AGRAFOOD LATIN AMERICA

摘要

Trade news: Mercosur countries are considering a WTO case against US rice subsidies. Lower commodity prices could make 2005 a tougher year for Brazilian farmers. Biotech: Mexico has been urged to strengthen controls on GM corn imports. Paraguay has cleared the way for farmers to legally plant GM soy in 2004/05. Grains and oilseeds: Bolivia and Mexico are both targetting a sharp rise in soy output. Meat and Poultry: Chile is setting ambitious targets for beef exports. Argentina's meat industry is divided over how best to distribute the EU quota for high quality beef cuts. Fruit and vegetables: Peru has strengthened its position as the world's leading asparagus exporter. Latin American countries are unhappy at a proposed tariff for bananas entering the EU. Coffee: Venezuela has launched a plan to revitalise the country's coffee sector.Dairy: Chilean dairy exports continue to rise, while Peru's leading dairy company is expanding in the region. Sugar and ethanol: Brazil is struggling to keep up with strong demand for ethanol on world markets. Cuba is set to delay the start of the 2004/05 sugar harvest. Food and drink: Sales of health foods are surging in Mexico. Meanwhile, Colombia is taking legal action against some of the world's largest drinks firms. Retail: As the economy recovers, Brazilian retailers are expecting a record Christmas this year.