Asia Pacific | SARS affecting meat tradePublicity over the outbreak of Severe...
Asia Pacific
SARS affecting meat trade
Publicity over the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong and China is stifling tourism in the region, keeping people out of hotels and restaurants, and reducing demand for imported meat products, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Last year, U.S. beef and beef variety meat exports to China/Hong Kong were up 23 percent in volume, at 39,810 metric tons, while value was up 18 percent to more than $102 million. A handful of Chinese officials, including Beijing's mayor, were relieved of their duties this week after it became apparent they had downplayed the significance of the SARS outbreak. — G.H.
Australian scientists contemplate animal trials - SARS
Australian scientists could infect pigs, chickens and cats with imported strains of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), in a bid to find out where the virus comes from
China imposes Sars quarantines
China brings in tough measures to try to curb the spread of the pneumonia-like Sars virus, as many flee the capital.
War Coverage Hits NZ Meat Exports
War watching has proved more damaging to New Zealand's meat export trade than any other consequence of the conflict in Iraq
Americas
Mexico's president calls for increased NAFTA trade
In his first news conference in more than one month, Mexico's President Vicente Fox outlined plans for establishing a vision for what he called "the second decade of NAFTA."
Economist: South America Dethroning U.S. as Soybean King
Purdue University Ag economist Chris Hurt says foreign competition is nibbling away at United States soybean export volume at a time when world markets are devouring soybeans by the shipload. Hurt says while global soybean consumption continues to rise, South American soybean growers might be in a better position to cash in this year and in the future.
Europe
Going for the Direct Approach
British pig meat industry launches direct marketing approach to boost pork sales.
Brussels to tighten animal feed controls
The European Union, following recent food scares and outbreaks of animal diseases, is planning to impose a tough new regime on companies that produce animal feed. The product was identified as the main source for some of the most serious health scares, including BSE or mad cow disease.
USA
US consumer group urges removal of meat substitute
A meat substitute, made from fungus, was making hundreds of people violently ill and should be immediately removed from grocery store shelves, a U.S. consumer group said on Wednesday.
Meatless Monday campaign draws industry scrutiny
An organization that supports the elimination of meat consumption one day each week is drawing concern and criticism from industry trade groups.
Call For Voluntary US Meat Certification Programmer
American Meat Institute calls for voluntary certification and outlines flaws in mandatory country of origin labeling.