AGRAFOOD LATIN AMERICA

摘要

Trade news: Uruguay is to file a World Trade Organisation complaint against US rice subsidies. Brazilian ports and transport networks are buckling under the strain of rapid farm sector growth. Grains and oilseeds: Brazil may have to import large quantities of GM corn from Argentina later this year. Meanwhile, Venezuelan rice plantings look set to fall sharply this year. The Argentine government is to cut sales taxes on fertilisers. Meat and Poultry: Mexican poultry output is expected to grow this year, despite an outbreak of low level bird flu in the country. Chile and Paraguay continue to gain ground on world beef markets. Dairy: Argentina has increased taxes on dairy exports to contain domestic price rises. US dairy processors are eyeing Central American markets after US lawmakers voted to approve the CAFTA-DRfree trade deal. Sugar and ethanol: Venezuela - one of the world's leading oil producers -is to launch a fuel ethanol program. Meanwhile, Brazil is developing technology to allow ethanol tobe mixed with diesel. Fruit and vegetables: Oversupply is causing serious problems for Argentine lemon producers. Coffee: Satellite technology is to be used to improve the quality of Brazilian coffee crop forecasts. Food and drink: Peru is claiming victory in a battle with Chile over the origins of the grape-based liquor, Pisco.