|
RS reports and studies can provide context to breaking
stories on food, agriculture, natural resources, and
rural development.
In the News
The food trap—overeating in America (Washington
Post Magazine, 7/18/04)
From ERS
The Economics
of Obesity: A Report on the Workshop Held at USDA’s
Economic Research Service. ERS co-hosted a workshop
in April 2003 on the Economics of Obesity, to provide
an overview of leading health economics research on
the causes and consequences of rising obesity in the
United States. Policy implications and future directions
for obesity research were addressed.
In the News
China likely to become net corn importer, says USDA
official (Reuters, 7/17/04)
From ERS
Is China's Corn Market at a Turning Point?
Many analysts see signs that China's corn market is
reaching the turning point in a decade-long cycle. China
curtailed corn exports in calendar year 2004 and may
begin to import during marketing year 2004/05. Growing
demand and limited production capacity will eventually
make China a net importer of corn, and China's reduction
in exports will expand U.S. export opportunities.
In the News
House Ag Committee approves voluntary COOL bill (High
Plains Journal, 7/23/04)
From ERS
Country-of-Origin Labeling: Theory and Observation.
ERS examined the economic rationale behind various
claims about the effects of mandatory country-of-origin
labeling. The infrequency of “Made in USA” labels
on food suggests suppliers do not believe domestic
origin generates much consumer interest. There is
little evidence suppliers would have difficulty providing
such labels if consumer interest warranted it.
In the News
Rural areas must change to thrive, USDA
official says (Pueblo Chieftain, 7/16/04)
From ERS
Rural Infrastructure
and Telecommunications
Briefing Rooms. A healthy rural economy depends on
rural infrastructure such as transportation, electric
service, water and sewer facilities, and housing.
Quality and location of communication and information
services is also vital. ERS research focuses on how
well national infrastructure, Federal telecommunications
policy, and related programs serve rural communities.
In the News
U.S. to seek waiver of methyl bromide
phaseout (Washington
Post, 7/13/04)
From ERS
Methyl
Bromide Phaseout Proceeds: Users Request Exemptions.
Methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant in agriculture,
is one of a number of chemicals being phased
out of use worldwide under the Montreal Protocol
signed by the U.S. and 182 other countries. Analyses
by ERS and cooperators indicate that the phaseout
could cause short-term financial losses to producers
until more cost-effective alternatives are available.
In the News
USDA reports no soybean rust in U.S.
(Reuters, 7/14/04)
From ERS
Economic
and Policy Implications of Wind-Borne Entry
of Asian Soybean Rust into the United States.
American soybean producers, as well as research,
regulatory, and extension institutions, are
preparing for the potential wind-borne entry
of Asian soybean rust into the United States.
Economic impacts will depend on timing, location,
spread, and severity of rust infestation and
on how soybean and other crop producers, livestock
producers, and consumers respond.
In the News
Caribbean countries protest EU sugar reform proposal
(Reuters, 7/8/04)
from ERS
European Trading Arrangements in Fruits and Vegetables.
Over 70 percent of European Union (EU) fruit and vegetable
imports are from countries benefiting from preferential
treatment. The preferential agreements create a mosaic
of tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions that vary
considerably among products and preferred partners.
Trading partners without preferences are at a disadvantage
in EU markets.
In the News
Deadly bird flu reoccurs
in China, Thailand (Reuters,
7/7/04)
From ERS
U.S.
2003 and 2004 Livestock and Poultry Trade Influenced
by Animal Disease and Trade Restrictions.
Disease outbreaks and related trade restrictions
have undercut previously expected high growth
in many U.S. animal product exports, with U.S.
beef exports most affected. Report’s emphasis
is on developments in 2003 and forecasts for
2004.
In the News
Global rice supply to trail demand again (Reuters,
6/29/04)
From ERS
Rice
Outlook: U.S. 2004/05 Rice Exports Projected at a Near-Record.
Global rice production forecast for 2004/05 was lowered
to 399.8, still 3 percent larger than a year ago. Projections
were lowered for China and Australia. Global stocks
are projected at 64.9 million tons--lowest since 1982/3.
Higher global prices and tight exportable world supplies
are behind the bullish 2004/05 season-average farm price
forecast of $8.25-$8.75--highest since 1998/99.
In the News
Searching for hog waste solutions (New York Times,
7/7/04)
From ERS
Manure Management
for Water Quality: Costs to Animal Feeding Operations
of Applying Manure Nutrients to Land. Clean
Water Act regulations mandate standards for the largest
confined animal producers to meet when applying manure
to the land. An ERS farm-level analysis examines onfarm
technical choice and producer costs across major U.S.
production areas. A regional analysis (Chesapeake Bay
area) focuses on off-farm competition for land to spread
surplus manure. Potential structural adjustments and
costs at the national level are also addressed.
In the News
Food stamps complete shift from coupons to electronic
cards (New York Times, 6/23/04; Washington Times,
7/6/04)
From ERS
Effects of EBT Customer
Service Waivers on Food Stamp Recipients. Most
State agencies are now using electronic benefits transfer
(EBT) systems to issue food stamp benefits. To promote
operational efficiency, some States received waivers
of certain rules governing EBT use. An exploratory study
indicated some mixed reactions by recipients to these
waivers but revealed overall recipient satisfaction
with the EBT system.
In the News
USDA to fund wetland restoration near Missouri River
(AP, 6/29/04)
From ERS
Agricultural
Resources and Environmental Indicators: Wetlands Programs.
Wetlands can store floodwater, improve water quality,
recharge ground water, provide habitat for fish and
wildlife, and support other services and activities.
The 124 million acres of wetlands in the continental
United States is 55 percent of the original extent,
but the rate of loss has greatly diminished in recent
decades. A variety of policies and programs have
been used to make progress toward the national goal
of net gains in wetlands.
In the News
Test results for suspected
BSE-infected cow are negative (Dailies, 7/1/04)
From ERS
Market Context for BSE.
The U.S. cattle and beef markets continue to be impacted
by the December 2003 announcement that a dairy cow in
Washington State tested positive for bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE, or “mad cow" disease).
For background information and perspective, ERS provides
a web page with links to USDA updates, and links to
ERS analysis of cattle markets, the beef industry, food
safety, and trade.
In the News
India reassesses strategy for curbing hunger (Wall
Street Journal, 6/24/04)
From ERS
India's
Consumer and Producer Price Policies: Implications for
Food Security. India has made enormous progress
in providing food security for its people. However,
a sizeable share of the population still lacks access
to sufficient quantities of food. In the 1990s, rising
prices of staple was the principal constraint to improving
economic access to food. Mounting government expenditures
are required to subsidize farmers and consumers, implying
the need for policy alternatives.
|
