Asia Pacific | Australia trade minister sets U.S. visitCANBERRA, Sept 26 (Reu...

Asia Pacific

 

Australia trade minister sets U.S. visit
CANBERRA, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said on Thursday he will push for a start to talks on a U.S.-Australia free trade agreement during his visit to Washington next week, hoping to reach a deal by the end of 2004.

 

Americas

 

Argentina's top beef exporter acquires rival
Swift Armour, Argentina's top beef exporter, has agreed to acquire bankrupt rival Vizental for $8 million, the local business press reported.

 

Europe

 

France to announce decision on UK beef embargo Sept 30-Oct 2
Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin will announce a decision on the possibility of lifting France's embargo on British beef between Sept 30-Oct 2, his office said.

 

First British beef exported since last year's FMD outbreak
Sept. 25 was a banner day for the British beef industry. That was the day the first shipment of British beef was to be exported since last year's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom, according to a Reuters report. The shipment went to the Netherlands.

 

Russian Meat Production Rising
Russia's meat industry is pulling out of the slump with increased production.

 

USA

 

NCBA Reiterates Support for Comprehensive, Thorough Evaluation of Uruguay's FMD Status
In response to misleading statements made in a recent article by a Uruguay press outlet, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is reiterating their well-established position on the future resumption of Uruguayan beef imports to the United States.

 

FDA Announces 2002 Food Safety Grants
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced its grants to 10 innovative programs designed to enhance food safety.

 

NFPA Welcomes McClellan Nomination to Top FDA Post
National Food Processors Association President and CEO John R. Cady issued the following statement in response to the pending nomination by President Bush of Dr. Mark McClellan as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

 

Pork Checkoff Sponsors Variety Meats Workshop
Learn about export opportunities Oct. 23 at Iowa State University Meat Lab.

 

PETA blasts high school sports team named (what else) -- the Packers

For millions of sports fans, fall marks the beginning of football season -- something they have been waiting for for a l-o-n-g time. And fall means that the basketball season is not far behind. But for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, it's another opportunity to try and get publicity. Some of their campaigns are goofier than others, and this one falls under the "goofier than others" category.