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USDA Faculty Exchange Program Helps Tuskegee University Expand Its International ImpactFor 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Faculty Exchange Program Fellows from Africa, the Spring 2023 semester started with a journey thousands of miles from home to embark on a new and exciting academic exchange at Tuskegee University, our nation’s only historically black college or university with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine. This tremendous opportunity came about when USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) selected Tuskegee as a first-time program implementor of the Faculty Exchange Program. Through the program, USDA awarded Tuskegee $400,000 to host the Faculty Exchange Program for visiting agricultural and veterinary educators from Africa. Working side-by-side with faculty mentors at the prestigious university, the fellows have spent the semester focusing on new teaching techniques, curriculum development, and research in areas including animal health, feed quality and safety, phytosanitary measures, and grading and standards. |
The following GAIN reports were released on April 26, 2023.
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Australia: Grain and Feed Annual
After a record setting winter crop in marketing year (MY) 2022/23, Australia is expected to produce a more subdued, but still strong grain crop in MY 2023/24. Favorable conditions around the time of winter grain planting across most production regions of Australia bodes well for the establishment and early growth of wheat and barley in MY 2023/24. However, with predicted dry conditions in the coming months, production is expected to be down from the last three years of bumper winter crops. Wheat and barley exports are forecast to decline from a record volume of wheat, and near record for barley, estimated this year. Sorghum production and exports are forecast to decline in MY 2023/24 after making big gains in the previous two years, including record exports. Rice production in MY 2023/24 is forecast to grow by around one-third from the prior year. With the forecast production recovery, Australia is expected to return to becoming a net exporter of rice in MY 2023/24 for the first time since MY 2017/18.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Grain Situation Update
Spring planting in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which usually takes place in April, is expected to be less costly this year as diesel and fertilizer prices decreased slightly since last year. Corn in marketing year (MY) 2023/2024 is expected to be planted on 202,000 hectares (HA) with anticipated production of 900,000 metric tons (MT). Winter wheat for MY 2023/2024 was planted on 62,000 HA with an expected production of 279,000 MT. Wheat area increased by 21 percent compared to MY 2022/2023, when 280,753 MT of wheat was harvested on 51,046 HA. Farmers decided to plant more wheat because the crop is harvested in July and less exposed to prolonged summer drought. Although BiH moderately increased grain production over the last ten years due to adverse weather conditions and increased input prices, the country remained a net grain importer.
Chile: Food Processing Ingredients
Chile has a modern and developed food and beverage processing industry. The Chilean food sector is the second most relevant export sector in the country after mining. There are significant opportunities for imported food ingredients in Chile, as the food processing industry imports half of all ingredients. U.S. products and ingredients which have good sales potential in the Chilean market are: bakery products, animal proteins, tree nuts, pulses, dairy products, natural flavors, sauces, and edible oils.
Eswatini: Sugar Annual
Post forecasts sugar cane production in Eswatini will increase by 1.5 percent to 5.6 million MT in MY 2023/24, based on increased available irrigation water, expanded planted area, and a return to trend yields. Post forecasts sugar production will increase by 4 percent, to 652,057 MT in MY 2023/24, based on an expected rebound in the volume of sugar cane deliveries to mills and improvement in the recovery rate. Post expects Eswatini will fully utilize its allocated U.S. tariff rate quota in MYs 2023/24 and 2022/23.
Haiti: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report describes the major export certificates required by the Government of Haiti for imports of food and agricultural products. The following sections of this report indicate the certificates required for each category of products, including their purpose, the requesting ministry, and their outlines.
Honduras: Sugar Annual
Sugar production and exports are projected slightly up in marketing year (MY) 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024) because of the increase in productivity yields, harvested area, and additional investments made in the sugar sector and increased exports, as the Honduran Sugar Industry fully recovers from the rainy season in November 2022. MY 2023/24 revised estimates show an increase of 3.40% for sugar production and 7.65% in sugar exports. Recovery efforts are expected to last until the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, however the sugar industry is already reaching production levels similar to those reached in FY 2020. Therefore, MY 2024 forecasts signal a rebound to pre-hurricane estimates: 5.28 million MT of sugarcane harvested, 548,000 MT of sugar produced, and 183,000 MT of sugar exported.
Morocco: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report provides information on export certificates that the Government of Morocco requires. The Moroccan food safety authority, “Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires” (ONSSA) is the national authority responsible for ensuring food safety and food regulations in the country.
Nigeria: FAIRS Annual Country Report
As the global food and agricultural trade continues to integrate, Nigeria has formulated structures, strategies, laws, and food control systems, including regulatory authorities, to enhance public health, food safety, and international trade. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) plays a crucial role in promoting science-based food standards. The international accreditation of the agency’s two major laboratories in recent years has reasonably boosted its capacity to enforce Nigeria’s food safety regulations. In November 2022, Nigeria submitted 2 notifications aimed at enhancing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Nigeria: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report highlights all major certificates and permits that the government of Nigeria (GON) require for exporting food and agricultural products from the United States to Nigeria. It also complements The FAIRS – Annual Country Report for Nigeria (2023). Post recommends that prospective exporters read both reports for a better understanding of Nigeria’s food and agricultural standards and requirements for export certifications and permits.
Nigeria: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Despite being one of the largest oil palm-producing countries, Nigeria relies on imports to bridge its supply gap. Private sector investors are expanding oil palm production and increasing processing capacity to take advantage of the prevailing strong domestic and international market demand and high prices. In MY 2023/24, FAS Lagos forecast that Nigeria will require 400,000 MT of palm oil supply to meet its demand. On the soybean front, low production negatively affects domestic supply.
Panama: FAIRS Annual Country Report
New changes to Panama's import requirements reflected in this report are for fresh potatoes, poultry products, and sanitary registrations for pet food, raw materials, ingredients and additives. Consumers continue to perceive U.S. food products as high quality, wholesome and reliable, which has resulted in continuous growth in demand. The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012, and the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, established simplified requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Amendments to this bilateral agreement have facilitated U.S. beef and products, and pet food exports to Panama. Panama imports 66% of all its agricultural product needs from the United States.
Panama: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
Panama recognizes the certificates and standards of the U.S. regulatory and sanitary inspection system, based on the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, simplifying requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Panama is accepting the electronic export certificates issued by APHIS and FSIS; and the sanitary and free sale certificates issued by NOAA, FDA and Enterprise Florida, Inc. for food products exported to Panama. There is a free trade agreement in force since October 31, 2012, named the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) which has the United States with 66% of the market share of food and feed imports in Panama.
Venezuela: FAIRS Annual Country Report
This report is an annual update of Venezuela's agricultural product import standards and enforcement mechanisms for U.S. exporters of agricultural commodities, foods, and beverages. Venezuela remains a promising market for U.S. agricultural products. U.S. agricultural exports to Venezuela have grown by 360 percent since 2019 to $809 million. U.S. sanctions exempt transactions related to the export of agricultural and food products and do not prevent the issuance of export certificates by the USDA.
Venezuela: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual
This report identifies the export certification requirements for agricultural and food products. The Venezuelan ministries issue import permits, import licenses, and register processed food products. This report reflects minor changes from the 2022 report.
The following GAIN reports were released on April 25, 2023.
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Argentina: Grain and Feed Annual
Post estimates Argentine wheat production to rebound to 19.5 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, resulting in wheat exports of 13.7 MMT (including wheat flour as its wheat equivalent). However after the severe drought in MY 2022/23, more rains are needed to recharge soil moisture profiles before the June planting window. Barley exports in MY 2023/24 are forecast up 13 percent at 2.6 MMT on higher production, though exporters are concerned that China may switch back purchases to Australia. Post projects MY 2023/24 corn production up at 54.0 MMT on a return to normal weather. Corn exports are forecast at 38 million tons. Rice exports in MY 2023/24 are also expected to rebound as result of a recovery in production.
Brazil: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Post forecasts that Brazilian producers will expand soybean planted area to reach 45.2 million hectares (ha) in 2023/24 season, up from the estimated 43.5 mn ha planted in the 2022/23 season. Post forecasts 2023/24 soybean production at 159 million metric tons (MMT), up from the estimated 152.5 MMT harvest this season. Soybean expansion is forecast on current market conditions and trends - including strong demand, high prices, and a favorable exchange rate. All these conditions are expected to persist well into the 2023/24 season. Soybean exports are forecast to hit records this season and next at 95 MMT and then 98.1 MMT. Peanut planted area and production are also forecast to rise on the same factors. Cottonseed area and production are forecasted to rise in the 2023/24 season based on the same factors and a rise in global demand.
Canada: Canada Consults on Clopyralid Proposed Maximum Residue Limits
On April 18, 2023, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) opened consultations on proposed maximum residue limits (MRL) for clopyralid. This proposed revision will see a MRL of 0.1 ppm established for crop subgroup 13-07B (bushberries including blueberries, highbush cranberries, currants). The consultation will remain open for 75 days and stakeholders are invited to submit comments to PMRA.
Canada: Canada Consults on a Regulatory Framework for Plastic Packaging
The federal government launched public consultations on a regulatory framework to establish mandatory requirements for recycled content and labelling for plastic products, and on a technical paper that outlines the reporting requirements for the federal plastics registry. The proposed future measures would impact food manufacturers, as well as food distributors, importers, and retailers. The comment period ends on May 18, 2023.
European Union: European Food Safety Authority Launches Stakeholder Survey on Microorganisms Produced by Biotechnology
The European Commission requested a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on microorganisms produced by new developments in biotechnology. On March 7, 2023, EFSA launched a stakeholders survey requesting interested parties to share information on microorganisms produced by new developments in biotechnology that are intended for food and feed. EFSA will consider data collected through the survey to form an opinion on potential novel hazards and risks, as well as the adequacy of the current risk assessment guidance. The deadline to respond to the survey is April 30, 2023.
Japan: MAFF Announces Dairy TRQs for JFY2023
On April 3, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced tariff-rate quota (TRQ) volumes for dairy products during Japanese Fiscal Year 2023 (April to March). The announcement includes quotas for natural cheese for processing, skimmed milk powder, evaporated milk, butter and butter oil, as well as certain whey products. The quota volume for natural cheese for processing dropped six percent from JFY2022.
Malaysia: Food Processing Ingredients
The Malaysian food manufacturing and processing industry is an important component of the country’s economic growth and has seen significant development and innovation for shelf stable products as consumer demands increase. This sector includes several multinational corporation facilities as well as a range of local company operations. The main products manufactured include beverages, canned seafood, canned fruits, canned vegetables, confectionary, dairy products, noodles, and bakery products. Top prospective U.S. food processing ingredient exports for the Malaysia market include dairy, frozen potatoes, tree nuts and processed fruits.
Senegal: Grain and Feed Annual
For the region that includes Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali, rice area harvested and production for MY2023/24 is forecast up 1.2 and 2 percent year-over-year, respectively. Strong production coupled with a higher-than-usual carryover stock estimate in Senegal has brought the regional 2023/24 import forecast down year-over-year. Meanwhile, imports for 2022/23 are expected to reach 3.88 MMT, driven largely by strong consumption due to high relative prices for other cereal grains. Also, potential supply-chain disruptions and less exportable supply from India pressured many traders to stockpile greater surpluses than usual. Regional rice consumption for 2023/24 is expected to fall marginally, by half a percent, as other cereals again become price competitive.
Vietnam: Vietnam Issues National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation toward Transparency Responsibility and Sustainability by 2030
This report provides an unofficial translation of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Decision 300/QD-TTg dated March 28, 2023, to approve the National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation toward Transparency, Responsibility and Sustainability in Vietnam by 2030. The Action Plan is an important policy document for Vietnam’s economic growth and sustainable development, with specific goals related to food and nutrition security.
Vietnam: Vietnam notifies WTO the Amendment of the List of Quarantine Pests
Vietnam has notified a draft Circular to revise the List of Quarantine Pests to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as G/SPS/N/VNM/148 dated March 22, 2023. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft Circular. The due date for comments is May 21, 2023.
The following GAIN reports were released on April 24, 2023.
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China: Cotton Subsidy Policy Updated
On April 14, 2023, the National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) published Announcement No. 369 on Implementation Measures for Improving the Target Price Policy for Cotton. The announcement maintained the target price for Xinjiang cotton at 18,600 yuan/metric ton (MT) for the period 2023 to 2025, and includes a provision allowing the State Council to make adjustments in the case of “major changes in the cotton market.” The announcement updated the volume of Xinjiang cotton entitled to subsidy, lowering the maximum eligible volume from 5.4 million metric tons (MMT) to 5.1 MMT, based on factors including Xinjiang’s land and water resources. This report contains background on PRC cotton subsidy policies and a preliminary analysis and unofficial translation of the NDRC announcement.
China: Decree 248 Product List Update - April 2023
The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) recently updated the list of products subject to Decree 248 and has not notified these changes to trade partners. Between February 27, 2023, and April 19, 2023, it added 18 products. The changes affect dairy products, fruit and vegetable juice, and fruit products. Before shipping, exporters should verify that their production or cold storage facilities have completed GACC's registration process. The updated list is attached to this report.
China: Plant Variety Protection Office Clarifies Sexual Propagation Material Submission Requirements
On April 10, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) Plant Variety Protection Office published a notice “Further Clarifying the Submission Requirements for Sexual Propagation Materials,” related to plant variety rights. The notice provides detailed requirements related to sexual propagating material submissions seeking plant variety rights in the People’s Republic of China.
Egypt: Cotton and Products Annual
Like many countries in the world, Egypt has been greatly affected by the Russian war on Ukraine, which has caused strain on the Egyptian economy. In 2022, the Egyptian government struggled to rein in inflation caused by rising food and energy prices. In October 2022, Egypt decided to sharply devalue the currency by the end of 2022, inflation reached almost 22 percent. This greatly affected the cotton industry by low international demand for cotton and challenges with imports. Quantities for domestic use of local cotton have massively increased to address the limited imports and high prices caused by the high exchange rate of the US dollar. The cotton industry has also experienced a change in the way Egyptian farmers buy cotton. Currently, the farmers buy via an auction, which was created to try and guarantee the highest returns for cotton growers. Therefore, the purchase prices are high, and area is expected to increase as farmers were incentivized to plant more.
Egypt: Egypt Halal Certification Uncertainties Remain for Dairy Products
The government of Egypt has yet to publish or notify an official statement regarding the application of halal certification on dairy past the April 1 deadline. However, the industry reports that another extension from fees has been granted for as much as a year.
Egypt: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Egyptian traders and crushers continue to demand sustainability and quality of supply, both of which are key features of U.S.-origin soybean. This demand produced another record year for U.S.-origin soybean exports to Egypt with 4.07 MMT in exports, was by far Egypt’s largest supplier of soybeans in marketing year 2021/22. However, the repercussions of the war between Russia and Ukraine drove prices of commodities such as oilseeds to spike. In Egypt, the effects of the war have also extended to influence availability of hard currency needed for the release of soybean shipments from ports that are needed by the feed industry. Post estimates soybean imports during the current marketing year to significantly decline. Egypt’s Production and area harvested of soybeans and sunflower are likely to increase in MY 2023/24 in response to high prices. Palm oil imports in MY 2023/24 is likely to remain as the previous marketing year.
Egypt: Sugar Annual
The industrial demand for sugar beets continues to rise, as it provides a higher price, thus incentivizing many farmers to plant more beets. In marketing year (MY) 2022/23 the sugar beets were subject to an outbreak of Rhizomania disease. The infection affected the area productivity; thus, Post is revising down MY 2022/23 production, as well as refined sugar production. Post estimates a ten percent loss in production, affecting refined sugar production down by ten percent as well. This year, the procurement prices for both sugar cane and beets were 1,000 Egyptian pounds (EGP), a 25 percent increase over MY 2021/2022 prices.
Mexico: Oilseeds and Products Annual
FAS/Mexico expects slower growth in the vegetable oil and oil meal sectors in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 compared to recent years, given potential declines in consumer purchasing power, a forecast slowdown in Mexico’s economy, and persistent inflation. Mexico’s oilseed crushing is forecast to increase based on population growth and meal demand from growth in the livestock sector. There is no significant forecasted expansion in production capacity for MY 2023/24. Mexico remains dependent on imported oilseeds and oilseed products, primarily soybean from the United States and rapeseed from Canada.
Mexico: Sugar Annual
Mexico’s sugar production is forecast at 6.25 million metric tons raw value (MMT-RV) in marketing year 2023/24 (October-September), an increase of nearly 3 percent compared to MY 2022/23 based on lower fertilizer costs and a return to average weather conditions. Forecast sugar production for MY 2022/23 is 6.05 MMT-RV, lower than the previous year due to poor weather and high fertilizer costs.
Peru: Sugar Annual
Sugar cane production in MY 2024 (January-December 2023) is forecast at 9.9 MMT, increasing nearly three percent from the MY 2023 estimate. Cane sugar production in MY 2024 (May 2023-April 2024) is forecast to reach 1.3 MMT, increasing two percent compared to the previous year; while exports are forecast at 100,000 MT.
Ukraine: Despite Significant Ag Production Ukraine Ag Industry Struggled in 2022
By early April 2023, many Ukrainian official agencies and private companies published their end-of-the-year results. This report provided valuable insight into wartime macroeconomic and agricultural developments. Although a worst-case scenario was avoided, the Ukrainian economy suffered significant damage. Although agricultural production in Ukraine remained significant, many producers declared substantial losses and are struggling to stay afloat. Total agricultural industry loss in 2022 reached billions of dollars, undermining the industry’s resilience in 2023.
Helping Reduce Methane Emissions by Solving a Sticky Problem for U.S. Produce Exporters
We see them every time we purchase fresh fruits and vegetables: price look up (PLU) labels. The little coin-size stickers are stuck to everything from apples, bananas, and cantaloupes to watermelons, yams, and zucchini.
According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, PLU labels have been used globally for more than 30 years with the International Federation for Produce Standards issuing more than 1,400 PLU codes.
PLU labels offer many benefits to the agriculture, trade, and retail industries. The labels lower costs and optimize handling by digitizing supply chain management, minimizing packaging, and reducing time at the point of purchase – something we can all appreciate when rushing through the self-checkout lane. When it comes to agricultural trade, PLU codes also help exporters and importers consistently and quickly identify and track products across the globe. Whether you purchase a Red Delicious apple in the United States, Mexico, or Vietnam, the PLU code is the same.
Unfortunately, PLU labels have also created a sticky situation for composters, the environment, and even U.S. exporters. Why? PLU labels are not biodegradable, which means they contaminate produce that’s tossed in the compost pile or sent to commercial composting facilities. As a result, the produce generally ends up in landfills, which creates more food waste, increases methane emissions, and negatively affects climate change.
Several countries, led by France and New Zealand, have enacted legislation that will require PLU labels to be certified home compostable. This has posed a challenge for U.S. exporters by creating a trade barrier that puts millions of dollars of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable exports at risk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stepped in to help solve the problem in an effort to help reduce trade barriers and mitigate climate change.
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For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
