JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- Japan has three levels of regulatory schemes for imported foods: monitoring, testing-by-order and comprehensive ban. Which scheme is applied depends on the number of regulatory violations. In 2004, 76,000 samples will be taken to monitor antimicrobials, residue chemicals, food additives, microorganisms, fungal toxins, and unapproved genetically modified products.

JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- No The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) quarantine officials now require that certain processed foods must be certified not to contain ingredients derived from ruminants, except for dairy products. MHLW has shared the following guidance which is provided to quarantine stations

JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- Japan has prepared a list of 38 food additives to be withdrawn from its approved list of food additives and is seeking comments on the proposed withdrawals.

JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- In March 2004, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that Quality Labeling Standards certain products under the Japanese Agricultural Standard law would be review and possibly revised. This announcement and the product items to be reviewed can be viewed below, or at http://www.maff.go.jp/mud/539.html.

JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has targeted 2004 as the year they will develop a certification system to provide consumers with production history for all agricultural products. The voluntary production information system will provide for a JAS mark that will apply to all agricultural products. Local producers are likely to use the program to differentiate their products from imports. The details of this announcement can be seen in Japan Agrinfo Newsletter (Vol. 21 No. 7 March 2004) available below and on the Japan International Agricultural Council website at http://www.jiac.or.jp/agrinfo/0403_2.htm#12.

JAPAN, July 14, 2004 -- In April 2004, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the intent to review and possibility revise Quality Labeling Standards that would require place/country of origin for certain ingredients in processed foods, and livestock products. This announcement can be viewed below or on-line at http://www.maff.go.jp/mud/541.html.

NETHERLANDS, July 14, 2004 -- The Dutch HRI industry remains highly fragmented, and is extremely competitive. However, increasing consumer spending and the trend toward consumption of foods from many different countries, provides opportunities for entry into the market.

ISRAEL, July 14, 2004 -- Due to recent dog attacks against children, the Economic Committee of the Israeli Knesset has approved a ban on the import of certain dog breeds. Eight breeds have been designated "dangerous breeds": American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, English Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasilerio and Rottweiler. The goal of the ban is to annihilate the targeted breeds within 10 years in Israel.

EU-25, July 14, 2004 -- On Wednesday July 7, 2004, the European Commission announced its proposal to change GSP (Generalized System of Preferences), a policy that is intended to provide favorable trade conditions for developing countries. In October, the European Commission will release a more detailed proposal, which will include tariff figures. The new policy will be implemented on January 1, 2006. The Commission hopes the reform will provide greater transparency, more benefits for the most in need, better regional cooperation, and improvements in sustainable development. Oxfam called the reforms "half-hearted."

INDIA, July 14, 2004 -- *GOI budget for FY 2004/05 - Agricultural highlights*, *Grain export supports at Rs. 165.4 billion*, *Industry for specialized biotech regulator*, *Chinese apples for Indian mangoes*, *GDP growth in 2004/05 may slow to 6.4 to 7.4 percent*, *BANGLADESH: Nod to central bonded warehouses for readymade garments*, *BANGLADESH: Agro-based industry gets big boost*.

CANADA, July 14, 2004 -- * Canadian Farm Groups Call for Leadership at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Talks * Canadian Dairy Commission Ponders Price Increase of Industrial Milk * Canadian Wheat Board Courting Chinese Wheat Buyers * Canadian Offshore Beef Imports Down * Manitoba BSE Surveillance Reaches Target * Who Will be the Next Minster of Agriculture and Agri-Food? * Cool Temperatures Continue to Plague Manitoba * Saskatchewan Crop Update * Ontario Corn and Cereals Update

MEXICO, July 14, 2004 -- Avian Influenza restrictions for Texas were lifted except for the following counties