Global round-up

22 February 2000



Global round-up

• India launches major GM programme
  
  The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced the launch of a major project to develop genetically engineered cotton, rice and pigeon pea that are resistant to major devastating pests

• Rwanda investigates “toxic waste” pesticide from Europe
  
  The Rwandan parliament is investigating persistent claims that pesticide sent by European countries was in fact toxic waste.

• Heavy snow, food shortage kill 720,000 livestock in Mongolia
  
  Heavy snow and food shortages killed nearly 722,000 sheep, goats and cattle this year, causing severe damage to the livestock industry in Mongolia, government officials said on Thursday.

• New Zealand farmers turn to the internet
  
  New Zealand farmers are renowned for keeping up with — and often leading — developments in primary-industry technology. Less well known is the extent to which many have also taken to information technology.

• UNs says EU farm subsidies harm world poorest nations
  
  Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rubens Ricupero has accused the EU of destroying the economies of the worlds poorest countries through its agricultural subsidies.

• Thailand prepared to lift British beef ban
  
  Britain has announced that Thailand is prepared to lift its ban on British beef provided that technical experts agree it is safe.

• Better access to US for Mexican pork and poultry
  
  Mexican poultry and livestock producers have gained greater access to US and other export markets following the implementation of strict disease control programmes.

• Oilseed plant closure a blow for growers
  
  The Scottish NFU has described the closure of Arbroaths controversial oilseed crushing plant as the latest blow to hit the countrys agricultural processing industry

• Zimbabwe poultry industry relieved as EU relaxes newcastle disease rules
  
  The EU has relaxed stringent poultry import conditions which Zimbabwean farming industry officials feared would have threatened local poultry exports to the lucrative market.

• High horsepower machines a hit at Illinois
  
  Dealers at Illinois Agricultural Expo say although sales are down, farmers are still buying bigger equipment to cover more acres faster.

• Monsanto drops New Zealand GM wheat trial
  
  Monsanto is withdrawing its application for New Zealand field trials of genetically modified wheat, saying it is clear New Zealanders want more time to consider the technology.

• Radical Polish farm leader attacks US pig giants
  
  Farmers union leader Andrzej Lepper claims US company SmithField Foods Inc plans to dominate the Polish pig market and push small producers out.