Agriculture

USDA Still Working on Details for Mad Cow Testing

WASHINGTON - U.S. regulators are still trying to work out the details for running a vastly expanded testing program for mad cow disease that has already started up.

African Leaders Meet To Discuss Regional Trade And Investment

Nine African presidents and government officials opened a regional trade summit in Kampala on Monday, with a call to unite on issues of international trade to ensure a just result for Africa.

BSE Breakthrough As Heartbeat Test Reveals First Symptoms

Scientists have developed a test that can pinpoint a BSE victim from the beat of his or her heart. The technique - which can also diagnose the condition in animals - offers doctors a way to protect blood banks from infected donations and could also provide farmers with a method for eradicating sick animals from their herds long before symptoms of mad cow disease develop.

Improved Dispute Mechanism Discussed

The Ministry of Commerce is considering an amendment on how it responds when anti-dumping charges are slapped on Chinese products. This is being discussed at a two-day national fair trade conference hosted by the ministry, taking place in the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan Province.

U.S. Cautiously Welcomes Developing Countries' World Farm Trade Plan

The United States applauded the effort that a group of developing countries was making to ease the deadlock in world farm trade talks. A proposal by the G20 alliance at the World Trade Organization - led by India, South Africa and Brazil - puts the onus on rich countries to cut agricultural tariffs while asking relatively little of poorer countries.

U.S. Decision Would Cut Tariff On Softwood Lumber From Canada

In a preliminary decision hailed by Canada, the Commerce Department has recommended that the United States cut in half steep tariffs on imports of Canadian softwood lumber.

California Environmental Law Challenged by Foreign Investors Using NAFTA

Press Advisory WHO: Three-Member Arbitral Panel administered by ICSID (International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes) WHAT: Hearing in the case Methanex Corporation v. United States of America WHERE: Ground Floor of the MC Building of the World Bank (adjacent to the Preston Auditorium),

Group Will Foster Rural Economy

A public-private partnership to promote rural economic development in Minnesota will be announced today at a meeting of outstate foundations near Brainerd. The Regional Economic Development (RED) Group is intended to share information and ideas, track development initiatives and then help regions apply lessons about what works and what doesn't.

Brazil Aiming To Increase Exports Of Ethanol To US

Brazil's sugarcane producers are planning a major boost in ethanol production and fuel-alcohol exports amid robust international oil prices and stricter environmental regulations, officials and traders said this week.