Asia Pacific | U.S., Japanese officials debate audit compromise U.S. and Japa...

Asia Pacific

U.S., Japanese officials debate audit compromise
U.S. and Japanese trade officials are slated to hold talks in the coming days to hammer out details of a proposed compromise of a third-party audit verification program to monitor U.S. beef processors to counter Japan's demand that U.S. exports be certified after Sept. 1 that they contain no beef from Canada.

Japan Said to be Ready to Okay U.S. Steps on BSE
Reports say that Japan appears ready to sign off on U.S. steps to guard against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in U.S. beef shipped to Japan.

Americas

CANADA/JAPAN/USA: US, Japanese working out deal to allow Canadian beef imports into US
Government officials in Japan and the US will this week work on a deal that should allow the import of Canadian beef into the US.

USA

USDA Announces Sign-Up For Livestock Assistance Program Begins August 6
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced sign-up for the Livestock Assistance Program (LAP) begins August 6. This program was authorized by the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003 (2003 Act) and $250 million were made available to livestock producers for grazing losses that occurred in either 2001 or 2002. When the sign-up period ends (Oct. 24, 2003), the total value of all applications will be determined and if in excess of $250 million will be adjusted proportionately.

Asia Pacific

U.S., Japanese officials debate audit compromise
U.S. and Japanese trade officials are slated to hold talks in the coming days to hammer out details of a proposed compromise of a third-party audit verification program to monitor U.S. beef processors to counter Japan's demand that U.S. exports be certified after Sept. 1 that they contain no beef from Canada.

Japan Said to be Ready to Okay U.S. Steps on BSE
Reports say that Japan appears ready to sign off on U.S. steps to guard against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in U.S. beef shipped to Japan.

Americas

CANADA/JAPAN/USA: US, Japanese working out deal to allow Canadian beef imports into US
Government officials in Japan and the US will this week work on a deal that should allow the import of Canadian beef into the US.

USA

USDA Announces Sign-Up For Livestock Assistance Program Begins August 6
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced sign-up for the Livestock Assistance Program (LAP) begins August 6. This program was authorized by the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003 (2003 Act) and $250 million were made available to livestock producers for grazing losses that occurred in either 2001 or 2002. When the sign-up period ends (Oct. 24, 2003), the total value of all applications will be determined and if in excess of $250 million will be adjusted proportionately.