carefully.

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Furniture Industry

INDONESIA, August 16, 2002 -- The economic crisis has not affected the Indonesian furniture industries, including wooden floor and musical instruments manufactures, as ninety percent of their production utilizing imported woods are for export markets. The total direct import of U.S. wood products has experienced around 28%-35% increase between 1996 to 2000 (up to USD 48.1 million).The import of U.S. hardwood veneer for export market had been double up to over USD 6 million in 1999-2000 compare to an average of USD 3.3 million between 1996-1998. An average of 2.65 million M2 (USD 13.3 million) high quality of U.S. hardwood, Birds eye Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Ash and softwood veneer has entered this market via European countries (Germany), targeting only domestic market (Java and Bali islands).

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August Rice Update

VIETNAM, August 16, 2002 -- This report provides information on Vietnam's rice production and exports in the first seven months of 2002. Some weather problems -- drought in Coastal and Tay Nguyen (Central Highland) provinces and seasonal floods in the Mekong River Delta -- are also described. Due to previously signed contracts and surprisingly tight supplies, Vietnam's rice exports in the remaining months of 2002 will mostly go to fulfill Government to Government (G-G) contracts. Post keeps estimates of Vietnam's 2002 rice production and exports unchanged from previous report (July 2002 - VM2010).

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Food Business Line

JAPAN, August 16, 2002 -- A summary of current news reports as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: USDA Secretary Veneman's purchase of a U.S.-produced beef and rice bento lunch box enroute to attend the Quint Agricultural Meeting; Ryoshoku and Nichirei announce plans for frozen food business consolidation; Mycal announces additional store closings; AEON President notes success of US cherry promotion campaign; Japan Chain Store Association reports member-company sales rose slightly for first time in 43 months in June 2002 due to sales increase for at-home dining during televised World Cup soccer matches; Japan Food Service Association, in contrast, reports June sales down over 6 percent during World Cup; Ajinomoto Frozen Foods curtails purchases of Chinese spinach due to food safety concerns; and Japan's Health Ministry discloses the names of three Chinese-manufactured diet aids suspected of causing health damage.

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Weekly Rice Price Update

THAILAND, August 16, 2002 -- Weekly rice price and trade update.

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Exporter Guide Annual

CROATIA, August 16, 2002 -- Croatia imports a significant portion of its food consumption. The prospect of EU accession, the growth in tourism, and continued economic reform could make Croatia a good long-term importer of some U.S. food products, including seafood, animal genetics, wine, and consumer food products. Croatian imports of consumer food items have almost doubled from $267 million in 1993 to $416 million in 2000. Croatian consumers are ‘anti-biotech' and U.S. meat products may not currently be exported to Croatia due to a lack of negotiated USDA/FSIS meat export certificates.

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Weekly rice report, Brussels, August 13 , 2002

EUROPEAN UNION, August 16, 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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An Overview of the Institutional Foodservice Market

CANADA, August 16, 2002 -- Opportunities in the Canadian Institutional Foodservice Market are primarily in the healthcare sub-segment: specifically retirement home foodservice.

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