September 1, 2000

EU export subsidy aps push WTO limit
The European Commission last week started accepting applications from European food processors for export subsidies, despite earlier worries that the high cost program would push the European Union above the limits on its subsidies agreed to during the last round of trade talks under the World Trade Organization (WTO). The subsidies on so-called “Non-Annex 1 products” were suspended in May by the European Commission. At the time, the commission said it was worried that if export subsidies paid on the food products continued, the commission would exceed its WTO limits. The commission also said it risked running out of funds allocated to the subsidies.

“Export refunds are payable on basic agricultural products (cereals, milk, sugar, rice and eggs) contained in processed products (e.g. chocolate, biscuits and spirit drinks).
Source: Feedstuffs, Aug. 14, 2000

Brush control data collected
The State Property Tax Division is collecting data to determine the areas of the state where it is appropriate to include a brush control program expense in the calculation of net-to-land agricultural use evaluation. When it is determined brush control programs are typical and prudent for a county, a line item expense will be included in the division’s calculation of agricultural productivity values.
Source: June/July 2000 Statement

Argentina postpones beef exports to the U.S.
Argentina has temporarily put a hold on fresh and frozen beef exports to the United States because of possible foot-and-mouth disease contamination.

Argentina’s announcement follows a government order to destroy nearly 3,000 grass-fed cattle last week. Some cattle grown in northern Paraguay tested positive for the virus that causes foot-and-mouth, which causes animals to stop eating and die. Agriculture Department officials said they did not think Argentina’s decision would be a long-standing one.

Trade agreements allow Argentina to export 20,000 tons of beef annually to the U.S. The U.S. imported 157 million pounds of beef from Argentina last year, 5.5 percent of the total U.S. beef imports.
Source: AFBF Speedline, Executive Newswatch, Aug. 14, 2000