SLOVENIA, March 30, 2004 -- The Slovenian Institute for Health Protection has started to test for genetically modified organism (GMO) in food. The Institute tested 20 samples and found 3 samples containing GMOs. None of the products required labeling because the GMO content was low. However, Slovenian health inspectors have announced they will tighten their oversight of raw materials used for foodstuffs.

SLOVENIA, March 30, 2004 -- On March 22, the Slovenian National Veterinary Institute announced a suspected finding of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). If confirmed, this will be the fourth case since 2001. Final results will be available in two weeks.

UNITED KINGDOM, March 30, 2004 -- The UK is arguably the most important wine market in the world. It is the number one export market for US wine, and this focus has served the US well. According to AC Nielsen, the US is now the third largest supplier to the UK retail sector. UK Customs data shows that European suppliers versus non-European suppliers are currently on an equal footing. However, forecasters predict that the "New World" will continue to take market share from traditional EU suppliers.

BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, March 30, 2004 -- Belgian sales figures over nine months in 2003 show a 2.8 decrease in wood product sales. The furniture sector, Belgium's largest wood processing sector, lost 8.6 percent in sales and the panel sector lost 2.1 percent. The construction elements sector and the packaging industry saw increases in sales of 6 and 5.8 percent respectively. Outlook for 2004 is positive for construction, panels and packaging as the economy improves, but furniture outlooks, traditionally the largest user of U.S. hardwoods, remains bearish.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, March 30, 2004 -- The Russian market for dairy genetics is the hottest it has been in more than a decade. Renewed profitability of dairies and high demand for domestic dairy products are allowing milk producers to jump back into the international market in search of high quality genetic material. Now is the right time to begin establishing contacts with the key players in dairy breeding industry before other international competitors make serious inroads into the Russian market.

CROATIA, March 30, 2004 -- Swine genetics in Croatia are improving as commercial slaughter houses are sourcing meat units and purchasing lower fat hogs. Lower quality traditional carcasses (the largest share of production) are being heavily discounted, and these market changes are creating demand for consistent quality hogs. At present, there is a shortage of piglets for fattening. Progressive producers are responding to the new demand and are interested in crossbreeding present breeds and establishing grandparent stock. This is an opportune time for the promotion of U.S. swine genetics to Croatia.

EUROPEAN UNION, March 30, 2004 -- Some 20 border inspection posts for animals and products have been approved at the new external EU borders in preparation of the EU accession of 10 central and eastern European countries on May 1, 2004.

CHILE, March 30, 2004 -- This report contains January through December 2003 export data and cumulative data for fishmeal and fish oil. Sources: Central Bank. Units: Metric Tons.

AUSTRALIA, March 30, 2004 -- The food-processing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, accounting for goods and services sales of about US$30 billion in 2000/01, representing about one quarter of total manufacturing. In Australian dollars, food and beverage sales have increased steadily over the past six years. Food, beverage and tobacco were the largest contributors to the aggregate Australian manufacturing industry in value added terms. Within the food, beverage and tobacco sub sector, beverages (including wine) accounted for 22% of total value added. Total consumer expenditures on food are approximately US$39 billion. The value of food imports totaled about US$2.8 billion in 2001/02, representing approximately 7% of the Australian market.