R[0]="2215"; T[0]="Trade preferences sour Fiji s sugar future"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20030908"; Dt[0]="Monday 8 September 2003"; Acats[0]="a08a20"; B1[0]="      A landmark report from the Australian Bureau or Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) has found the European Union s (EU) sugar trade "; B2[0]="preferences are holding back growth in developing economies like Fiji... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      A landmark report from the Australian Bureau or Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) has found the European Union's (EU) sugar trade preferences "; S2[0]=" are holding back growth in developing economies like Fiji.
      Acting Agriculture Minister Senator Ian Macdonald said the latest Current Issues report, titled "; S3[0]=" Ending of EU Sugar Trade Preferences: Potential Consequences for Fiji, was proof how restrictive the practice was.
      'ABARE's report has confirmed our "; S4[0]=" belief that trade preferences are restrictive to fledgling nations,' Senator Macdonald said.
      'The report shows if the EU was to commit the "; S5[0]=" funds spent on sugar subsidy into infrastructure development, Fiji would benefit through higher growth and job opportunities.
      'Obviously, the same sort of "; S6[0]=" regime severely impacts on the very efficient Australian industry as well.' Senator Macdonald said while the study focussed on Fiji, the findings had implications for "; S7[0]=" all developing countries.
      'The EU cannot continue to financially support countries and expect them to have the desire to improve their profitability,' "; S8[0]=" Senator Macdonald said.
      'By giving developing countries assistance to improve their industry rather than useless hand-outs, they will be far better off "; S9[0]=" in the long run.' Senator Macdonald said it was vital to create a level playing field for Australia's struggling cane farmers.
      'The "; S10[0]=" Australian Government's involvement in a WTO challenge against the EU's sugar subsidy system will benefit developing countries and Australian sugarcane farmers who are battling a "; S11[0]=" corrupted world sugar market,' Senator Macdonald said.
      Senator Macdonald said the current shifting of resources into low growth areas would restrict economic "; S12[0]=" activity for years to come... "; R[1]="2211"; T[1]="China and Australia discuss agricultural co-operation"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20030908"; Dt[1]="Monday 8 September 2003"; Acats[1]="a08a63"; B1[1]="      Chinese Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin and Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss met in Beijing today to discuss a range of issues, including "; B2[1]="ways of boosting agricultural trade between the two countries... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      Chinese Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin and Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss met in Beijing today to discuss a range of issues, including "; S2[1]=" ways of boosting agricultural trade between the two countries.
      Minister Du highlighted the opportunity to strengthen agricultural cooperation in the new round "; S3[1]=" of WTO negotiations, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, agricultural science and technology, and agri-food products safety.
      Minister Truss said Australia and China "; S4[1]=" have a close relationship on agriculture, founded on strong trading links and an almost 20-year history of cooperative projects that have provided important benefits for "; S5[1]=" both countries.
      'Minister Du and I would like to see that relationship continue to grow, and believe our agriculture and food sectors "; S6[1]=" offer excellent prospects for increased trade in those areas where the Australian and Chinese economies overlap and with respect to counter-seasonal trade,' Minister Truss said.
"; S7[1]="       The Ministers emphasised the importance of the China-Australia Agricultural Innovation Forum being held in Beijing on 4-5 September.
      The "; S8[1]=" Forum has drawn together around 150 business leaders and officials from both countries to hear from experts in agricultural innovation, trade and commerce.
    "; S9[1]="   The Forum is discussing boosting agricultural productivity growth through R&D.
      'That's one of the best ways of building world-class, competitive industries "; S10[1]=" capable of meeting local and overseas demand, and withstanding the pressures of a competitive global business environment,' they said.
      'We also hope "; S11[1]=" the Forum will help encourage new partnerships between agricultural representatives in both countries, and bring about a deeper understanding of how our two countries view "; S12[1]=" a range of issues.' The Ministers also highlighted the important contribution made by the Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA).
      Since 1984, it "; S13[1]=" has provided the framework for the two-way exchange of 150 business missions.
      Another important area of cooperation is the joint scientific research "; S14[1]=" programs run since 1984 by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
      'Previous research has focused on increasing the productivity and "; S15[1]=" quality of crops and livestock,' they said.
      'There is now a greater emphasis on the sustainability of agricultural production, with projects on "; S16[1]=" how to better manage water, soil and forest resources.' The Ministers also welcomed the shift in emphasis in ACIAR programs towards raising farmers' incomes in "; S17[1]=" China's poorer western region.
      Minister Truss again congratulated China on becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001, "; S18[1]=" and commended its efforts to date in implementing its membership requirements.
      Minister Du reiterated China's commitment to fully implement its WTO "; S19[1]=" obligations, and continue the process of 'internationalising' Chinese agriculture.
      The Ministers said China's more prominent place in the global marketplace resulting from "; S20[1]=" its WTO membership would help its producers become more internationally competitive.
      They also agreed that it is essential both countries address the "; S21[1]=" technical issues associated with trade access between Australia and China in a manner consistent with their obligations under international agreements, and in a timely and "; S22[1]=" efficient manner.
      'And it's important that we continue to identify new cooperative ventures that improve the skills and abilities of scientists and "; S23[1]=" business people in both countries,' they said.
      With regard to international agricultural trade - particularly the direction of the Doha Round negotiations "; S24[1]=" - the Ministers said there were clear similarities between the positions of China and the Cairns Group of countries.
      'As such, "; S25[1]=" there is a clear benefit in continuing to work together in the WTO to achieve meaningful and lasting trade reform,' they said.
      "; S26[1]=" 'There is also much to gain from working together in other international trade and standard-setting forums to help establish an efficient international trading system free "; S27[1]=" from distortions and inconsistencies.' The Ministers said that, as well as the on-going technical consultations between senior Chinese and Australian officials, there is a need "; S28[1]=" for regular ministerial contact between the two countries.
      'That's an effective way of improving mutual understanding on a wide range of issues, "; S29[1]=" including market access, and boosting the trade in agricultural and food products between our two countries,' they said... "; R[2]="2203"; T[2]="China and Australia discuss agricultural ties"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20030905"; Dt[2]="Friday 5 September 2003"; Acats[2]="a08a63"; B1[2]="      Chinese Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin and Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss met in Beijing today to discuss a range of issues, including "; B2[2]="ways of boosting agricultural trade between the two countries... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Chinese Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin and Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss met in Beijing today to discuss a range of issues, including "; S2[2]=" ways of boosting agricultural trade between the two countries.
      Minister Du highlighted the opportunity to strengthen agricultural cooperation in the new round "; S3[2]=" of WTO negotiations, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, agricultural science and technology, and agri-food products safety.
      Minister Truss said Australia and China "; S4[2]=" have a close relationship on agriculture, founded on strong trading links and an almost 20-year history of cooperative projects that have provided important benefits for "; S5[2]=" both countries.
      'Minister Du and I would like to see that relationship continue to grow, and believe our agriculture and food sectors "; S6[2]=" offer excellent prospects for increased trade in those areas where the Australian and Chinese economies overlap and with respect to counter-seasonal trade,' Minister Truss said.
"; S7[2]="       The Ministers emphasised the importance of the China-Australia Agricultural Innovation Forum being held in Beijing on 4-5 September.
      The "; S8[2]=" Forum has drawn together around 150 business leaders and officials from both countries to hear from experts in agricultural innovation, trade and commerce.
    "; S9[2]="   The Forum is discussing boosting agricultural productivity growth through R&D.
      'That's one of the best ways of building world-class, competitive industries "; S10[2]=" capable of meeting local and overseas demand, and withstanding the pressures of a competitive global business environment,' they said.
      'We also hope "; S11[2]=" the Forum will help encourage new partnerships between agricultural representatives in both countries, and bring about a deeper understanding of how our two countries view "; S12[2]=" a range of issues.' The Ministers also highlighted the important contribution made by the Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA).
      Since 1984, it "; S13[2]=" has provided the framework for the two-way exchange of 150 business missions.
      Another important area of cooperation is the joint scientific research "; S14[2]=" programs run since 1984 by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
      'Previous research has focused on increasing the productivity and "; S15[2]=" quality of crops and livestock,' they said.
      'There is now a greater emphasis on the sustainability of agricultural production, with projects on "; S16[2]=" how to better manage water, soil and forest resources.' The Ministers also welcomed the shift in emphasis in ACIAR programs towards raising farmers' incomes in "; S17[2]=" China's poorer western region.
      Minister Truss again congratulated China on becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001, "; S18[2]=" and commended its efforts to date in implementing its membership requirements.
      Minister Du reiterated China's commitment to fully implement its WTO "; S19[2]=" obligations, and continue the process of 'internationalising' Chinese agriculture.
      The Ministers said China's more prominent place in the global marketplace resulting from "; S20[2]=" its WTO membership would help its producers become more internationally competitive.
      They also agreed that it is essential both countries address the "; S21[2]=" technical issues associated with trade access between Australia and China in a manner consistent with their obligations under international agreements, and in a timely and "; S22[2]=" efficient manner.
      'And it's important that we continue to identify new cooperative ventures that improve the skills and abilities of scientists and "; S23[2]=" business people in both countries,' they said.
      With regard to international agricultural trade - particularly the direction of the Doha Round negotiations "; S24[2]=" - the Ministers said there were clear similarities between the positions of China and the Cairns Group of countries.
      'As such, "; S25[2]=" there is a clear benefit in continuing to work together in the WTO to achieve meaningful and lasting trade reform,' they said.
      "; S26[2]=" 'There is also much to gain from working together in other international trade and standard-setting forums to help establish an efficient international trading system free "; S27[2]=" from distortions and inconsistencies.' The Ministers said that, as well as the on-going technical consultations between senior Chinese and Australian officials, there is a need "; S28[2]=" for regular ministerial contact between the two countries.
      'That's an effective way of improving mutual understanding on a wide range of issues, "; S29[2]=" including market access, and boosting the trade in agricultural and food products between our two countries,' they said... "; R[3]="2198"; T[3]="New agreement for trade with Singapore"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20030904"; Dt[3]="Thursday 4 September 2003"; Acats[3]="a08"; B1[3]="      Singapore residents will have greater access to Australian food following today s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between National Food Industry "; B2[3]="Strategy Limited and one of Singapore s largest supermarket chains, NTUC Fairprice, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Singapore residents will have greater access to Australian food following today's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between National Food Industry Strategy "; S2[3]=" Limited and one of Singapore's largest supermarket chains, NTUC Fairprice, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said.
      The new agreement, signed in Sydney by "; S3[3]=" NTUC Fairprice chairman Chandra Das and NFIS chief executive Richard Brooks, extends on an earlier accord negotiated by the National Food Industry Strategy in 2001 "; S4[3]=" under the former Supermarket to Asia initiative to have an experimental Australian Pavilion in one of Fairprice's 60 supermarkets.
      A further three "; S5[3]=" Australian Pavilion sites have been established in Fairprice supermarkets and two more are under development.
      Smaller 'Australian Bays' are being rolled-out into "; S6[3]=" other Fairprice supermarkets around Singapore, and individual product lines are available to other supermarkets depending on consumer demographics and demand.
      'Australian food "; S7[3]=" is regarded highly around the world and the people of Singapore are no exception,' Mr Vaile said.
      'The Australian Pavilion was so "; S8[3]=" popular and successful that Fairprice was keen to extend the concept into some of their other larger stores.' NTUC Fairprice works closely with an Australian "; S9[3]=" consolidator, Bemco Australia, to ensure that the supermarkets have adequate supplies of Australian products.
      More than 1300 different items have been provided "; S10[3]=" to the original Australian Pavilion ranging from abalone to sultanas from 212 suppliers covering every State.
      'Australia has a reputation for being "; S11[3]=" clean, green and safe and many people overseas are delighted by the variety of product we offer as well as the high quality,' Mr Vaile "; S12[3]=" said.
      The National Food Industry Strategy is an industry-led organisation, funded by the Australian Government, which drives the national food strategy, a "; S13[3]=" five-year blueprint for growth in the Australian food industry.
      The Australian Government allocated $102 million over five years for implementation of "; S14[3]=" the strategy, commencing in July last year.
      'The NFIS plays a pivotal role in bringing together industry with the wide range of "; S15[3]=" Federal and State government agencies involved in export, together with food businesses, for the bottom-line benefit of the Australian food industry and Australia,' Mr Vaile "; S16[3]=" said.
      Other NFIS projects include an efficient food service into Dubai, a market entry strategy into China, and coordination of industry efforts "; S17[3]=" of a major growth industry, seafood.
      Australian food exports were valued at $26 billion in 2002.
      Food exports to "; S18[3]=" Singapore in 2001-02 were $662 million... "; R[4]="2191"; T[4]="Beef shipments from Canada to US to start this week"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20030902"; Dt[4]="Tuesday 2 September 2003"; Acats[4]="a08a27"; B1[4]="      The United States has begun issuing import permits for Canadian beef, opening the way for the first shipments to start this week.... "; B2[4]=" "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      The United States has begun issuing import permits for Canadian beef, opening the way for the first shipments to start this week.
"; S2[4]="       The long-awaited shipments will be the first in more than three months, since 34 countries shut their borders to Canadian beef and "; S3[4]=" cattle on May 20 in response to a single case of mad cow disease in Alberta.
      'This is something we've been working "; S4[4]=" hard to achieve,' Alberta Agriculture spokesman David Hennig said Thursday.
      'We're happy to see this is happening.' Federal officials, however, were urging "; S5[4]=" cautious optimism Thursday, saying they don't expect large amounts of beef to be crossing into the U.S.
      for another three to five "; S6[4]=" weeks.
      The U.S.
      Department of Agriculture revealed earlier in the day that it has begun issuing permits to American "; S7[4]=" meat retailers and distributors.
      But a few steps remain before trade resumes.
      U.S.
      importers must send "; S8[4]=" their permits to the Canadian meat-packing plants.
      The plants must then be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which must certify "; S9[4]=" that the facilities meet new U.S.
      import regulations.
      The industry is confident, however, truckloads of beef will head south "; S10[4]=" as early as today, beginning to revive an industry that has lost more than $1 billion during the mad cow crisis.
      'There's "; S11[4]=" a lot of hoops to jump through, but (U.S.
      Agriculture Secretary Ann) Veneman said that beef will move this week, and I'm "; S12[4]=" going to take her at her word,' said Ben Thorlakson, president of the Canadian Beef Export Federation.
      He said the move has "; S13[4]=" lifted hopes throughout the industry.
      Veneman announced earlier this month that the U.S.
      will accept boneless beef from Canadian "; S14[4]=" cattle under 30 months old.
      She said beef will be crossing the border by Sept.
      1.
      "; S15[4]=" 'Canada is an important trading partner,' USDA spokeswoman Anna Cherry said.
      'Throughout this whole situation we've tried to work closely and cautiously "; S16[4]=" with our counterparts, and the secretary has been very committed to moving safely but steadily towards resolving this situation.' Canada sent $1.8 billion in beef "; S17[4]=" to the U.S.
      last year, representing 72 per cent of Canada's global export market.
      Mexico and Russia have also "; S18[4]=" partially re-opened their borders, while a couple of small Asian and Caribbean states have announced intentions to do so.
      But the U.S.
"; S19[4]="       is first to come this close to actually importing Canadian beef.
      Feedlots were selling fattened cattle for between 58 "; S20[4]=" and 64 cents a pound on the optimism, up from lows around 35 cents last week.
      The jump is also partly due "; S21[4]=" to a new compensation program for Alberta cattle producers, which encourages competitive bidding.
      Truckers are also eagerly awaiting their first loads of "; S22[4]=" U.S.-bound beef.
      This move will boost confidence, but many trailers will continue to idle until the ban on live cattle is lifted, "; S23[4]=" said Kim Royal, executive director of the Alberta Motor Transport Association that represents truckers.
      The U.S.
      is moving toward "; S24[4]=" accepting live cattle, but must first go through a rule-making process.
      Industry officials expect that process to take several weeks.
    "; S25[4]="   Under new regulations, Canadian exporters must slaughter the cattle in a facility dedicated to animals 30 months or younger, an age at which they "; S26[4]=" are considered at low risk of contracting mad cow disease.
      The two major plants in southern Alberta, Lakeside and Cargill, have removed "; S27[4]=" all older cattle from their lines, Thorlakson said.
      The Canadian government is pressing the USDA to soften that restriction, which hurts both "; S28[4]=" packers and ranchers... "; R[5]="2183"; T[5]="Indonesia trade officer in Townsville to discuss export opportunities"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20030903"; Dt[5]="Wednesday 3 September 2003"; Acats[5]="a08"; B1[5]="      North Queensland agricultural industries looking to do business in Indonesia should take advantage of an opportunity to meet with the state government "; B2[5]="s top trade commissioner in that country when he visits Townsville next week... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      North Queensland agricultural industries looking to do business in Indonesia should take advantage of an opportunity to meet with the state government's "; S2[5]=" top trade commissioner in that country when he visits Townsville next week.
      Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries, Indonesian trade commissioner "; S3[5]=" Wilfred Schultz will be the main speaker at a briefing to industry at the DPI Oonoonba next Monday, September 1.
      DPI trade "; S4[5]=" officer Roger Kaus said it was an invaluable opportunity for North Queensland agribusiness looking to export to Indonesia to hear first-hand trade conditions, opportunities and "; S5[5]=" assistance available.
      'The Department of Primary Industries is hosting a beef industry development mission to Indonesia for Queensland agribusiness in early 2004 "; S6[5]=" and Mr Schultz will also be giving prospective participants a briefing about this particular industry.
      'He will then be guest speaker at "; S7[5]=" a seminar that is open to all of the public entitled 'Doing Business in Indonesia',' Mr Kaus said.
      He said Mr Schultz "; S8[5]=" would also be available for individual meetings with business representatives on Tuesday September 2 - although places were strictly limited.
      'Mr Schultz "; S9[5]=" will also be meeting with the Townsville Port Authority and Townsville Enterprise for an update,' Mr Kaus said... "; R[6]="2174"; T[6]="Saudi officials reject sheep shipment"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20030829"; Dt[6]="Friday 29 August 2003"; Acats[6]="a08a10a25a33"; B1[6]="      A shipment of 57,000 sheep from Fremantle has been rejected by Saudi Arabian quarantine authorities claiming too many are infected with scabby "; B2[6]="mouth virus... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      A shipment of 57,000 sheep from Fremantle has been rejected by Saudi Arabian quarantine authorities claiming too many are infected with scabby "; S2[6]=" mouth virus.
      The WA Farmers Federation said the rejection could be a commercial move in a time of high sheep prices.
  "; S3[6]="     But it could also be damaging because it would give Australia a bad name.
      The carrier Corma Express, at sea "; S4[6]=" more than three weeks, must now keep moving around in the Red Sea to generate water from a desalination process and to provide air flow "; S5[6]=" to cool the sheep.
      LiveCorp chief executive Kevin Shiell said the sheep would be unloaded in Jeddah or taken to another Middle "; S6[6]=" Eastern port as soon as possible... "; R[7]="2140"; T[7]="Positive outlook for cattle markets remains"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20030822"; Dt[7]="Friday 22 August 2003"; Acats[7]="a08a27"; B1[7]="      Cattle and beef price prospects remain bright for the next 3-5 years, with strengthening demand in most markets and tight supplies.... "; B2[7]=" "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Cattle and beef price prospects remain bright for the next 3-5 years, with strengthening demand in most markets and tight supplies.
  "; S2[7]="     Releasing the mid-year update to the Australian Cattle Industry Projections 2003, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) chief market analyst Peter Weeks said producers "; S3[7]=" with cattle to sell could look forward to strong returns in the next few years.
      'Stronger demand from Japan and Korea, a "; S4[7]=" firm domestic market, tight Pacific Basin beef suppliers and an assumed break to the drought in spring are key factors in the bright cattle industry "; S5[7]=" outlook,' Mr Weeks said.
      'Obviously the prolonged drought and the higher Australian dollar are limiting factors and the short-term will be tough "; S6[7]=" for those producers who have been forced by drought to sell-off their herd and for meat processors struggling to secure cattle supplies.' MLA estimates that "; S7[7]=" the national cattle herd has dropped two million head, or 7%, to 26 million head in the 12 months to 30 June, due to the "; S8[7]=" drought.
      'Another poor breeding season in many areas is likely to prevent a quick rebound in the herd over 2003/2004,' he said.
"; S9[7]="       'As a result, we believe Australian beef production will fall 8% this year and is now likely to contract further in 2004 "; S10[7]=" before recovering.' The combination of tight supplies and a higher Australian dollar are likely to constrain beef exports to North America, limit expansion in sales "; S11[7]=" to Japan and Korea, and prevent growth in other export markets.
      Beef retail prices are also likely to remain at higher levels "; S12[7]=" as a result of the tight supplies and lead to a drop in consumption as a consequence.
      More details on the cattle "; S13[7]=" and beef industry outlook can be found in the Australian Cattle Industry Projections 2003 Mid-Year Update.
      Copies of the 10-page report are "; S14[7]=" available from MLA at a cost of $10 to MLA members, $20 for other Australian subscribers and $40 for overseas subscribers.
      Orders "; S15[7]=" can be made via the web at www.mla.com.au or by phoning toll free 1800 675 717... "; R[8]="2135"; T[8]="China trade talks start next month"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20030821"; Dt[8]="Thursday 21 August 2003"; Acats[8]="a08a63"; B1[8]="      Australia and China will start talks next month on a trade agreement that could lead to a free trade deal between the "; B2[8]="two countries... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      Australia and China will start talks next month on a trade agreement that could lead to a free trade deal between the "; S2[8]=" two countries.
      Prime Minister John Howard said talks would start on a trade and economic agreement that would also canvas a scoping "; S3[8]=" study for a full free trade deal.
      Fresh from a meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Mr Howard said both countries were "; S4[8]=" eager to begin official talks.
      He said a trade agreement, and a free-trade deal, would build on the already strong relationship between "; S5[8]=" the two countries.
      'Clearly any kind of free-trade understanding is only concluded if there are benefits for both sides and the Chinese "; S6[8]=" economy and the Australian economy are in many ways already complimentary but they're at different stages of development and the countries 'But we're obviously interested "; S7[8]=" in finding new ways, providing there's something in it for both of us, on deepening the economic relationship.' Australia already is in free-trade agreement talks "; S8[8]=" with Thailand and the United States.
      Such a deal with China would link Australia to both the world's biggest economy and a "; S9[8]=" country considered by most trade analysts to have the most important emerging economy.
      Australia is hopeful of a trade agreement with Japan "; S10[8]=" but because of its resistance to agricultural reform it is unlikely to develop into a full-blown free-trade agreement.
      Mr Howard cautioned that "; S11[8]=" it would take time to negotiate a deal with China.
      'We still have a distance to go on all of these things "; S12[8]=" and you need to take them a step at a time, recognising of course that the launching pad is a very solid one, because our "; S13[8]=" economic and trade relationship is very deep,' he said.
      Chinese officials will visit Australia in September on the issue, before a return "; S14[8]=" visit to Beijing in October... "; R[9]="2127"; T[9]="Seminar on Australia - US Free Trade Agreement"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20030820"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 20 August 2003"; Acats[9]="a08a53"; B1[9]="      A free public seminar has been organised to discuss the issues for WA Agri-industry in the negotiation of a free trade agreement "; B2[9]="with the United States... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      A free public seminar has been organised to discuss the issues for WA Agri-industry in the negotiation of a free trade agreement "; S2[9]=" with the United States.
      The Department of Agriculture is coordinating the regional seminar to be held in Narrogin on August 28, as "; S3[9]=" part of the Commonwealth Government's commitment to public consultation.
      Department representative Anne Furey said the seminar would run for about four hours "; S4[9]=" and included a panel of representatives who would speak about the issues and the state of play with the agreement.
      The panel "; S5[9]=" will then be opened to questions from the audience.
      The panel will include representatives from both the Australian and United States negotiating "; S6[9]=" teams and an economic analysis and trade advisory firm in Washington DC.
      There will also be several Western Australian industry representatives.
  "; S7[9]="     'The regional seminar will focus on agricultural aspects of the free trade agreement negotiations,' Anne Furey said.
      Entry to the "; S8[9]=" regional seminar is free, however seating is limited so those people wishing to attend must register by calling coordinator Anne Furey at the Department on "; S9[9]=" 9368 3780, fax 9367 7389 or e-mail afurey@agric.wa.gov.au by 27 August... "; R[10]="2115"; T[10]="Thumbs down for EU, U.S. plan to cut farm subsidies"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20030818"; Dt[10]="Monday 18 August 2003"; Acats[10]="a08a60a61"; B1[10]="      The European Union and the United States reached a rare compromise on opening up international trade in farm goods yesterday, sketching out "; B2[10]="plans to cut subsidies and import duties on a massive scale over the next few years... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      The European Union and the United States reached a rare compromise on opening up international trade in farm goods yesterday, sketching out "; S2[10]=" plans to cut subsidies and import duties on a massive scale over the next few years.
      But now they face another "; S3[10]=" hurdle - filling in the blanks and convincing the other 130 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that their plan will work.
    "; S4[10]="   This is set to be a tough task, as ambassadors from developing countries, whose support is vital, gave the proposal a cool reception after "; S5[10]=" U.S.
      and EU officials presented the document to a WTO meeting yesterday.
      'This seems to be an attempt "; S6[10]=" to pry open the developing-country markets without any clear commitment on the part of (the United States and EU) to open their own markets,' Indian "; S7[10]=" Ambassador K.M.
      Chandrasekhar told reporters.
      'I think it isn't feasible for us.' Australian Ambassador David Spencer welcomed the "; S8[10]=" fact that the United States and EU made a proposal, but said it was 'really an accommodation of their own interests, not the remainder of "; S9[10]=" the members'.' The proposal's authors acknowledged that it needed more work, but said it still was important.
      'While we believe "; S10[10]=" that this provides an important step in the process, we don't pretend that this solves all the issues,' U.S.
      chief agriculture negotiator "; S11[10]=" Allen Johnson said.
      EU Director-General of Trade Peter Carl said the proposal was meant 'to demonstrate leadership.' Unlike earlier proposals, "; S12[10]=" the document - obtained by The Associated Press - stops short of demanding the elimination of subsidies given to farmers specifically to support exports.
  "; S13[10]="     The United States and other major exporters such as Canada and Australia say these are the most damaging to free trade, but the "; S14[10]=" European Union has insisted that it must retain some export subsidies to support its own farmers and protect rural communities.
      For "; S15[10]=" the first time, payments to farmers based on acreage rather than production - a system considered less trade-distorting - would be limited.
      "; S16[10]=" Payments based on how much farmers produce, which are already limited, also would be reduced.
      However, there is no commitment to "; S17[10]=" reduce payments aimed at supporting farm incomes - a demand of countries such as Australia, Canada and Brazil that claim these payments are abused, especially "; S18[10]=" by the United States.
      Brazil's ambassador to the WTO, Luis Felipe de Seixas Corrêa, said he was wary of the proposal "; S19[10]=" - like the other 17 members of the Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries.
      'At first glance (the accord) falls short,' "; S20[10]=" he said.
      'We have to be very careful not to use as a basis anything that falls short of the level of "; S21[10]=" ambition' set when the current round of global trade talks was launched in 2001 in Qatar.
      Differences over agriculture have threatened "; S22[10]=" to waylay the upcoming WTO meeting scheduled for Cancún, Mexico, in September.
      Developing countries have insisted that they would not consider "; S23[10]=" giving ground in areas of interest to the United States and Europe, such as reducing tariffs on industrial goods, unless they stop subsidizing farm exports.
"; S24[10]="       Taxpayers in rich countries spend about $300 billion each year supporting their farmers.
      The poor nations complain "; S25[10]=" that hurts them by flooding markets with artificially cheap commodities, such as subsidized European sugar and American corn.
      Meanwhile imports are often "; S26[10]=" kept out with tariffs and quotas, further distorting prices.
      The EU-U.S.
      proposal strikes a new compromise on the "; S27[10]=" method of calculating cuts in import duties, although details are left vague - including the deadlines for change.
      Products considered to be "; S28[10]=" the most 'sensitive' will be cut by a percentage, allowing countries to maintain fairly high tariffs... "; R[11]="2112"; T[11]="Export boost for Victorian Abalone Industry"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20030818"; Dt[11]="Monday 18 August 2003"; Acats[11]="a08a34a88"; B1[11]="      The immediate future of Victoria s valuable abalone industry has been secured with export approval being granted by Environment Australia, the Minister "; B2[11]="responsible for fisheries, Bob Cameron said today... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      The immediate future of Victoria's valuable abalone industry has been secured with export approval being granted by Environment Australia, the Minister responsible "; S2[11]=" for fisheries, Bob Cameron said today.
      Mr Cameron said the industry has been given a five-year export approval after being assessed as "; S3[11]=" ecologically sustainably managed.
      'This decision is a big boost for the Victorian abalone industry and is a strong endorsement of the fishery's "; S4[11]=" ecologically sustainable harvest management strategies,' Mr Cameron said.
      'The Victorian abalone industry is worth close to $70 million a year, with 71 "; S5[11]=" commercial operators harvesting 1,430 tonnes annually.
      'The Bracks Government's Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan was vital in helping to gain export accreditation "; S6[11]=" for the industry.
      'The management plan is part of the Bracks Government's vision for Victoria as a State where protecting the environment "; S7[11]=" and using our resources sustainably is built into everything we do.
      'Environment Australia's decision to exempt Victoria's abalone industry from export controls "; S8[11]=" under the Environment Protection and Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) would provide increased certainty for fishery operations, processors and exporters.
      'Only fisheries that "; S9[11]=" demonstrate harvesting does not threaten Australia's native wildlife can receive an export exemption under the EPBC.
      'A National criteria has been developed "; S10[11]=" to assess the ecological sustainability of fisheries.
      This ensures that fish and other marine species enjoy the same protection as other native "; S11[11]=" wildlife.
      'The abalone industry is the first fishery in Victoria to gain export approval under the EPBC.
      'The Bracks "; S12[11]=" Government is continuing to work with Environment Australia in an attempt to gain approval for other Victorian fisheries.
      'Abalone is an extremely "; S13[11]=" valuable resource for Victoria and the assessment shows the precedence being given to the long term sustainability of the fishery and marine environment.
    "; S14[11]="   'The EPBC exemption lasts for five years, but the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and the Federal Department for the Environment and Heritage will "; S15[11]=" work together to ensure the fisheries continue to be managed in an ecologically sustainable way,' Mr Cameron said... "; R[12]="2102"; T[12]="US and EU broker a trade deal"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20030814"; Dt[12]="Thursday 14 August 2003"; Acats[12]="a08a60a61"; B1[12]="      Late on Tuesday night, bleary-eyed trade negotiators from the European Union and the United States claimed to have sealed a pact for "; B2[12]="reforming agricultural trade.
      Not before time.
      The World Trade Organisation meets in Cancún, Mexico in less than four weeks "; B3[12]="to try and salvage the Doha round of world trade talks.
      Failure to reach a deal on farm subsidies and Doha would "; B4[12]="be done for... "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Late on Tuesday night, bleary-eyed trade negotiators from the European Union and the United States claimed to have sealed a pact for "; S2[12]=" reforming agricultural trade.
      Not before time.
      The World Trade Organisation meets in Cancún, Mexico in less than four weeks "; S3[12]=" to try and salvage the Doha round of world trade talks.
      Failure to reach a deal on farm subsidies and Doha would "; S4[12]=" be done for.
      Trade theory is elegant; trade negotiations are not.
      Any issue that cannot be resolved can always "; S5[12]=" be obscured.
      But the text of this latest deal is a classic of the genre, full of fuzzy language, fussy jargon and "; S6[12]=" fudged commitments.
      It calls for reforms, cuts and caps without putting figures on any of them.
      Take the contentious "; S7[12]=" issue of subsidising exports, for example.
      The text offers a commitment to eliminate subsidies, over time, on those products of 'particular interest' "; S8[12]=" to poor countries.
      Which products, exactly? It doesn't say.
      And how long before the subsidies are eliminated? Again, we "; S9[12]=" are left to fill in the blanks ourselves.
      All that can be known from the text is that export credits, which America "; S10[12]=" favours, will be phased out just as quickly (or slowly) as the export subsidies the EU so cherishes.
      The pact's 'commitments' on "; S11[12]=" import tariffs are even more opaque.
      The EU and America will try to improve access to their markets in not one but "; S12[12]=" three different ways, blending these measures by some secret formula they do not see fit to divulge.
      Some tariffs will be cut, "; S13[12]=" although the pact does not say by how much.
      Some product lines will even be duty-free.
      Still others will "; S14[12]=" be 'subject to a Swiss formula coefficient'.
      That's clear then.
      The pact is not so much a trade deal "; S15[12]=" as it is a signal that the EU and the United States are not yet willing to give up on the Doha round.
    "; S16[12]="   After the American farm bill last year, and the EU's anaemic efforts to reform its common agricultural policy, the Doha round had looked set "; S17[12]=" to fail.
      Don't cancel your tickets to Cancún just yet, is the unstated but substantive message of this pact.
      "; S18[12]=" Even the EU ambassador to the WTO admitted it was only an 'agreement in principle'.
      An agreement in practice still looks a "; S19[12]=" long way off.
      The 15 member states of the EU have yet to approve the text's words, even without any numbers.
  "; S20[12]="     Oh, and the other 130 members of the WTO will have a thing or two to say as well.
      The "; S21[12]=" transatlantic deal 'will be good for Cancún,' one EU official told Reuters, 'but it will probably infuriate the Cairns Group.' Right on cue, a spokesman "; S22[12]=" for the group, which includes big agricultural exporters such as Brazil, Canada and Australia, complained that the proposals were both inadequate and too vague.
  "; S23[12]="     The passage promising to cut export subsidies, for example, could mean everything or nothing to a country like Brazil.
      It "; S24[12]=" all depends on whether products like sugar, soya and cotton are included on the list.
      India (not a member of the Cairns "; S25[12]=" Group but an influential player nonetheless) has already seen enough of the deal to dismiss it as 'not feasible'.
      The original January "; S26[12]=" 2005 deadline for completing the Doha round will almost certainly be missed.
      But the Indians, and other hold-outs, may still be talked "; S27[12]=" round eventually.
      Some commentators talk of completing a deal by 2007.
      If persuading the 15 members of the EU "; S28[12]=" is going to be difficult, and winning over all 146 members of the WTO still harder, then persuading the 535 members of America's Congress to "; S29[12]=" keep their hands off a trade deal will be all but impossible... "; R[13]="2089"; T[13]="Draft import risk analysis report for pig meat"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20030813"; Dt[13]="Wednesday 13 August 2003"; Acats[13]="a08a10a29a33"; B1[13]="      Biosecurity Australia has circulated a draft import risk analysis (IRA) report relating to proposed imports of pig meat for public comment.... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Biosecurity Australia has circulated a draft import risk analysis (IRA) report relating to proposed imports of pig meat for public comment.
  "; S2[13]="     The draft IRA report identifies quarantine pests and diseases associated with pig meat, and proposes import conditions.
      The report "; S3[13]=" addresses diseases of quarantine concern, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), Aujeszky's disease, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) "; S4[13]=" and post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), among others.
      The draft IRA report recommends a combination of risk management measures, depending on the "; S5[13]=" source country's disease status, including: · country, zone or herd freedom; · testing of the carcass; · cooking, freezing, curing, canning; and · removal of "; S6[13]=" certain tissues or parts of the carcass.
      Stakeholders have until 13 October 2003 (60 days) to comment on this import risk analysis.
"; S7[13]="       The next step will be preparation of a final IRA report, taking into account comments received on the draft IRA report and "; S8[13]=" any further information that may come to hand... "; R[14]="2049"; T[14]="New jobs in plan to export cars to China"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20030807"; Dt[14]="Thursday 7 August 2003"; Acats[14]="a08a56"; B1[14]="      Car giant General Motors revealed ambitious plans yesterday to sell Statesman cars in China.... "; B2[14]=" "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Car giant General Motors revealed ambitious plans yesterday to sell Statesman cars in China.
      If the new export push "; S2[14]=" goes ahead, the Elizabeth plant may have to switch to seven-day, around-the-clock working to keep pace with demand.
      This would require further "; S3[14]=" investment - possibly in a second assembly line - and open up hundreds of new jobs as well as the 1000 positions required for the "; S4[14]=" start-up of the third shift at the plant last month.
      Component suppliers in South Australia and Victoria also would have to expand "; S5[14]=" their production significantly, opening the door to further new investment and jobs.
      A business study to export the Statesman Caprice to China "; S6[14]=" will be completed late this year or early in 2004.
      The plan was unveiled yesterday by the president of General Motors Asia "; S7[14]=" Pacific Fritz Henderson in Melbourne.
      Mr Henderson said the rear-wheel-drive Caprice would carry Buick badging and sell alongside the large front-drive Buick "; S8[14]=" Regal, assembled in China.
      GM's sales in China's rapidly growing car market have grown dramatically from the 3000 units sold in 1997.
"; S9[14]="       The company expects to sell almost 350,000 this year.
      Mr Henderson said the Statesman Caprice would have to be "; S10[14]=" exported in CKD (completely knocked down) kits for local assembly, to meet China's requirements for local assembly.
      Asked how likely the plan "; S11[14]=" was to come to fruition, he said: 'If you had suggested a couple of years ago Holden would be exporting a Holden car called the "; S12[14]=" Monaro to the United States to be sold as the Pontiac GTO, people would have laughed at you.
      'Yet exports of the "; S13[14]=" GTO start up in September and go on sale in October.' Questioned about likely volumes for Statesman Caprice, the GM executive said: 'We expected to "; S14[14]=" sell 3000 to 4000 Regals a month.
      We have sold over 8000 a month recently.
      'Holden is a low-cost, "; S15[14]=" large car centre of expertise.
      'Holden can be, is, and will be used in the future as the centre of expertise for "; S16[14]=" low-cost, large car assembly internationally.' he said.
      'We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what can be done between Holden, "; S17[14]=" China and Korea.' The Chinese vehicle market had grown from 2.4 million cars and commercials in 2001 to 3.4 million in 2002 and is expected "; S18[14]=" to reach 4.4 million this year.
      'Holden's position in GM's strategy in the Asia Pacific region is very exciting.
      "; S19[14]=" 'You only have to tap into the right segment with the right product and numbers can be staggering.'.. "; R[15]="2036"; T[15]="EU CAP reform - no hit, just miss"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20030630"; Dt[15]="Monday 30 June 2003"; Acats[15]="a08a61"; B1[15]="      It seems European agriculture ministers have yet again missed the opportunity to implement meaningful reform to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Federal "; B2[15]="Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said today... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      It seems European agriculture ministers have yet again missed the opportunity to implement meaningful reform to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Federal "; S2[15]=" Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said today.
      'Half a billion dollars per day will continue to be spent by the European Union (EU) "; S3[15]=" propping up its farmers, to the detriment of European consumers and efficient farmers elsewhere,' Mr Truss said.
      'Attempts by EU Agriculture Commissioner "; S4[15]=" Franz Fischler to introduce de-coupled support across agricultural industries appear to have failed.
      Fischler's de-coupling proposals were modest, but would have been "; S5[15]=" a genuine step towards reform.' De-coupling means payments to farmers are not linked to the amount produced, thereby removing the incentive to produce more "; S6[15]=" to obtain more subsidy.
      As long as payments are linked to production, farmers are shielded from market realities that might otherwise be "; S7[15]=" telling them to produce less.
      'While the agreement reached by the EU at least gives the Commission a position to take to "; S8[15]=" the Cancun WTO Ministerial, it is a long way from the leadership needed to break the deadlock in negotiations,' Mr Truss said.
      "; S9[15]=" Demands by individual EU member states, resulted in the genuine reform elements of the Fischler proposal being overturned and replaced by more trade-distorting support mechanisms.
"; S10[15]="       'Reform proposals that would have improved the prospects for agricultural trade reform in the WTO would have been welcomed.
      "; S11[15]=" Unfortunately, Australian farmers are going to have to wait a while longer,' Mr Truss said.
      'After weeks of debate, and with a "; S12[15]=" mountain of evidence that the CAP needs to change, EU ministers have adopted what can best be called a marginal and mediocre change.
    "; S13[15]="   'Unfortunately, self-interest has again ruled the day and the addiction to subsidies prevails.'.. "; R[16]="2028"; T[16]="Europe scuttles trade talks"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20030625"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 25 June 2003"; Acats[16]="a08a61"; B1[16]="      World trade talks were on the brink of collapse as European nations refused to reform farm subsidies, Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile "; B2[16]="warned yesterday... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      World trade talks were on the brink of collapse as European nations refused to reform farm subsidies, Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile "; S2[16]=" warned yesterday.
      Speaking at the end of a World Trade Organisation Ministers' meeting in Egypt, Mr Vaile said progress in the current "; S3[16]=" round of trade talks depended on Europe reforming its farm schemes.
      The 147 WTO nations agreed in 2001 to include farm "; S4[16]=" exports on the agenda for discussions in the new round of trade talks.
      But the European Union, and to a lesser extent "; S5[16]=" Japan and South Korea, have since refused to discuss the issue.
      With a crucial meeting to be held in Mexico in "; S6[16]=" September, Mr Vaile said the whole process would stall if the Europeans failed to come to the table with a proposal to reduce multibillion-dollar farm "; S7[16]=" subsidies.
      'It is now all eyes on the EU to see what they can do to make sure this progress moves "; S8[16]=" forward,' Mr Vaile said.
      As world trade stumbled, Australia continued to advance its proposed free trade agreement with the US.
  "; S9[16]="     US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage yesterday confirmed the end of the year as a deadline for the trade negotiations.
  "; S10[16]="     He told three premiers, including Queensland's Peter Beattie attending a biotechnology conference in Washington, that the Bush administration 'very strongly supported' the free "; S11[16]=" trade pact.
      Mr Beattie later said Mr Armitage conceded that getting the FTA passed by the US Congress would be tough "; S12[16]=" 'but they are confident they can get it through'.
      US agricultural interests are expected to lobby Congress against passing the agreement "; S13[16]=" between Australia and the US.
      They want to prevent more efficient Australian agricultural producers gaining access to the American market, particularly "; S14[16]=" in the sugar and beef industries... "; R[17]="2024"; T[17]="Help To Meet European Protocols"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20030619"; Dt[17]="Thursday 19 June 2003"; Acats[17]="a08a61a69"; B1[17]="      Tasmanian agricultural producers are being helped to meet stringent import protocols for the European Union countries.... "; B2[17]=" "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      Tasmanian agricultural producers are being helped to meet stringent import protocols for the European Union countries.
      The Minister for "; S2[17]=" Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Bryan Green, said department staff are working with the Tasmanian exporter Field Fresh Tasmania to assist a group of 10 "; S3[17]=" vegetable growers to meet the demanding market requirements of a leading British supermarket chain.
      'Staff at the Forthside Research Station are currently "; S4[17]=" auditing the Supermarket's Environmental Management System to identify any ambiguities.
      'Questions will then be put to the UK supermarket to gain clarification "; S5[17]=" of all requirements.
      'Any gaps identified will be addressed through supporting guidelines to enable Field Fresh growers to implement a code of "; S6[17]=" environmental management on their properties.' Mr Green said the moves were in line with Tasmanian producers' push to meet increasing consumer demands world wide not "; S7[17]=" only that their food is safe but that it is produced in an environmentally sustainable way.
      'A number of our overseas markets "; S8[17]=" are now demanding that environmental management systems such as EUREPGAP are in place on farms supplying products to those markets.
      'Apart from "; S9[17]=" the high product quality for which Tasmanian growers are renowned, our products for this market must now be produced from farms, which have an accredited "; S10[17]=" Environmental Management System in place.
      'It is inevitable that other markets such as Japan and Asia will also demand production from similar "; S11[17]=" systems into the future.' Mr Green said information on developments would be passed on to producers through field days based at Forthside... "; R[18]="1997"; T[18]="Gloomy outlook on global trade reforms"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20030614"; Dt[18]="Saturday 14 June 2003"; Acats[18]="a08"; B1[18]="      The drive for major reform of the global trading system - seen as critical to the improved prospects of Australian farmers and "; B2[18]="impoverished countries - was at high risk of collapse, senior trade officials said yesterday... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      The drive for major reform of the global trading system - seen as critical to the improved prospects of Australian farmers and "; S2[18]=" impoverished countries - was at high risk of collapse, senior trade officials said yesterday.
      The warning came as new OECD figures showed "; S3[18]=" that agricultural subsidies imposed by industrial countries were $475 billion in 2002.
      Reducing these subsidies, and other barriers to agricultural trade, lies "; S4[18]=" at the heart of successful World Trade Organisation talks.
      Dubbed the 'development round', the negotiations have been framed to provide a boost "; S5[18]=" to the world's poorest countries - in the process rehabilitating the reputation of an organisation often accused of being worried only about advancing the interests "; S6[18]=" of wealthy nations.
      But, in a frank briefing for Australian reporters - which came on the eve of a visit overseas by "; S7[18]=" the Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, to drum up support for the stalled WTO talks - a trade official said there was a serious risk "; S8[18]=" of negotiations falling apart.
      'The danger [of collapse] is high at this point in time, it would be fair to say,' the "; S9[18]=" official said.
      The main reason for the pessimism is the reluctance of the European Union, Japan and South Korea to reduce their "; S10[18]=" huge agricultural subsidies and other trade protection measures.
      The barriers allow inefficient producers in these countries to charge uneconomically low prices, freezing "; S11[18]=" out producers from Australia and many developing countries.
      Strict quotas are also a substantial hinderance to exporters.
      This weekend "; S12[18]=" Mr Vaile travels to Britain, Geneva and then to a meeting in Egypt of key trade ministers from 29 countries to press Australia's case and "; S13[18]=" win the hearts and minds of wavering developing countries.
      The meetings in Geneva and Egypt will be used primarily to lobby non-government "; S14[18]=" organisations and developing countries, particularly African nations, to join Australia's push for agricultural reform.
      Getting the developing nations - and vocal non-government "; S15[18]=" organisations - onside would be an important political coup for countries like Australia in pressing the Europeans to adjust their trade policies.
      "; S16[18]=" But the EU has been offering limited preferential trade access to many developing countries, and elevating the issue of environment, in an attempt to gain "; S17[18]=" the moral high ground.
      The developing-nation exports that the EU accepts are mostly unprocessed materials the European nations do not produce themselves.
"; S18[18]="       However, the policy has been successful in tying up support against the aggressive trade liberalisation being sought by Australia.
      "; S19[18]=" Trade barriers to agriculture hurt developing nations most, because it is one of the few areas in which they have a comparative advantage due to "; S20[18]=" low costs.
      Australia, too, has a comparative advantage in agricultural trade but farmers have long been frustrated by their lack of access "; S21[18]=" to lucrative markets in Europe and the US in particular.
      Mr Vaile's visit to Britain reflects Australia's view that it is one "; S22[18]=" of the few influential nations in the EU inclined to make serious cuts to agricultural subsidies.
      The political price of dropping the "; S23[18]=" subsidies is huge for many European countries but the ongoing cost - especially with another dozen nations about to join the EU - is beginning "; S24[18]=" to weigh heavily on countries such as Britain... "; R[19]="1966"; T[19]="Washing Machine Rebates -- Sydney Water"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20030606"; Dt[19]="Friday 6 June 2003"; Acats[19]="a08a40a48"; B1[19]="      A special offer that starts tomorrow will give Sydney Water customers a chance to help protect the environment, save water and pocket "; B2[19]="$100 into the bargain... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      A special offer that starts tomorrow will give Sydney Water customers a chance to help protect the environment, save water and pocket "; S2[19]=" $100 into the bargain.
      From June 5 to July 31, 2003, Sydney Water customers will be eligible for a cash rebate "; S3[19]=" of $100 if they purchase a new 4A- or 5A-rated water-efficient washing machine.
      Customers have until 15 August 2003 to send their "; S4[19]=" rebate application forms to Sydney Water.
      Introduction of this offer is designed to coincide with World Environment Day, held every year "; S5[19]=" on June 5.
      Announcing this special water conservation promotion today, Sydney Water Managing Director Greg Robinson, said the offer is intended "; S6[19]=" to encourage people to consider a water-efficient model when buying a new washing machine.
      'Our aim is to get people thinking "; S7[19]=" about the link between the kind of appliances they buy, the amount of water and energy they use and ultimately, the impact of these choices "; S8[19]=" on our environment,' Mr Robinson said.
      'This message is especially important given the ongoing drought conditions, and the tendency for people "; S9[19]=" to be less focused on water conservation during the winter months.
      The start of the winter is also a period when washing "; S10[19]=" machine sales are typically high.' The offer applies to any 4A- or 5A-rated washing machine that qualifies under the National Water Conservation Labelling and "; S11[19]=" Rating Scheme.
      'Sydney Water has been working closely with leading white goods manufacturers to develop this special limited offer,' Mr Robinson "; S12[19]=" said.
      'This initiative is part of a range of Sydney Water programs intended to encourage water conservation among Sydney Water customers.
"; S13[19]="       Water is probably the single most important community resource and we all have a responsibility to make sure it is used wisely.
"; S14[19]="       'Washing machines consume around 16 per cent of the water used in a typical household, By replacing a 1A-rated machine with "; S15[19]=" a 4A-rated model, customers can save up to 120 litres of water on every load of washing they do,' The majority of 4A-and -5A "; S16[19]=" rated washing machines are front-loading designs, however several manufacturers have developed top-loading models that will meet the requirements to gain a 4A or 5A rating... "; R[20]="1951"; T[20]="Japan trade talks at crisis point"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20030603"; Dt[20]="Tuesday 3 June 2003"; Acats[20]="a08a62"; B1[20]="      The stability of Australia s $40 billion relationship with Japan is under threat as the two countries struggle for a breakthough in "; B2[20]="the frantic global race to put together new trade deals... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      The stability of Australia's $40 billion relationship with Japan is under threat as the two countries struggle for a breakthough in the "; S2[20]=" frantic global race to put together new trade deals.
      With hopes for a new world framework on trade evaporating, both countries are "; S3[20]=" scrambling to secure specialised treaties to protect their export markets.
      But the Tokyo-Canberra talks are floundering, despite modest parameters, raising fears that "; S4[20]=" Australia's relations with what the Government calls its most important trading partner will suffer.
      The warning comes a week after the "; S5[20]=" Prime Minister, John Howard, revealed he would be revisiting Japan as part of a sweep through Asia next month that will focus mainly on security "; S6[20]=" issues.
      Mr Howard and his Japanese counterpart, Junichiro Koizumi, have requested a report by mid-year on 'the way forward'.
      "; S7[20]=" Sources say negotiations are so laboured that two separate reports may result.
      The perennial problem - Japanese resistance to opening up its "; S8[20]=" agricultural markets - is the main stumbling block to the trade and economic agreement.
      Matters are complicated by the fact that both "; S9[20]=" sides are busy bargaining elsewhere.
      Australia's enthusiasm for a more ambitions free trade agreement (FTA) with the US is overshadowing the talks.
"; S10[20]="       Some big Japanese manufacturers are understood to have privately expressed alarm to Canberra about the implications of the Washington deal.
    "; S11[20]="   Japan's car makers, heavily reliant on the US for export revenue, are worried that Australian competitors might gain an edge from any preferential arrangements.
"; S12[20]="       The Government has rejected claims its pursuit of a deal with Washington will lead to a trade backlash in northern Asia, undoing "; S13[20]=" the painstaking work of the past decades.
      However, Canberra is under pressure to 'balance' the US deal to demonstrate its commitment to "; S14[20]=" Asia.
      While Australia has an FTA with Singapore and is close to a deal with Thailand, Japan is by far Australia's "; S15[20]=" biggest export market, accounting for more than 20 per cent of exports each year.
      Trade experts say without an upgraded deal, Japan's "; S16[20]=" status as Australia's 'most preferred trading nation' - implied in the existing relationship - will be seriously eroded.
      Japan's priority is securing "; S17[20]=" a free trade deal with its neighbours in ASEAN.
      It is fearful of being sidelined as China rushes to negotiate closer economic "; S18[20]=" ties with the region.
      An ASEAN deal would involve preferential trade between Japan and the South-East Asian countries, possibly sidelining Australia.
  "; S19[20]="     While Mr Koizumi unexpectedly floated the prospect of a fully-fledged free trade deal before he met Mr Howard in Canberra last May, there "; S20[20]=" is no chance of an immediate breakthrough on greater access for Australia farmers to Japanese markets.
      Canberra has proposed a modest set "; S21[20]=" of goals, involving initiatives in areas such as food safety and customs trading.
      But senior sources on both sides have confirmed Japan "; S22[20]=" is resisting proposals for the two countries to express a commitment to broader liberalisation and set down a work program for reform.
      "; S23[20]=" 'Japan is petrified of offering even the slightest concession given the world trade round is still alive and given Australia's status as head of the "; S24[20]=" Cairns Group [of free trading nations],' one source said.
      A meeting of senior bureaucrats in Canberra next month is seen as the "; S25[20]=" last chance to strike a deal before the mid-year deadline.
      Such is the sensitivity that an agreement has already been reached to "; S26[20]=" keep the report private... "; R[21]="1947"; T[21]="Australian beef promotions help drive sales"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20030603"; Dt[21]="Tuesday 3 June 2003"; Acats[21]="a08a27"; B1[21]="      Australian exports to our two biggest Asian beef markets are forecast to grow this year despite the strengthening Australian dollar and supply "; B2[21]="restrictions... "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Australian exports to our two biggest Asian beef markets are forecast to grow this year despite the strengthening Australian dollar and supply "; S2[21]=" restrictions.
      In South Korea today, following a visit to Japan last week, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Managing Director Mark Spurr said "; S3[21]=" ongoing promotions in both countries had been critical to positioning Australia as a supplier of quality beef.
      Mr Spurr has been travelling "; S4[21]=" with MLA Chairman David Crombie and MLA Director Guy Fitzhardinge, meeting customers and trade industry representatives in both countries.
      'Customers we have "; S5[21]=" met in both Japan and Korea have continually referred to our reputation for quality beef and product integrity, and have praised the promotion efforts of "; S6[21]=" MLA and industry,' Mr Spurr said.
      In Japan a major MLA promotion program over the past 12 months, funded with support from "; S7[21]=" the Australian Government, processors and industry, has involved more than 4,000 in-store demonstrations, trade seminars, retail promotions and consumer awareness campaigns.
      AC "; S8[21]=" Nielson survey results have put awareness of the Aussie Beef brand among Japanese housewives at an incredible 95%.
      Mr Spurr said the "; S9[21]=" strength of consumer demand in Japan was evident in the stronger export prices for our beef to Japan.
      In Korea, the Hoju "; S10[21]=" Chungjungwoo brand launched last year - promoting the clean, natural and safe attributes of Australian beef - already enjoys 30% brand awareness.
      "; S11[21]=" 'Total year-to-date sales to Korea are 5% above last year's levels but what is more exciting is the growth in the higher value chilled beef "; S12[21]=" exports which are 70% higher at 2,047 tonnes,' Mr Spurr said.
      'Ongoing promotion in both Japan and Korea are important in maintaining "; S13[21]=" and growing our market position, particularly given the strong Australian dollar and the tight supply pressures because of the drought.'.. "; R[22]="1946"; T[22]="Meat quality assurance key competitive advantage"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20030603"; Dt[22]="Tuesday 3 June 2003"; Acats[22]="a08a09a10a27"; B1[22]="      Product integrity is a key competitive advantage for Australian beef and sheepmeat in overseas markets and one that we should strive to "; B2[22]="protect and build, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Managing Director Mark Spurr said today... "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Product integrity is a key competitive advantage for Australian beef and sheepmeat in overseas markets and one that we should strive to "; S2[22]=" protect and build, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Managing Director Mark Spurr said today.
      Mr Spurr's comments follow an 11-day trade visit "; S3[22]=" to Japan and Korea with MLA Chairman David Crombie and MLA Director Guy Fitzhardinge, to meet with customers and see first-hand Australian industry promotion programs.
"; S4[22]="       'The feedback we have had from customers confirms that product integrity is a key competitive advantage for Australian red meat,' Mr Spurr "; S5[22]=" said.
      'However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels - we need to ensure we maintain this competitive edge.' He said "; S6[22]=" industry programs such as the National Livestock Identification Scheme and the development of the new on-farm QA program, would ensure the Australian red meat industry "; S7[22]=" had the tools to continue to enhance product integrity in the future.
      Mr Spurr's comments follow a recent failed attempt by the "; S8[22]=" Japanese opposition parties to introduce legislation requiring individual cattle identification for imported beef or for imported beef to be labelled as non-traceable.
      "; S9[22]=" Lobbying by MLA, the Australian Government and the Japanese meat trade helped ensure the proposed legislation for imported beef was not introduced.
      "; S10[22]=" 'The proposals put forward would have discriminated against imported beef and we believe would have been in breach of WTO agreements,' Mr Spurr said.
  "; S11[22]="     'However, irrespective of this, it is important that the Australian beef industry continues to enhance product integrity to maintain our competitive edge.
  "; S12[22]="     'Australia is already well placed in this area through the development of NLIS and the new on-farm QA.'.. "; R[23]="1914"; T[23]="World wheat crop set to increase"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20030527"; Dt[23]="Tuesday 27 May 2003"; Acats[23]="a08a22a57"; B1[23]="      World wheat production in 2003 is set to beat the figure set in 2002 by 3.6 per cent, according to the Food "; B2[23]="and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
      The food body predicts that total world production will be around 590 million tonnes... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      World wheat production in 2003 is set to beat the figure set in 2002 by 3.6 per cent, according to the Food "; S2[23]=" and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
      The food body predicts that total world production will be around 590 million tonnes.
"; S3[23]="       This would make 2003 the most successful year for global wheat production since 1999.
      The news will be well "; S4[23]=" received by food manufacturers, particularly in the bakery sector, where last year's poor wheat harvest was putting pricing pressure on wheat-based products.
      "; S5[23]=" The increase in wheat production is expected to be especially pronounced in Australia, Canada and the United States, where output in 2002 was severely cut "; S6[23]=" by drought.
      However the FAO believes that output will recover significantly.
      Winter wheat plantation in the US was higher "; S7[23]=" than the year before, giving rise to prospects for a larger harvest with better yields.
      Early indications point to a significant increase "; S8[23]=" in plantings in Australia and Canada in response to relatively favourable prices, while yields are expected to recover from last year's drought-reduced levels.
    "; S9[23]="   Larger wheat crops are also predicted in South America, where Brazil has introduced incentives to promote domestic production.
      Some wheat producing "; S10[23]=" countries in Africa are also expected to have a successful year.
      On the other hand, the FAO believes that wheat production will "; S11[23]=" decline in Asia, where dry weather conditions have prevailed.
      A particularly harsh winter in Europe, particularly in the former Soviet states, may "; S12[23]=" also adversely affect wheat crops.
      In addition, aggregate wheat stocks in major exporting countries are forecast at 34 million tonnes, down 13 "; S13[23]=" million tonnes from the previous year and the smallest volume since 1996.
      This is largely due to smaller supplies in the United "; S14[23]=" States, Canada and Australia.
      The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations was founded in 1945 with a mandate to raise "; S15[23]=" levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations.
      Today, FAO is "; S16[23]=" one of the largest specialised agencies in the United Nations system and the lead agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development.
      "; S17[23]=" An intergovernmental organisation, FAO has 183 member countries plus one member organisation, the European Community... "; R[24]="1894"; T[24]="AWB s interim profit"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20030522"; Dt[24]="Thursday 22 May 2003"; Acats[24]="a04a08a22"; B1[24]="      The Chairman of AWB Limited, Brendan Stewart today announced an after-tax profit of $29.9 million for the half-year ended 31 March 2003.... "; B2[24]=" "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      The Chairman of AWB Limited, Brendan Stewart today announced an after-tax profit of $29.9 million for the half-year ended 31 March 2003.
"; S2[24]="       In recognition of the company's capital position, retained earnings, available franking credits and the Board's desire to maintain a stable dividend policy "; S3[24]=" the Board has declared a fully franked interim dividend of 14 cents per share, to be distributed to shareholders on 4 July 2003 for shareholders "; S4[24]=" registered as at 23 June 2003.
      AWB Limited's Managing Director, Mr Andrew Lindberg, said this interim profit result was a solid result "; S5[24]=" given the severity of the drought that Australia has experienced.
      'The drought conditions resulted in significantly lower grain production from the 2002/03 "; S6[24]=" harvest, with wheat production estimated at 9.7 million tonnes, a reduction of 60% from the 2001/02 harvest of 24.5 million tonnes,' said Mr Lindberg.
  "; S7[24]="     'The result represents a 61% decrease in profit in comparison to the prior corresponding half-year and this is principally attributable to the drought "; S8[24]=" currently affecting all parts of Australia,' said Mr Lindberg.
      AWB's earnings per share of 10.9 cents are 64% lower than the prior "; S9[24]=" corresponding half-year.
      The major profit contributions for the 2003 half-year result were from Finance and Risk Management, Grain Acquisition and Trading business "; S10[24]=" areas and Pool Management Services.
      'AWB launched a new range of Finance and Risk Management products for the 2002/03 season and these "; S11[24]=" were well supported by Australian wheat growers,' said Mr Lindberg.
      'These new products helped AWB maintain its market share in the face "; S12[24]=" of increased competition,' said Mr Lindberg.
      The Board is forecasting a full-year profit after tax result of between $40 million and $45 "; S13[24]=" million for the year ending 30 September 2003.
      This forecast includes approximately $3.5 million profit on the sale of AWB's Head Office, "; S14[24]=" Ceres House.
      'We are on track to reach that forecast range and the Board is co nfident that the ongoing focus on "; S15[24]=" maximising AWB National Pool returns and the financial performance of the company will continue to deliver strong returns to AWB's shareholders, the vast majority of "; S16[24]=" whom are Australian wheat growers,' said Mr Lindberg.
      Earlier this month the Bureau of Meteorology officially declared the El Niño weather phenomenon, "; S17[24]=" believed to have underscored one of the worst droughts in Australian history this season, over.
      'AWB is optimistic that the breaking of "; S18[24]=" El Nino and some good rains in the wheatbelt of Australia will result in an above average wheat winter crop this season,' said Mr Lindberg.
"; S19[24]="       'We are currently forecasting domestic wheat production in the range of 22-24 million tonnes which is based on normal climatic conditions for "; S20[24]=" the season ahead.
      'In line with our strategy of a strong grains business, AWB is continuing to hold discussions with a number "; S21[24]=" of companies in the grains industry to secure consolidation benefits,' said Mr Lindberg.
      AWB's strategic investment in Futuris is a part of "; S22[24]=" AWB's related strategy to rationally diversify earnings in the areas of rural and financial services.
      'The primary objective of this investment is "; S23[24]=" to pursue opportunities for co-operation with Elders,' said Mr Lindberg... "; R[25]="1892"; T[25]="Australia s export earnings slide"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20030521"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 21 May 2003"; Acats[25]="a08"; B1[25]="      Exports of Australian manufactures are in free-fall, according to new Government figures that present a surprisingly bleak picture.... "; B2[25]=" "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      Exports of Australian manufactures are in free-fall, according to new Government figures that present a surprisingly bleak picture.
      The "; S2[25]=" figures, released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, show export revenue for Australian produce overall fell almost 4 per cent in 2002, with "; S3[25]=" the steepest fall coming in high-value manufactures, though there were losses across the board.
      Exports of elaborately transformed minerals such as aluminium, "; S4[25]=" zinc alloys, steel products and glass plunged 26 per cent to $1.85 billion, the lowest level since 1994.
      Earnings from pharmaceutical exports "; S5[25]=" fell 25 per cent to $1.5 billion, a three-year low.
      Exports of computers and computer parts in 2002 slumped to $439 million, "; S6[25]=" down 25 per cent last year and 57 per cent since the Coalition took office and ended industry support.
      The figures predate "; S7[25]=" the steep rise in the dollar this year, which will slash manufacturers' profits and their ability to compete for markets.
      On the "; S8[25]=" Reserve Bank's trade weighted index, the dollar climbed yesterday to 58.2 points, its highest level since July 1999.
      Labor trade spokesman Craig "; S9[25]=" Emerson blamed the Government for the slump, saying it had failed to continue Labor's push to diversify Australia's export base.
      'The Government "; S10[25]=" blames the drought, but how is a drought responsible for a 7 per cent slump in Australia's exports of high-value manufactured goods?' Dr Emerson said.
"; S11[25]="       'The Howard Government is returning Australia to a farm and a quarry.' Amid the gloom, the figures show a number of success "; S12[25]=" stories.
      Despite the rising dollar, 2002 saw record export earnings for car components, nickel, paints, cosmetics, paper, civil engineering plant, mechanical handling "; S13[25]=" equipment, household appliances, sporting equipment, stationery and publications.
      The Bureau of Statistics data reports a more positive view, showing manufactured export earnings "; S14[25]=" down 1 per cent in 2002 and export volumes up 3 per cent.
      But the bureau figures include re-exports, which the Department "; S15[25]=" of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates have almost doubled in the past three years.
      The bleak data comes as a key player "; S16[25]=" in the Doha round of trade negotiations has proposed a deal to abolish tariffs in five industry sectors: electronics and electrical goods; textiles, clothing, footwear "; S17[25]=" and leather; motor vehicle parts and components; fish and fish products; and stones, gems and precious metals.
      The chairman of the market "; S18[25]=" access negotiations for manufactures, Pierre-Louis Girard of Switzerland, put the radical plan in his draft framework for an agreement.
      Mr Girard argued "; S19[25]=" that all five are key areas of export potential for developing countries.
      Some observers believe that for precisely that reason, his plan "; S20[25]=" will be vetoed by developed countries... "; R[26]="1886"; T[26]="Canadian mad cow case sparks fears in US"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20030521"; Dt[26]="Wednesday 21 May 2003"; Acats[26]="a08a27a33a60"; B1[26]="      The US today scrambled to ease US consumer concerns over mad cow disease, immediately banning Canadian cattle and beef imports after Canada "; B2[26]="reported its first case in a decade... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      The US today scrambled to ease US consumer concerns over mad cow disease, immediately banning Canadian cattle and beef imports after Canada "; S2[26]=" reported its first case in a decade.
      News of the mad cow case sent shock waves through the North American food industry "; S3[26]=" and commodity markets.
      Shares in major hamburger chains like McDonald's Corp.
      and big beef processor Tyson Foods Inc.
  "; S4[26]="     fell today.
      US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said the risk to human health and the possibility of transmission to animals "; S5[26]=" in the United States, where there has never been a reported case of mad cow disease, was very low.
      The US Agriculture "; S6[26]=" Department 'is placing Canada under its BSE restriction guidelines and will not accept any ruminants or ruminant products from Canada pending further investigation,' Veneman said "; S7[26]=" in a statement.
      Ruminants are any class of animal that have multiple stomachs which include cattle, sheep, and goats.
      "; S8[26]=" Earlier today, Canada said it had found a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, in the western province of Alberta.
  "; S9[26]="     The USDA has sent a team of animal health officials to assist Canada in its investigation.
      USDA Undersecretary JB "; S10[26]=" Penn said the department did not plan to take any further action to combat mad cow disease.
      Penn said the United States "; S11[26]=" would reopen its borders 'fairly soon' if no other cattle tested positive for mad cow disease.
      'When we get some notion about "; S12[26]=" the results from those tests, then we will evaluate where we are,' Penn told reporters.
      'If all of those are negative, I "; S13[26]=" think we would open the border fairly soon.' Canada is testing the affected Alberta herd and results were expected within 48 hours.
      "; S14[26]=" Last year, the US imported more than one million cattle and about one billion pounds of beef from Canada, US industry officials said.
    "; S15[26]="   This amounts to less than five per cent of US cattle slaughter and beef production.
      Mad cow disease is a chronic, "; S16[26]=" degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of cattle.
      Britain, where the disease was first diagnosed in 1986, destroyed 3.7 million cattle "; S17[26]=" in the 1980s and 1990s because of the disease.
      A rare human form known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is thought to result "; S18[26]=" from consuming contaminated cattle products... "; R[27]="1859"; T[27]="Free trade talks to resume"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20030519"; Dt[27]="Monday 19 May 2003"; Acats[27]="a08a60"; B1[27]="      Free trade talks with the US resume tomorrow amid warnings pensioners and the chronically ill could pay double for medicines unless the "; B2[27]="Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is taken off the table... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      Free trade talks with the US resume tomorrow amid warnings pensioners and the chronically ill could pay double for medicines unless the "; S2[27]=" Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is taken off the table.
      The second round of talks gets under way in Hawaii tomorrow with the "; S3[27]=" government refusing to quarantine the PBS system from negotiations.
      A report by The Australia Institute found prices for medicines were likely to "; S4[27]=" double if US drug companies were granted the concessions they were demanding under the agreement.
      The institute's executive director, Clive Hamilton, and "; S5[27]=" opposition parties urged the government to exclude the pharmaceutical benefits scheme from negotiations.
      'US drug companies claim that Australia's world-leading PBS is "; S6[27]=" costing them around $1 billion a year,' Dr Hamilton said.
      "; S7[27]=" 'While government policy will determine the eventual distribution of costs between concession card holders, non-concession card holders and ordinary taxpayers, this cost "; S8[27]=" is likely to be passed on to consumers through higher prices for prescriptions if the demands of US negotiators prevail.' Prices could rise by 90 "; S9[27]=" per cent for non-concession card holders and 104 per cent for concession card holders, he said.
      US drug companies have described the "; S10[27]=" PBS, which costs the government $4 billion a year, as insidious because it keeps the price of new drugs low.
      The government "; S11[27]=" will not rule out using the PBS as a bargaining tool in the interests of Australian farmers.
      'At this stage of negotiations, "; S12[27]=" we're willing to talk about everything,' a spokesman for Trade Minister Mark Vaile said.
      'Whilst we're not guaranteeing we won't consider changes "; S13[27]=" to it (the PBS), we're recognising its importance.' The minister has said Australia would not agree to any measures that diminish the nation's ability to "; S14[27]=" formulate its own policy on social, cultural and political matters.
      Opposition trade spokesman Craig Emerson said the trade negotiations could suit the "; S15[27]=" government's agenda of pushing up prescription prices.
      'Labor's concerns and suspicions are that this government is trying to get through the back "; S16[27]=" door of a trade deal with the United States what it cannot get through the front door of the Senate and that is higher prescription "; S17[27]=" costs,' Mr Emerson said.
      'The so-called US-Australia free trade agreement could be the next step in dismantling Australia's public health system.' Australian "; S18[27]=" Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett said putting the PBS at risk was dangerous.
      'The PBS is the other cornerstone of our health system "; S19[27]=" alongside Medicare.
      'And to put that at risk is simply crazy.' US President George W Bush and Prime Minister John Howard have "; S20[27]=" signalled a free trade agreement could be reached by the end of the year.
      The third round of trade talks will be "; S21[27]=" held in July... "; R[28]="1851"; T[28]="Farmers on a winner with high-protein wheat exports"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20030519"; Dt[28]="Monday 19 May 2003"; Acats[28]="a08a10a22a55"; B1[28]="      They have watched their wheat crops grow from a seed into world-class bakery products ready to export to Japan.... "; B2[28]=" "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      They have watched their wheat crops grow from a seed into world-class bakery products ready to export to Japan.
      "; S2[28]=" The six farming families from the state's Mid North first thought about value-adding to their high protein wheat crops 18 months ago.
      "; S3[28]=" They have not drawn breath since.
      Rural Solutions SA senior field crop consultant Dave Lewis said a trial shipment of the group's "; S4[28]=" frozen fruit bun and wholegrain dinner roll products would soon leave for Japan.
      Mr Lewis is proud that the project has come "; S5[28]=" so far.
      'It's a high-protein grain and the growers thought it wasn't being valued high enough because it was being mixed with "; S6[28]=" lower-grade wheat,' he said.
      'The quality of the wheat is suitable for freezing - the fruit bun has a frozen shelf-life of "; S7[28]=" up to 18 weeks and the dinner roll 15 weeks.
      'We have contracted Regency TAFE for the recipe development and have gained "; S8[28]=" plenty of support from Food South Australia,' Mr Lewis said.
      'The Japanese market is interested in the regional integrity of the product.' "; S9[28]=" Wheat grown in the region has been sought after historically by flour millers and bakers.
      The growers, centred on Orroroo, are behind "; S10[28]=" a range of frozen dough products, including croissants and butter rolls.
      Months of testing proved the high-protein wheat grown in the region "; S11[28]=" made strong dough perfect for freezing.
      The products are aimed at domestic and international markets, with an eye for restaurants and supermarkets.
"; S12[28]="       Malcolm Byerlee, of Orroroo, who has a grain and sheep property in Carrieton, said the products 'tasted great'.
      It "; S13[28]=" has been a steep learning curve since he embarked on the project - into the world of marketing and exporting.
      'We weren't "; S14[28]=" getting full value for our wheat and this was our way of value-adding as a group and see if the product was going to be "; S15[28]=" successful.' Mr Byerlee said.
      'I never thought I'd do anything like this, it's quite exciting.
      'It certainly makes you "; S16[28]=" use your brain .
      .
      .
      it's a good learning exercise.'.. "; R[29]="1839"; T[29]="Aussie wheat exports set to rebound: US figures"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20030515"; Dt[29]="Thursday 15 May 2003"; Acats[29]="a08a22"; B1[29]="      Australian wheat exports will grow 174 per cent this season as competition among traditional exporters intensifies, according to new figures released yesterday.... "; B2[29]=" "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      Australian wheat exports will grow 174 per cent this season as competition among traditional exporters intensifies, according to new figures released yesterday.
"; S2[29]="       The United States Department of Agriculture's annual wheat report said Australian wheat exports would break the 20 million tonne barrier after just "; S3[29]=" 9.5 million tonnes last season.
      'Sheep and cattle numbers dropped because of the 2002 drought, leaving room to expand wheat area,' it "; S4[29]=" said in its report.
      'A return to normal rainfall could easily double wheat production in 2003-04.' The department said it was likely "; S5[29]=" smaller exporting nations would fail to produce enough wheat to enter the international market this season.
      It said there was a chance "; S6[29]=" of better than expected prices this year because of a squeeze in production.
      'It is somewhat more likely that adverse weather will "; S7[29]=" occur in some areas in coming months and the rise in world production will be less than the decline in beginning stocks, reducing wheat supplies,' "; S8[29]=" it said.
      'If crops in the major foreign exporters do not rebound strongly from 2002-03, US and global prices will have to "; S9[29]=" rise sharply to ration limited supplies because the minor exporters will not be able to take up as much of the slack as they have "; S10[29]=" in 2002-03.' Minor exporters were able to fill the gap left by the droughts which hit Australia, Canada and the US last season.
    "; S11[29]="   An American wheat lobby, the US Wheat Associates, said the report showed a return to tough competition between the US, Australia and Canada.
  "; S12[29]="     'If the non-traditional suppliers grow less, they'll have less to compete with and less competition from the cheaper suppliers will likely result in "; S13[29]=" a narrowing of the price spreads,' it said.
      'But while price spreads will undoubtedly narrow from the huge gaps that were experienced "; S14[29]=" this year, there will definitely be fierce competition between the US, Canada and Australia.
      'Price comes into play here, since the monopolies "; S15[29]=" of Canada and Australia are well known for their secretive price undercutting against the transparent pricing of US wheat.' Australia, the US, Argentina, Canada and "; S16[29]=" the EU, which last year were responsible for 60 per cent of all wheat exports, are likely to trade 80 per cent of the world's "; S17[29]=" wheat this season... "; R[30]="1830"; T[30]="U.S. to confront European Union on genetically modified foods"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20030514"; Dt[30]="Wednesday 14 May 2003"; Acats[30]="a08a12"; B1[30]="      The U.S.
      is set to announce on Tuesday it will file a long-anticipated case in the World Trade Organization "; B2[30]="aimed at forcing the European Union to lift its de facto moratorium on genetically modified foods, according to administration and congressional officials... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      The U.S.
      is set to announce on Tuesday it will file a long-anticipated case in the World Trade Organization "; S2[30]=" aimed at forcing the European Union to lift its de facto moratorium on genetically modified foods, according to administration and congressional officials.
      "; S3[30]=" The decision further escalate trade tensions between the U.S.
      and Europe, just days after the EU threatened to impose "; S4[30]=" sanctions by the end of the year in a separate dispute over a $4 billion subsidy for US exporters.
      The U.S.
"; S5[30]="       case will be joined by Argentina and Canada, which are also large producers of GM crops, as well as by Egypt, which "; S6[30]=" is set to be rewarded next year with the launch of free-trade negotiations with the U.S.
      The U.S.
      "; S7[30]=" argues that European restrictions on the approval of GM crops, adopted under pressure from European consumers more than four years ago, form an illegal trade "; S8[30]=" barrier imposed without any evidence that the crops endanger human health or the environment.
      Robert Zoellick, the U.S.
      "; S9[30]=" trade representative, said in January he was prepared to bring a WTO case but was blocked by the White House over fears that the dispute "; S10[30]=" would hamper US efforts to win European support for the war in Iraq.
      David Byrne, EU health and consumer safety commissioner, "; S11[30]=" on Monday described the US timing as 'eccentric'.
      He said the moratorium would be lifted by the year's end, well before the "; S12[30]=" WTO can rule on the dispute... "; R[31]="1808"; T[31]="Clarification provided on seed trading"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20030508"; Dt[31]="Thursday 8 May 2003"; Acats[31]="a08a24a72"; B1[31]="      Growers are being reminded to check the status of seed trading restrictions on Department of Agriculture crop varieties protected under the Plant "; B2[31]="Breeders Rights Act... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Growers are being reminded to check the status of seed trading restrictions on Department of Agriculture crop varieties protected under the Plant "; S2[31]=" Breeders Rights Act.
      Department commercialisation officer Tresslyn Walmsley said protection of varieties by Plant Breeders Rights did not mean that farmer to "; S3[31]=" farmer seed trading was restricted, although growers should check.
      'The decision on whether to permit farmer to farmer trading is made on "; S4[31]=" a case by case basis when the marketing licence is granted to the licensee.
      Restricted trading is generally granted for a period "; S5[31]=" of four years,' she said.
      Ms Walmsley said varieties were generally subject to a seed royalty or Crop Improvement Royalty.
    "; S6[31]="   'A seed royalty is paid at the point of seed purchase.
      A Crop Improvement Royalty, which is an end point royalty, "; S7[31]=" is levied on the sale of each tonne of grain harvested and is deducted at the point of delivery, regardless of how the grower accessed "; S8[31]=" the seed,' she explained.
      'The Crop Improvement Royalty (CIR) is levied on a variety during the period covered by Plant Breeders Rights, "; S9[31]=" which for a grain variety is a maximum of 20 years.' Ms Walmsley said a table detailing the trading and royalty status of Department of "; S10[31]=" Agriculture varieties was available to help resolve grower confusion on this issue.
      'The table clearly lists all crop varieties released by the "; S11[31]=" Department and protected by Plant Breeders Rights, and states whether they are subject to a seed royalty or CIR,' she said.
      'The "; S12[31]=" table also details the amount of royalty to be paid and assigns varieties to groups where farmer to farmer trading is either prohibited or allowed.
"; S13[31]="       For restricted varieties, the table provides the appropriate licensee's name.' The table is available from the Department's website.
      Ms "; S14[31]=" Walmsley said the table only dealt with Department of Agriculture varieties.
      'If growers want to trade in other varieties, particularly from the "; S15[31]=" eastern states, they need to contact either the Plant Breeders Rights owner or the licensee for that variety.'.. "; R[32]="1788"; T[32]="Winter sheep and cattle trade with Middle East to resume"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20030506"; Dt[32]="Tuesday 6 May 2003"; Acats[32]="a08a25a27"; B1[32]="      A ban on exports of live sheep and cattle from Australia to the Middle East during the northern summer has been lifted "; B2[32]="for the winter, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today... "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      A ban on exports of live sheep and cattle from Australia to the Middle East during the northern summer has been lifted "; S2[32]=" for the winter, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today.
      The ban was put in place last "; S3[32]=" winter following unacceptably high mortality rates on a number of shipments of live sheep and cattle from Australia to markets in the Middle East.
  "; S4[32]="     'The livestock export industry is an important regional employer and a major export earner worth around $920 million a year.
      "; S5[32]=" But the Government needed to act to ensure that its animal welfare record was sufficiently strong to protect the reputation and trading access of Australian "; S6[32]=" agriculture,' Mr Truss said.
      The main causes of the animal deaths were found to be heat stress (cattle and sheep), and salmonellosis "; S7[32]=" (sheep only).
      'Last October, I announced a joint industry/government Action Plan to undertake detailed research into the causes and effects of feedlot "; S8[32]=" salmonellosis and heat stress,' Mr Truss said.
      'As a result of this initiative, Australian exporters will now be able to make use "; S9[32]=" of predictive modelling for heat stress to help select and prepare livestock bound for the Middle East.
      'Stringent new criteria have been "; S10[32]=" introduced for export premises in order to reduce the potential for feedlot salmonellosis.
      These premises will need to ensure that they not "; S11[32]=" only have the appropriate facilities and infrastructure, but also the management practices that take greater account of welfare concerns.' Mr Truss said the Government and "; S12[32]=" industry were working closely with exporters to introduce the new arrangements, which come into force from 1 May.
      'Exporters will need to "; S13[32]=" submit a consignment management plan to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) detailing how they have prepared livestock to minimise the risk of heat "; S14[32]=" stress and salmonellosis,' he said.
      'Each shipment will be monitored closely to further improve the predictive modelling.' In a move to safeguard "; S15[32]=" the future of the trade, the Livestock Export Industry Consultative Committee, which oversees the Action Plan, is planning to undertake new research into a range "; S16[32]=" of other risks across the export chain.
      'I commend the Committee for this initiative, and for also ensuring the new arrangements would "; S17[32]=" be up-and-running in time to allow this important trade to resume this winter.'.. "; R[33]="1782"; T[33]="Rural exports rise despite the drought"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20030505"; Dt[33]="Monday 5 May 2003"; Acats[33]="a08"; B1[33]="      A $71 million increase in rural exports in March was encouraging news for Australian farmers, acting Trade Minister Warren Truss said today.... "; B2[33]=" "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      A $71 million increase in rural exports in March was encouraging news for Australian farmers, acting Trade Minister Warren Truss said today.
"; S2[33]="       'Increases in exports of vegetables and fruits, fish, meat and meat preparations, and wool and sheepskins, highlights the resilience of our rural "; S3[33]=" sector exports, which have been hard hit by the drought,' Mr Truss said.
      'While the monthly news was good for rural exports, "; S4[33]=" the March 2003 Trade in Goods and Services Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics again highlight the impact the drought has had this "; S5[33]=" financial year on rural exports.
      'In original terms, over the nine months of the financial year to March, rural exports were down "; S6[33]=" $2.9 billion on the corresponding period in 2001-02.
      'More generally, the data released today reflects Australia's continued economic strength in spite of "; S7[33]=" a very challenging global economic environment,' Mr Truss said.
      The March 2003 balance on goods and services was a deficit of $1,475 "; S8[33]=" million in seasonally adjusted terms, a decrease of $422 million on the deficit recorded in February 2003.
      The largest single influence on "; S9[33]=" the March trade figures appears to be a decline in international travel and services trade caused by the uncertain international security environment.
      "; S10[33]=" In the month of March 2003, total goods and services exports fell by $62 million, to $12,279 million, in seasonally adjusted terms.
      "; S11[33]=" Services exports fell $122 million (or 5 per cent) with a decrease in short term visitor arrivals causing a fall in travel credits.
    "; S12[33]="   On a positive note, in original terms, exports to China and Korea remain strong, rising 51 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively in "; S13[33]=" March 2003 compared with February 2003.
      The continued growth of our exports to these two economies meant total east Asian exports "; S14[33]=" were up 19 per cent in original terms in March 2003 compared with February 2003... "; R[34]="1774"; T[34]="Removing trade barriers key to growing global beef demand"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20030501"; Dt[34]="Thursday 1 May 2003"; Acats[34]="a08a27"; B1[34]="      Removing trade barriers is one of the key challenges critical to the future success of the global - and Australian - beef "; B2[34]="industries, Meat and Livestock Australia s (MLA) Dr Peter Barnard told the Beef 2003 International Conference in Rockhampton on the weekend... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      Removing trade barriers is one of the key challenges critical to the future success of the global - and Australian - beef "; S2[34]=" industries, Meat and Livestock Australia's (MLA) Dr Peter Barnard told the Beef 2003 International Conference in Rockhampton on the weekend.
      'In the "; S3[34]=" past 30 years beef has gone from a 50% share of the global meat market to just 25%, due to enormous growth in competitor proteins "; S4[34]=" such as pork and poultry and declining beef consumption in most developed countries,' Dr Barnard said.
      'If the beef industry globally is "; S5[34]=" to reverse this position it must address a number of significant challenges.' These include: removal of trade barriers; preventing beef demand from falling further in "; S6[34]=" established western markets; shifting Asian tastes (particularly among ethnic Chinese populations) toward beef; further enhancing food safety and product integrity, and; increasing industry productivity.
  "; S7[34]="     'Perhaps the most important challenge is to increase the rate of trade liberalisation,' he said.
      'Trade barriers are higher for "; S8[34]=" beef than for any other meat.
      As a result, retail prices in many countries are higher.
      'Monumental barriers confront "; S9[34]=" the global beef trade - minute beef quotas in the European Union (EU), high tariff barriers in North Asia and a raft of SPS measures.' "; S10[34]=" In addition, since the Uruguay WTO round that targeted reduced agricultural subsidies, on average, subsidies around the world for cattle producers have actually increased.
  "; S11[34]="     'Australia must continue to work with other efficient beef producing nations to dismantle trade barriers,' Dr Barnard said.
      'Unfortunately the "; S12[34]=" proposals for the Doha WTO Round of world trade talks offer very little trade liberalisation for the global beef industry.'.. "; R[35]="1747"; T[35]="Meat NZ rejects criticism of promotional efforts"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20030417"; Dt[35]="Thursday 17 April 2003"; Acats[35]="a08a27"; B1[35]="      Meat New Zealand says is spending $1 million a year more than usual on promoting lamb in Britain, and it spent less "; B2[35]="than budgeted in 2001 to spare the feelings of British farmers hurt by foot-and-mouth disease... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Meat New Zealand says is spending $1 million a year more than usual on promoting lamb in Britain, and it spent less "; S2[35]=" than budgeted in 2001 to spare the feelings of British farmers hurt by foot-and-mouth disease.
      Britain's Meat and Livestock Commission chairman, Peter "; S3[35]=" Barr, said last week he was worried that New Zealand farmers, who had a third of the British market for lamb, might fail to support "; S4[35]=" generic promotions of lamb in Europe.
      Meat NZ 'haven't put a penny in it for the past 18 months'.
      "; S5[35]=" He later said Meat NZ might have spent a few hundred thousand dollars on promotion, but not enough pushing all lamb, not just New Zealand "; S6[35]=" lamb.
      But Meat NZ spokesman Matthew Dick said its promotional spending in Britain was $2.8 million or $2.9 million annually from 1999 "; S7[35]=" to 2001.
      'The 2001 expenditure was lower than budget in response to recognising the suffering of UK farmers and not wishing to "; S8[35]=" exploit the foot-and-mouth outbreak,' he said.
      Last year, the board boosted spending to $4.5 million when it re-introduced television advertising of New "; S9[35]=" Zealand lamb after the outbreak.
      This year it will spend $4 million.
      Mr Dick said that unlike the British "; S10[35]=" meat industry, there was no Government contribution to promotion, which was funded by a farmer levy.
      The commission spends about £1 million "; S11[35]=" ($2.9 million) a year promoting lamb.
      Independent research of advertising in Britain shows consumers have a 79 per cent awareness level of "; S12[35]=" NZ lamb, 35 per cent for British lamb, 29 per cent for English, 12 per cent for Scottish and 27 per cent for Welsh lamb.
"; S13[35]="       The European Union is New Zealand's biggest sheepmeat market at $1.5 billion, but in the past few years more lamb exports have "; S14[35]=" been going to continental Europe instead of Britain... "; R[36]="1746"; T[36]="Worm farmers big future in dirt"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20030417"; Dt[36]="Thursday 17 April 2003"; Acats[36]="a08a55"; B1[36]="      The first export of Tasmanian worm castings to Victoria in about a fortnight will be a triumph over disaster for nearly 20 "; B2[36]="Tasmanian farmers... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      The first export of Tasmanian worm castings to Victoria in about a fortnight will be a triumph over disaster for nearly 20 "; S2[36]=" Tasmanian farmers.
      The farmers, now operating as Sustainable Agricultural Development Initiative, represent about half of an original Tasmanian group who established individual "; S3[36]=" worm farms at the cost of about $12,000 each nearly four years ago.
      They were to supply a Victorian consortium that pre- "; S4[36]=" sold investment in the proposed national worm castings industry.
      The industry never eventuated despite a nearly $500,000 investment from Tasmania alone.
  "; S5[36]="     But at least half the local investors decided to try to get the project up themselves and at least recoup their costs.
  "; S6[36]="     SADI spokesman Richard Trethewie said yesterday that the group had leased land from the Tasmanian Feedlot, at Powranna, and the farmers had all "; S7[36]=" moved their worms to the site.
      The group started supplying local nurseries about 12 months ago and the Victorian deal is its "; S8[36]=" first major contract.
      SADI's Victorian agent was in Tasmania yesterday to look over the Powranna site.
      The specially-designed 20-litre "; S9[36]=" bags arrived at the same time to be filled by contracted Self Help workers.
      The bags will be shipped out in around "; S10[36]=" two weeks.
      'We have also developed a 500ml planter pack for export,' Mr Trethewie said.
      The initial Victorian contract "; S11[36]=" will supply up to 30 Melbourne garden centres with the Tasmanian worm castings.
      'It's such a simple, but wonderful concept,' Mr Trethewie "; S12[36]=" said.
      'Worms can take the raw manure and, within six to eight weeks, turn out mulching material that doesn't smell.' Mr Trethewie "; S13[36]=" said that the site for the SADI worm farm was ideal.
      'The (Tasmanian) Feedlot has the poo and the water which are "; S14[36]=" the essential ingredients and we have the worms,' he said... "; R[37]="1742"; T[37]="Gains for Australia in wheat for Kuwait"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20030414"; Dt[37]="Monday 14 April 2003"; Acats[37]="a08a22"; B1[37]="      The unloading of Australian wheat in Kuwait this week was not only genuinely good news for hungry Iraqis.... "; B2[37]=" "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      The unloading of Australian wheat in Kuwait this week was not only genuinely good news for hungry Iraqis.
      It "; S2[37]=" was a positive sign for Australia's efforts to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq.
      While there is scant appetite by the government "; S3[37]=" or local companies to be seen to be thinking about profiting from the war, there is equally little enthusiasm to sit back and let corporate "; S4[37]=" America reap all the opportunities from rebuilding.
      The Prime Minister, John Howard, said the Government would proceed 'with a very clear eye "; S5[37]=" to Iraq's long term future, but also to our own national interest in terms of peace and security and of commercial interests'.
      "; S6[37]=" The wheat breakthrough was significant to those commercial interests for two reasons.
      One is the simple fact that it arrived first.
  "; S7[37]="     A United States aid shipment was loaded with much fanfare at Galveston, Texas, on April 3, but will not arrive in the Middle "; S8[37]=" East for several weeks.
      The Americans have made some aggressive comments about their desire to re-enter the market where Australian wheat has "; S9[37]=" been sold for 50 years.
      The US lobby group, US Wheat Associates, publishes regular criticism of the Australian Wheat Board on its "; S10[37]=" website, with current comments being about 'the wheat contract they have with Saddam's regime' and 'folks at the AWB ...
      with mercantilism "; S11[37]=" on their minds during this most dangerous time'.
      The second important aspect was that the United Nations agreed to pay for the "; S12[37]=" Australian wheat under its reactivated oil-for-food program.
      Until this was announced on Wednesday, the Government had intended to pay for the shipment, "; S13[37]=" which would have used up $83 million of the $100 million Australia has committed to Iraqi aid.
      As part of the deal "; S14[37]=" with the UN, Australia agreed to put $38 million into the humanitarian appeal set up by the UN on March 28.
      This "; S15[37]=" still left $62 million for other aid projects.
      That money is yet to be allocated, but if any of it is directed "; S16[37]=" towards specific projects to be carried out by the private sector, AusAID will give its usual priority to Australian companies.
      The sum "; S17[37]=" is not large in the context of the expected budget to rebuild Iraq, which some US analysts are putting as high as $US100 billion ($165 "; S18[37]=" billion).
      But just as the arrival of the wheat could give Australian farmers a strategic advantage, contracts under the initial aid budget "; S19[37]=" could help establish Australian engineering, agricultural or consulting companies.
      Again the main competition will come from Australia's military partner, the US, which "; S20[37]=" is already commissioning reconstruction work from American companies.
      The potential for tension was evident on Wednesday.
      Mr Howard was "; S21[37]=" unequivocal about supporting a leading role for the US after the war.
      'There has to be an interim period of administration by "; S22[37]=" the power that is there as a result of the toppling of the regime and that is inevitably that of the military forces that are "; S23[37]=" there, and there will be undeniably an interim period of a US-led administration,' Mr Howard said.
      'There's no practical alternative to that.
"; S24[37]="       It's really a matter of ordinary logic.' But the same day, the Minister for Agriculture, Warren Truss, was sending a different type "; S25[37]=" of message to Washington.
      'We have been concerned about the US's use of a mixture of aid and commercial services to break "; S26[37]=" into new markets,' he said.
      'We would expect the US to respect the market that we have in Iraq.'.. "; R[38]="1740"; T[38]="International beef alliance targets Taiwan"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20030414"; Dt[38]="Monday 14 April 2003"; Acats[38]="a08a27a63"; B1[38]="      Four of the world s major beef exporting nations - Australia, US, New Zealand and Canada - have joined forces to increase "; B2[38]="beef consumption in Taiwan under the Beef Alliance banner... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Four of the world's major beef exporting nations - Australia, US, New Zealand and Canada - have joined forces to increase beef "; S2[38]=" consumption in Taiwan under the Beef Alliance banner.
      The Beef Alliance campaign will be launched this Thursday in Taipei City with television "; S3[38]=" and print media targeting the ethnic Chinese community, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) South Asia regional manager Tim Kelf said.
      'This is "; S4[38]=" really aimed at changing consumer attitudes to beef in a community that traditionally eats chicken, pork and fish,' Mr Kelf said.
      'The "; S5[38]=" campaign aims to increase beef consumption by educating people about the health benefits of beef and the important role it can play in the diet.' "; S6[38]=" Surveys have shown that most ethnic Chinese believe beef is fatty and that other meats are a better source of important nutrients.
      "; S7[38]=" The Beef Alliance media and education campaign will highlight the nutritional benefits of beef, particularly for brain and physical development.
      Average beef "; S8[38]=" consumption in Taiwan is 4.2kg per person compared to 28.8kg for chicken and 43.5kg for pork.
      'Increasing beef consumption at the expense "; S9[38]=" of competing meats is difficult when beef has not traditionally been a part of the diet of ethnic Chinese, who comprise almost the entire Taiwanese "; S10[38]=" population,' Mr Kelf said.
      'Ethnic Chinese place significant importance on the health attributes of food.
      Promoting beef in this "; S11[38]=" way is the best opportunity to change traditional eating habits.' Last year Australia exported 34,400 tonnes of beef to Taiwan... "; R[39]="1720"; T[39]="Dramatic fall in US beef demand"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20030408"; Dt[39]="Tuesday 8 April 2003"; Acats[39]="a08a27a60"; B1[39]="      There s been a dramatic fall in the amount of Australian beef being shipped to our biggest export market, the United States.... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      There's been a dramatic fall in the amount of Australian beef being shipped to our biggest export market, the United States.
  "; S2[39]="     In the last month alone, exports dropped a staggering 26 per cent, as the US economy falters, and shoppers stay home.
    "; S3[39]="   Peter Weeks from Meat and Livestock Australia says local processors will be hard-put to meet their export beef quota.
      'Certainly the "; S4[39]=" cold weather that they've had in the US - they have had a very, very severe winter, particularly on the East Coast - has stopped "; S5[39]=" people going out and buying hamburgers.
      'The war has done the same thing.
      People are staying home watching CNN "; S6[39]=" and concerns for travel danger have risen.
      'The economic downturn is starting to worry a lot of consumers in the US.
  "; S7[39]="     They're certainly in the midst of a downturn, that could go into recession.'.. "; R[40]="1704"; T[40]="French farmers furious at EU beef fine"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20030405"; Dt[40]="Saturday 5 April 2003"; Acats[40]="a08a27a61"; B1[40]="      The main French farmers organisation reacted furiously after the European Union imposed an unprecedented multi-million euro fine for illegally fixing the beef "; B2[40]="market during the mad cow crisis... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      The main French farmers' organisation reacted furiously after the European Union imposed an unprecedented multi-million euro fine for illegally fixing the beef "; S2[40]=" market during the mad cow crisis.
      The National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA) and five other bodies were ordered to pay a "; S3[40]=" total of 16.7 million euros (18 million dollars) for reaching a secret deal in October 2001 to set a minimum price for beef and keep "; S4[40]=" out foreign imports.
      The European Commissioner in charge of competition Mario Monti said the large size of the fine was justified because "; S5[40]=" three of the organisations, including the FNSEA, used violence to coerce the owners of slaughter-houses to comply with the arrangement.
      The Commission "; S6[40]=" also pointed the finger at the Socialist agriculture minister of the time Jean Glavany who it said 'put pressure on the slaughter-houses to agree to "; S7[40]=" sign the deal ..
      and then praised it as an act of civic sprit.' The accord was reached to protect cattle-farmers at "; S8[40]=" a time when demand for beef had plunged as a result of fears that meat contaminated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) had been sold in "; S9[40]=" French supermarkets, but the Commission said it was a 'clear breach' of competition rules.
      FNSEA president Jean-Michel Lemetayer appealed for help Thursday "; S10[40]=" to Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and said farmers would protest against the fine at the start of next week.
      'I think farmers "; S11[40]=" are going to revolt, to rise up.
      I ask them to do it calmly,' he said.
      On Wednesday the "; S12[40]=" FNSEA announced that it would appeal against the conviction, saying that the scale of the fine - which for the FNSEA alone is 12 million "; S13[40]=" euros - threatened the organisation's future.
      'What I find absolutely astounding is that I have been found guilty without anyone even hearing "; S14[40]=" my case or telling me or asking for explanations.
      That's a system of law and justice which I find hard to accept,' "; S15[40]=" Glavany said.
      'I had no hand in it.
      I heard (of the agreement) afterwards like everyone else, but I "; S16[40]=" did not take part in the essentials.
      All I did was protect civic order by saying to people (farmers and slaughter-house operators): "; S17[40]=" rather than fight, why don't you talk about it and come to an understanding,' he said.
      The Commission fined the two main "; S18[40]=" slaughterers' federations relatively small amounts (720,000 and 480,000 euros) on the grounds that they were strong-armed into accepting the deal.
      'The slaughterers "; S19[40]=" agreed to the accord under pressure from violent actions from the farmers, and not of their free will.
      Slaughterers had no interest "; S20[40]=" in fixing a minimum price (for beef) or suspending imports,' the Commission said... "; R[41]="1650"; T[41]="Niche food marketing group for the Downs"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20030325"; Dt[41]="Tuesday 25 March 2003"; Acats[41]="a08a10a48a66"; B1[41]="      A Texas district niche food producer wants to form a marketing group to highlight the quality and variety of food produced on "; B2[41]="the Darling Downs and Granite Belt... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      A Texas district niche food producer wants to form a marketing group to highlight the quality and variety of food produced on "; S2[41]=" the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.
      Joan White, a Texas venison producer, is asking for niche food producers to attend a meeting "; S3[41]=" at Stanthorpe on April 2 to form a group to collectively market their produce to a national and global audience.
      Mrs White "; S4[41]=" said that after a study tour of France and Spain sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries she was determined to increase the market potential "; S5[41]=" for value-added niche foods.
      Mrs White was one of 10 Queensland women to be awarded a DPI travel bursary to attend the "; S6[41]=" 3rd World Congress of Rural Women in Madrid last year, followed by the study tour.
      Mrs White said in partnership with private "; S7[41]=" enterprise, the DPI and Growzone she was assisting with setting up a niche food Web portal to provide access to a farmers on-line market for "; S8[41]=" regional foods.
      She said there was also scope to form a regional marketing group to support the project.
      Mrs "; S9[41]=" White said the study tour pointed to an opportunity to showcase the region's magnificent produce to a global market, as was done overseas.
    "; S10[41]="   'We have a magnificent assortment of foods around us that are not receiving the attention they deserve.
      'The Darling Downs and "; S11[41]=" Granite Belt have the ideal location to put together a basket of goods for chefs to pounce on,' she said.
      Mrs White "; S12[41]=" said the Web food portal project had met with enthusiasm from producers looking for a way of broadening their markets.
      'It has "; S13[41]=" attracted producers of herbs, venison, chevron, spatchcock, quail, smoked trout, juices and berries.
      'We also have value-added products like venison small goods, "; S14[41]=" preserves, mushrooms, relishes and pickles, as well wonderful wines to complement the package.' She said the regional niche food-marketing project would only succeed with strong "; S15[41]=" support.
      'It must be producer driven so we can guarantee quality to consumers.' Mrs White said niche food producers interested in attending "; S16[41]=" the meeting could contact her on phone/ fax 07 4653 1179 or 0428151142.
      DPI rural information specialist Graham Wilson said he and "; S17[41]=" community development officer Margaret Cruickshank would attend the Stanthorpe meeting... "; R[42]="1638"; T[42]="World trade talks stall over agriculture"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20030320"; Dt[42]="Thursday 20 March 2003"; Acats[42]="a08"; B1[42]="      World trade talks slid further into trouble on Wednesday with a blueprint for negotiations over agricultural protection failing to appease free-trade nations "; B2[42]="including Australia... "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      World trade talks slid further into trouble on Wednesday with a blueprint for negotiations over agricultural protection failing to appease free-trade nations "; S2[42]=" including Australia.
      The revised set of guidelines, released by the World Trade Organisation's head of agricultural negotiations Stuart Harbinson, failed to advance "; S3[42]=" far on the original guidelines which have been attacked by both free traders and protectionists.
      And in a sign of the strength "; S4[42]=" of difference between Australia and Europe, visiting French Trade Minister Francois Loos said he did not believe in free trade as government policy.
    "; S5[42]="   Under Mr Harbinson's proposals, tariff levels for many agricultural products would remain at high levels, such as a 91 per cent tariff on sugar "; S6[42]=" entering the European market.
      The quota on beef exports to the United States would increase to 1.2 million tonnes from 675,000 tonnes, "; S7[42]=" although Australia had been seeking a 3.2 million tonne quota.
      Mr Harbinson admitted there was still a huge gulf between those countries "; S8[42]=" demanding big cuts in agricultural protection, and those keen to maintain tariff and quota barriers.
      Trade Minister Mark Vaile said the revised "; S9[42]=" guidelines, released just a week before they are supposed to be set down as the starting point for negotiations, were a major disappointment.
    "; S10[42]="   He said it was clear protectionist countries such as the European Union and Japan were doing all they could to undermine the Doha round "; S11[42]=" of world trade talks.
      'For Australian farmers who have waited for decades for a fairer international trading environment, these proposals do not "; S12[42]=" go far enough,' he said in a statement.
      'The lack of progress is a clear indication of the lack of ambition from "; S13[42]=" the EU, Japan, Korea, Switzerland and their allies in these negotiations.
      Mr Vaile said protectionist countries were putting the entire round at "; S14[42]=" risk, by focusing on agricultural protection.
      'It is time for those dragging the chain on agriculture to ask themselves whether they are "; S15[42]=" prepared to risk the round and the boost it will provide for global prosperity, just to protect a group of insulated farmers,' he said.
  "; S16[42]="     Formal negotiations were supposed to start from March 31 based on Mr Harbinson's guidelines, but most countries had resigned themselves to a delay.
"; S17[42]="       Mr Loos said all trade negotiations were slow at the beginning, adding he believed the 2005 deadline could be met.
    "; S18[42]="   But he revealed the extent of difference between the EU and Australia on the negotiations, rejecting Australia's pursuit of free trade.
      "; S19[42]=" 'For me free trade is not a policy, free trade is just economic theory which is theoretical,' he told reporters.
      Mr Loos "; S20[42]=" said many opponents of EU agriculture policy ignored how it had changed over the past 20 years.
      He said France had taken "; S21[42]=" five million tonnes of cereal crops out of production in recent years, while Australia had boosted its production by the same amount... "; R[43]="1637"; T[43]="Wine and spirit export wins for WA"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20030320"; Dt[43]="Thursday 20 March 2003"; Acats[43]="a08a13"; B1[43]="      The WA spirit and wine industries have just recorded three stunning international successes.... "; B2[43]=" "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      The WA spirit and wine industries have just recorded three stunning international successes.
      The Kimberley Rum Company, based in "; S2[43]=" Victoria Park, won a silver medal in Canada for its Canefire rum.
      Margaret River-based Palandri Wines shipped a record 17,600 cases of "; S3[43]=" red wine worth $2.
      15 million to the United States.
      South-West and Great Southern producer Howard Park won silver "; S4[43]=" for its 2001 riesling at a 'riesling of the world' competition in France.
      The Kimberley Rum Company was started in 1998 to "; S5[43]=" investigate ways of adding value to the sugar grown and processed at Kununurra.
      The business was moved to Perth in 2000 and "; S6[43]=" the first Canefire rum was released two years ago.
      It sells around Perth for about $29 a bottle.
      Company "; S7[43]=" principals Rohan and Susan Passmore plan to move to a purpose-built distillery in the Swan Valley this year.
      Mr Passmore said more "; S8[43]=" than 200 rums were entered in the 13th Annual Rum Taste Test in St Johns, Newfoundland.
      Most were from South America and "; S9[43]=" the Caribbean.
      'We like to think that not having a heritage in rum making is an advantage for us,' he said.
  "; S10[43]="     'We have been able to develop our own recipes our way.
      'WA has become well known throughout the world for "; S11[43]=" quality and innovative wines.
      Why not spirits as well?' The Palandri shipment included more than 210,000 bottles.
      Company chief "; S12[43]=" executive Gordon Grant said it was the first major shipment the label had made under a new $43 million US export and distribution agreement with "; S13[43]=" international distributor Marie Brizard USA.
      The 10-year contract would see a minimum 26,000 cases a year of premium reds consigned to the "; S14[43]=" US this year, rising to at least 130,000 cases by 2007.
      Palandri would be paid $122 a case for the wines shipped "; S15[43]=" this year.
      The initial products included cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot and cabernet merlot.
      Palandri was lucky to have secured "; S16[43]=" a long-term contract with Marie Brizard, which had a multi-brand distribution network in every US State... "; R[44]="1635"; T[44]="Farmers bear the brunt of Iraq wheat losses"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20030320"; Dt[44]="Thursday 20 March 2003"; Acats[44]="a08a22"; B1[44]="      The war with Iraq could cost Australian wheat farmers their third biggest market worth $800 million a year.... "; B2[44]=" "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      The war with Iraq could cost Australian wheat farmers their third biggest market worth $800 million a year.
      Food "; S2[44]=" trade with the Arab nation was suspended yesterday after UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ended the UN's long-running food-for-oil program.
      Last night the "; S3[44]=" fate of two ships en route to Iraq, each carrying 50,000 tonnes of Australian wheat, was in doubt.
      Their cargoes, worth about "; S4[44]=" $400,000, are likely to be taken to a neutral Middle Eastern port and sold to another customer.
      AWB has not yet decided "; S5[44]=" on the destination of the ships.
      Introduced as a means of providing humanitarian aid to Iraq after the Gulf War 12 years "; S6[44]=" ago, food-for-oil allowed Saddam Hussein's ruling clique to buy food and medicines despite trade sanctions against his country.
      Australia sold more than "; S7[44]=" two million tonnes of wheat to Iraq each year under the program.
      Monopoly wheat exporter AWB was last night talking to UN "; S8[44]=" and US officials about future shipments to Iraq, which ranks with Iran and Indonesia as the biggest buyer of the country's wheat.
      "; S9[44]=" 'You can be sure that we will be back selling there as soon as things settle down,' AWB spokesman Peter McBride said.
      "; S10[44]=" 'We are not about to let anyone else into a market that we have had for 50 years.
      'AWB managing director Andrew "; S11[44]=" Lindberg said he did not think the group's long relationship with Iraq would be destroyed.
      AWB shares rose 10 or 2.92 per "; S12[44]=" cent yesterday to $3.53... "; R[45]="1615"; T[45]="Closer ties with US predicted by PM"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20030318"; Dt[45]="Tuesday 18 March 2003"; Acats[45]="a08a60"; B1[45]="      With free trade talks between Australia and the United States about to get under way, Prime Minister John Howard predicted yesterday that "; B2[45]="the US will become even more important to Australia than it is now... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      With free trade talks between Australia and the United States about to get under way, Prime Minister John Howard predicted yesterday that "; S2[45]=" the US will become even more important to Australia than it is now.
      Overshadowed by the prospect of the two countries' forces "; S3[45]=" being united in war, a team of 40 US negotiators flew in amid criticism by the Opposition and community groups who accuse the Government of "; S4[45]=" trading military support for trade openings, and demanding that it not trade off prized Australian programs.
      The two teams of negotiators met "; S5[45]=" yesterday afternoon and will begin formal talks this morning.
      On Wednesday the US team will meet interest groups to understand which issues "; S6[45]=" are the most sensitive to Australians.
      Australia's lead negotiator, Steve Deady, said this week's session would be spent exploring each other's positions.
"; S7[45]="       Negotiations on the central issue, US barriers to agricultural imports, will not begin until July, after the US International Trade Commission has "; S8[45]=" reported on the potential impact of free trade on US farmers.
      Mr Howard told ABC radio he was not trying to leverage "; S9[45]=" a free trade deal off Australia's role in the war.
      'I believe very strongly in a free trade agreement with America if "; S10[45]=" we can negotiate it, because America is going to be more important to Australia in the future than even it's been in the past.
  "; S11[45]="     'The American economy will be much stronger than the aggregate of the European economies by the middle of this century.
      "; S12[45]=" The two great economic powers would be America and China...
      and that's the reason I'm going for a free trade agreement.
  "; S13[45]="     If we can pull it off, we'll be part of an expanding economic relationship.' But Labor's trade spokesman, Craig Emerson, and the Catholic "; S14[45]=" Commission for Justice, Development & Peace cited statements by Australian ministers and US officials to argue that the free trade talks are a pay-off for "; S15[45]=" Australia's role in the war.
      Dr Emerson accused the Government of trying to 'deny the undeniable' and warned that the negotiations could "; S16[45]=" backfire when Australians found out that Washington will not concede free entry to farm exports.
      The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network "; S17[45]=" was concerned talks were beginning with everything on the table.
      'The pharmaceutical benefits scheme, labelling of genetically engineered food, and Australian content "; S18[45]=" rules in film and television are all targets in the negotiations,' said Patricia Ranald of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre.
      'Local-content rules "; S19[45]=" ensure...
      that we maintain Australia's cultural identity and diversity.
      These issues should be publicly debated and decided by parliaments "; S20[45]=" in Australia.' Trade Minister Mark Vaile said trading 'Australia's ability to deliver fundamental objectives in health care, education, consumer protection, and supporting Australian culture and "; S21[45]=" identity' would not be allowed... "; R[46]="1580"; T[46]="NFF Rejects Harbinson s WTO Proposal"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20030311"; Dt[46]="Tuesday 11 March 2003"; Acats[46]="a04a08"; B1[46]="      National Farmers Federation President, Mr Peter Corish today confirmed that after due consideration, NFF had rejected as unacceptable to Australian farmers the "; B2[46]="WTO proposals recently put forward by the Chair of the WTO Agriculture Committee, Mr Stuart Harbinson... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      National Farmers' Federation President, Mr Peter Corish today confirmed that after due consideration, NFF had rejected as unacceptable to Australian farmers the "; S2[46]=" WTO proposals recently put forward by the Chair of the WTO Agriculture Committee, Mr Stuart Harbinson.
      'The NFF calls on the Federal "; S3[46]=" Government to stand firm against the unacceptable modalities in Mr Harbinson's paper.
      These proposals do not go far enough to liberalise world "; S4[46]=" trade in agriculture and Minister Vaile must ensure that the WTO goes much further,' Mr Corish said.
      'Mr Harbinson's proposals, particularly on "; S5[46]=" market access, are way short of the mark.
      They do not result in substantial reform and we reject them.
      "; S6[46]=" It is the NFF's view that the proposal on modalities put forward by the Cairns Group must be maintained as the basis for moving forward.
"; S7[46]="       'Australian farmers have waited long enough for substantial trade reform.
      'We are sick and tired of compromise.
    "; S8[46]="   It is clear that continued protection and subsidisation of farmers in the US, Europe and Japan in a way that distorts trade is detrimental "; S9[46]=" to their own domestic consumers, developing countries and the international economy.
      Support levels for foreign farmers today are as high as they "; S10[46]=" were at the start of the Uruguay Round,' Mr Corish said.
      'The Doha Round is the opportunity of a century to liberalise "; S11[46]=" farm trade - we cannot afford to miss this opportunity.
      'It's time countries like Japan, the US and many in Europe stopped "; S12[46]=" holding world agriculture to ransom and we urge Minister Vaile to remain strong in the negotiations.
      'Australia's farmers will not accept a "; S13[46]=" second rate outcome from the Doha Round,' Mr Corish concluded... "; R[47]="1528"; T[47]="Coopers brew kits to Japan"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20030303"; Dt[47]="Monday 3 March 2003"; Acats[47]="a08a51"; B1[47]="      Adelaide s Coopers Brewery has sent a batch of 2000 specially designed home-brew kits to Japan in its first major assault on "; B2[47]="an Asian market... "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Adelaide's Coopers Brewery has sent a batch of 2000 specially designed home-brew kits to Japan in its first major assault on an "; S2[47]=" Asian market.
      Coopers national sales and export manager Scott Harris said the kits would be sold in Tokyu Hands department stores in "; S3[47]=" Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya for 7000 yen ($98) each.
      'They are a department store that likes a bit of innovation in "; S4[47]=" its products - it's a bit of a trendy store,' Mr Harris said.
      Coopers has also changed its traditional home-brew kits "; S5[47]=" to appeal to the Japanese market, making them much smaller than the ones available in Australia, or the type exported to its main markets such "; S6[47]=" as New Zealand, North America and Scandinavia.
      The Japanese home-brew kit will make about eight litres of beer, compared to the "; S7[47]=" normal 23 litres, to cater for the smaller living spaces common in Japan.
      The kits also cater for the fact that "; S8[47]=" most consumers will have to carry them home on the train.
      Mr Harris said Japanese beer drinkers usually drank lager but "; S9[47]=" recent legislative changes to brewing laws had led to an increase in micro-breweries, exposing consumers to different styles of beers such as ales, stouts and "; S10[47]=" draughts.
      'We believe Japan has the potential to be a major export market in the next few years as home-brewing takes "; S11[47]=" off,' he said.
      Coopers' profit margin in Japan could also be significantly improved because the smaller Japanese kits sell for about "; S12[47]=" twice the price of the Australian kit.
      Home-brew is already a significant part of Coopers business.
      It produced "; S13[47]=" revenue of $21.8 million last year, about one-fifth of the group's total revenue, resulting in an operating profit of $5.28 million.
      "; S14[47]=" Mr Harris said Coopers was now conducting market research examining the feasibility of exporting to other Asian countries and was also considering selling into former "; S15[47]=" eastern bloc countries such as Poland... "; R[48]="1516"; T[48]="Cattle prices surge as rain falls"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20030227"; Dt[48]="Thursday 27 February 2003"; Acats[48]="a08a27"; B1[48]="      Nine days ago, a 350kg yearling steer fetched $493 at the Adelaide Plains livestock sales.
      By yesterday - after "; B2[48]="a week of drenching rain promised an end to the worst drought for decades - the price had jumped by $124 to $617... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      Nine days ago, a 350kg yearling steer fetched $493 at the Adelaide Plains livestock sales.
      By yesterday - after "; S2[48]=" a week of drenching rain promised an end to the worst drought for decades - the price had jumped by $124 to $617.
    "; S3[48]="   Rains which have soaked many parts of the continent have sent livestock prices soaring as graziers stop selling animals they were unable to feed.
"; S4[48]="       Lack of feed forced drought-stricken pastoralists and farmers to sell off eight million sheep and more than 2.5 million cattle nationally in "; S5[48]=" the past year.
      National Livestock Reporting Figures show the rains immediately affected stock sales, with wholesale buyers on Monday spending up to "; S6[48]=" 35c more a kilogram for beef since February 17.
      National Meat Association chief executive Kevin Cottrell said yesterday that before the rains "; S7[48]=" 'everyone was shedding stock like you wouldn't believe'.
      'They were pushing them through the abattoirs,' he said.
      'But when "; S8[48]=" it rains, the first thing they do is hold back their breeding stock.' Some butchers have reported panic buying by wholesalers.
      'There's "; S9[48]=" is a rush on,' said Tony Connell of O'Connell Meats, in Grote St, city.
      'People aren't sure at the moment just how "; S10[48]=" high prices will rise.
      'The livestock prices we're seeing won't be passed on to consumers, as most of this stock will be "; S11[48]=" used for breeding purposes.
      Most butchers and consumers will resist buying from wholesalers until this initial panic settles.' However, he warned shoppers "; S12[48]=" to be careful as some butchers may be selling lower-quality meat at premium panic prices.
      Lamb prices at market also rose by "; S13[48]=" $8 a head, to $79, while in New South Wales lambs are fetching a record $150 each.
      Meanwhile, bread prices - forced "; S14[48]=" up by drought and higher grain costs - are unlikely to drop much should the drought end and wheat prices drop back to below an "; S15[48]=" average $250 a tonne.
      Flour supplier Laucke Mills spokesman Mark Laucke said millers had bought enough of the highest-quality wheat at harvest "; S16[48]=" to last until next harvest.
      Flour prices would not fall 'as we've already paid for our grain'... "; R[49]="1506"; T[49]="Free trade deal close"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20030225"; Dt[49]="Tuesday 25 February 2003"; Acats[49]="a08"; B1[49]="      A free trade deal between Australia and the US could be worked out by early next year.... "; B2[49]=" "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      A free trade deal between Australia and the US could be worked out by early next year.
      A former "; S2[49]=" chairman of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs council, Alan Oxley, said talks between the two countries were already progressing well.
      "; S3[49]=" He said a lengthy phone conference between US and Australian officials about the proposed agreement indicated negotiations were going faster than anticipated.
      "; S4[49]=" 'There is a working agreement to try to finish the FTA in early 2004,' he said.
      'This is fast, but it is "; S5[49]=" possible.' Australia and the US had indicated when agreeing to FTA talks that it was likely to be completed by the end of next year.
"; S6[49]="       Mr Oxley said both countries had agreed on the scope of the agreement, and were now focusing on its fine points.
  "; S7[49]="     A group of US negotiators is due in Australia next month for talks, with further meetings planned in May and in Hawaii in "; S8[49]=" July... ";