USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

Opportunities for U.S. Agricultural Products in Morocco In 2023, Morocco was the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture on the African continent, importing over $610 million in U.S. agricultural products, accounting for over 16 percent of all U.S. exports to Africa. The United States has seen total exports quadruple and agricultural exports double since entering into a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Morocco in 2006.1 The United States-Morocco FTA (USMFTA) is the only U.S. FTA on the African continent. It provides reliable market access and transshipment opportunities to use Morocco to reach other African countries. The United States was Morocco’s third-largest agricultural product supplier in 2023 and has historically been in the top five. Morocco is a net importer of agricultural products and predominantly imports bulk commodities and raw materials from the United States, although opportunities for intermediate and consumer-oriented products exist because of Morocco’s robust food processing sector and expanding consumer demand.  Please click here to read more >>

The following GAIN reports were released on August 14, 2024.

USAID FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE:newsletter

 

Science for Impact Newsletter PEER Impact Forum on June 27th Join USAID in celebrating the conclusion of the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program, which has supported nearly 500 research partnerships over 13 years. Through PEER,  scientists in low and middle-income countries engaged over 2,500 local students in research and built partnerships with over 350 U.S.-based researchers. They produced evidence that influenced at least 188 significant changes to local and regional policies and programs in  disaster response, wildlife trafficking, maternal and child health. The virtual program will take place on June 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET.  The forum will highlight the PEER program’s accomplishments and feature insights and reflections from USAID, the National Science Foundation, the Department of State, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and PEER researchers and U.S.- based partners. Tune in here.

GAIN reports

 

The following GAIN reports were released on May 16, 2024. _______ Brazil: Unprecedented floods in Rio Grande do Sul threaten Brazil's agricultural output Brazil’s Southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul (RGDS), has been impacted by record high rainfall levels, reaching up to 800 millimeters in some regions, leading to unprecedented floods. The death toll reached 145 as of May 12th and nearly 620,000 people have been displaced. A major agricultural powerhouse, RGDS’s agricultural and livestock sectors have been severely impacted. While accurate projections are still unknown, market specialists estimate losses across such key commodities as soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, meat and dairy. Impacts on local food production and possible price spikes are particularly concerning for consumers and policymakers, particularly on rice and dairy products.   China: Guidance on Unofficial Facility Registration Websites for Food and Ag Exports FAS has received inquiries about several websites that offer facility registration to export various food and agricultural products to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Many of these websites, however, are not official PRC government websites. Exporters should register their facilities through official government websites or through a U.S. government agency.   Costa Rica: Coffee Annual FAS/San José projects marketing year 2024/25 coffee production to remain near record low levels, as exchange rate challenges, persistent labor shortages, and above average precipitation forecasts prevent the sector from rebounding. Sluggish export sales in 2024 are exacerbating already challenging financial and agronomic conditions for Costa Rica’s nearly 27,000 coffee growers, who are likely to delay or reduce investments in rust resistant varieties, fertilizer applications, and other cultural practices.   Japan: TRQ Allocation Rates for FTAs in JFY 2023 Since 2018, Japan has implemented three large-scale free trade agreements (FTA) with major economies: the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Japan-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement, and the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA). Under the three agreements, Japan created tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for a selection of commodities and products in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector. This report provides the full list of TRQs and country specific quotas (CSQs) from these three agreements and their respective allocation rates for Japanese Fiscal Year (JFY) 2023. During JFY 2023, the number of TRQs/CSQs which had allocations across the three agreements ranged from 60 to 67 percent.   Japan: Wine Additive Approvals Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement In 2019, the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) entered into force. As a result, Japan approved 16 new wine additives that were previously not allowed in wine produced or consumed in Japan.   South Africa: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Semi-annual The cold and wet winter of 2023 provided favorable conditions for deciduous fruit and aided in improved production volumes. Production is expected to grow and improve in quality from MY 2022/23 when fruit was affected by hail damage. Despite pressure on the Port of Cape Town, industry solutions including increased use of Port Elizabeth will bolster the volumes of increased export-quality fruit that is able to reach markets. Post revises MY 2023/24 production of pears and table grapes upwards, while apple production is revised slightly downward on stagnated growth in area. Pear production for MY 2022/23 is revised upwards on updated production estimates and confirmed export figures.   Spain: Cotton and Products Annual 2024 Early spring precipitations in Andalucía came as a relief, refilling water reservoirs. However, this allowed for only a marginal recovery in area planted to cotton, as rains arrived when planting plans were already in place and largely oriented to less water-demanding crops such as winter grains or early spring-planted sunflower. While summer conditions will determine the final size of Spain’s MY 2024/25 cotton crop, the projected recovery should allow for larger exported volumes.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

usa.gov:Know how to recognize and respond to bullying

 

Know how to recognize and respond to bullying

Bullying can happen at school, home, or online. It often results in negative social, emotional, and academic outcomes for children. Get the tools you need to keep kids safe at StopBullying.gov. It is a government resource that helps adults: Identify bullying and cyberbullying Understand who is at risk Prevent and respond to bullying

USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,reports

The following GAIN reports were released on February 5, 2023. _______   Nigeria: Nigeria Becomes Second African Country to Approve Biotech Corn for Commercial Planting In January 2024, Nigeria approved the commercial release of four TELA maize varieties, which have been genetically engineered for improved insect-resistance and drought-tolerance. In addition to South Africa, Nigeria has become the second country in Africa to approve the commercialization of genetically engineered corn. In marketing year 2022/2023, Nigeria produced an estimated 12.7 million metric tons (MMT) of corn, with an average yield of 2.2 tons per hectare. According to the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), yields of TELA maize could reach up to 10 tons per hectare if grown under good agronomic practices. Thailand: Grain and Feed Update MY2023/24 rice and corn production forecasts remain unchanged. MY2023/24 wheat imports are revised up to 3.0 MMT. Turkiye: Pet Food Sales in Turkiye Are Expected to Double by 2027

Interesting following GAIN reports..

 

The following GAIN reports were released on January 25, 2023. _______   Canada: Grain and Feed Update In marketing year 2023/24, wheat production fell seven percent from the previous year to 31.95 million metric tons as severely low soil moisture in vast sections of Alberta and Saskatchewan reduced yields. This decline in production is despite a six percent increase in area planted to wheat. Wheat exports are forecast to decrease six percent year-over-year on lower exportable supplies. Exports to Saudi Arabia have rebounded after a five-year diplomatic conflict ended in May 2023. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Wonton - Volume 4 Issue 2 Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong. In this issue: ATO Hong Kong Encourages Healthier Lifestyle with U.S. Food Ingredients; Hong Kong to Hold 5-month Day & Night Vibes Campaign; New Survey on Hongkongers’ Cross-border Consumption; Hongkongers Hunt for Roast Chicken, Laundry Detergent and Other Bargains at U.S. Warehouse Store in Shenzhen; Hongkongers Head North to Bulk Buying Megastores, Yata to Scale Down Operations; Are Hong Kong Residents Ready for Waste Charging Fees; Farms Must Tread Carefully on Swine Flu; Hong Kong Suspends Imports of Poultry from Four U.S. Counties, and areas in Poland, Japan, and South Korea; Hong Kong Suspends Imports of Raw Oysters from an area in France. India: FAIRS Annual Country Report

Secretary of State’s ...

 

Secretary of State’s International Religious Freedom Awards

01/18/2024 09:03 PM EST

Office of the Spokesperson

Today, the Secretary of State has awarded the Department’s International Religious Freedom Award to the following individuals in recognition of their courage and commitment to promoting and defending religious freedom globally: Farid Ahmed, Kola Alapinni, Mirza Dinnayi, Peter Jacob, Martha Patricia Molina Montenegro, Tali Nates, Lhadon Tethong, and a group of nine Orthodox clergy from Lithuania represented by Gintaras Sungaila.  These advocates have focused on promoting human rights and mutual respect for all in countries including Nigeria, Iraq, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Nicaragua, as well as protecting the rights of Orthodox Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, and members of other religious communities around the world.

These awards are part of the Department’s events commemorating 25 years of the International Religious Freedom Act, which was signed by President Clinton on October 27, 1998.  For more information about this year’s awardees, please visit the website of the Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom.

U.S. Department of State:Sudan’s National Day

 

Sudan’s National Day

01/01/2024 01:16 PM EST

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

As we begin a new year and observe the 68th anniversary of Sudan’s independence, we reflect on the continued suffering of the Sudanese people due to the needless conflict between the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).  This conflict has resulted in war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, grave food insecurity, widespread displacement, and a collapsing healthcare system.  It has also dangerously deepened divisions in Sudan along ethnic, tribal, and regional lines.

A year ago, we welcomed a political process and joined the Sudanese people in hoping it could restore their democratic transition.  Now, Sudan suffers from one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises because of the warring parties’ decisions.  Sudan’s economy and infrastructure are in ruins.  Many women and girls have been raped or live in terror of sexual violence amid lawlessness and impunity.  The RSF and SAF must end this brutal war and return governance to civilians, as the Sudanese people have long demanded.

The United States continues to stand with the people of Sudan and will work to end the conflict so that in the coming year, the Sudanese people can begin to realize the peace, security, and prosperity they deserve.

Bishop Rolando Álvarez Unjustly Detained for 500 Days in Nicaragua

01/02/2024 09:42 AM EST

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have unjustly incarcerated Bishop Rolando Álvarez for 500 days.  During that time, Nicaraguan authorities have kept Bishop Álvarez in isolation, blocked independent evaluation of the conditions of his imprisonment, and released staged videos and photographs that only increase concerns about his well-being.    

In addition to Bishop Álvarez, many religious leaders remain unjustly detained in Nicaragua, including fellow Bishop Isidoro Mora and several priests. The Ortega-Murillo regime continues to impose severe restrictions on religious communities and deny Nicaraguan citizens the ability to freely practice their religions and express their beliefs.   

We once again call on the Nicaraguan government to release Bishop Rolando Álvarez immediately and without conditions.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THW FEDERAl RESERVE SYSTEM, update

 

Federal Reserve Board finalizes a rule establishing capital requirements for insurers supervised by the Board https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20231006a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Reserve Board announces minutes of the October 31-November 1 meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee will be released at 2:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 21 https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20231006a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement action with One American Financial Corporation https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/enforcement20231005a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Reserve Board launches Instagram and Threads accounts with the aim of increasing the accessibility and availability of Board news and educational content https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20231002a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System   Visit us on the web at Federal Reserve Board.

Robert "Bob" Menendez:Ενας απο τους μεγαλύτερους Φιλέλληνες όλων των εποχών...ΚΑΤΑΔΙΩΚΕΤΑΙ!!

 Robert "Bob" Menendez:Ενας απο τους μεγαλύτερους Φιλέλληνες όλων των εποχών...ΚΑΤΑΔΙΩΚΕΤΑΙ. Εμείς που μας προστατεύει τόσο καιρό με όλες του τις δυνάμεις...ΤΙ ΘΑ ΚΑΝΟΥΜΕ ΓΙ ΑΥΤΟΝ;;;

USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

Cotton: World Markets and Trade This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in cotton. Current Report Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)   Grain: World Markets and Trade This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in grains. Covers wheat, rice and coarse grains (corn, barley, sorghum, oats and rye). Current Report Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

World Agricultural Production

Monthly report on crop acreage, yield and production in major countries worldwide. Sources include reporting from FAS’s worldwide offices, official statistics of foreign governments,  and analysis of economic data and satellite imagery. The report reflects official USDA estimates released in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE). 

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in oilseeds. Covers oilseeds (copra, cottonseed, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed), meal (copra, cottonseed, fish, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed) and oil (coconut, cottonseed, olive, palm, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed).

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

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The following GAIN reports were released on August 10, 2023.

USDA update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on August 3,  2023. _______   Canada: Canadian Bee Industry Receives Government Support to Recover from 2022 Honey Bee Losses Following significant honey bee colony losses in 2022, a number of provinces and the Government of Canada have announced funding availability to beekeepers, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Program to offset costs of losses and replacements. Honey bee losses, along with limited availability of and high costs of replacements, resulted in adverse impacts to pollination, and consequently yield, for a number of commodities in 2022. Canada opened access for imports of packaged bees from Ukraine and Italy in Spring 2023.   Indonesia: Oilseeds and Products Update El-Nino weather patterns, which bring less rain than normal, are expected to peak in August to September 2023. Indonesia palm oil consumption is revised up slightly on higher use from the biodiesel industry for 2022/23. Weaker feed industry performance in the first half of 2023 is expected to curb soybean meal demand to 5.65 MMT in 2022/23.   Mexico: Livestock and Products Annual