FY 2007 U.S. Agricultural Export Forecast Remains at Record High, Lowered to $77.5 Billion (05/31/07)
— Read the full report (.pdf)
— FAS Analysis
— USDA Lowers Ag Export Forecast Slightly (USDA Radio News; 05/31/07 -  real, mp3)
— The New USDA Export Forecast (USDA Radio News; 05/31/07 -  real, mp3)

USDA Radio News Updates on Agricultural Trade
— Farm Trade Talks To Take Place in Brussels and London (05/31/07; real, mp3)
— Importance of G-4 Talks (05/31/07; real, mp3)
— Farm Prices Still Climbing (05/31/07; real, mp3)
— Organic Food Sales Still Rising (05/30/07; real, mp3)— Organic Food Sales Still Rising (05/30/07; real, mp3)
— World Grain Buying Habits Are Changing (05/22/07; real, mp3)
— A New Era of Strong Commodity Prices (05/22/07; real, mp3)
— Energy A Bigger Influence on Soybean and Corn Markets (05/22/07; real, mp3)

USDA, HHS Issue Joint Fact Sheet: Actions Requested of the People's Republic of China by the U.S. Government To Address the Safety of Food and Feed
U.S. representatives presented a request for rapid action related to food safety during several bilateral sessions conducted in Washington D.C., in conjunction with the second cabinet-level meeting May 22-24 under the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. (05/24/07)
— FDA Official’s Take on Food Safety Actions in China (USDA Radio News; 05/31/07 -  real, mp3)
— More on U.S.–China Trade

USDA Seeking Comments on Proposed Regulations for Market Access Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) today announced that it is seeking public comments on whether to amend and revise regulations for the Market Access Program (MAP). Written comments must be received on or before Monday, Aug. 13, 2007. (05/23/07)
— View the Federal Register request for comments

Johanns Appoints New Members to Emerging Markets Committee
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns appointed 20 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets for the next two years. Committee members have expertise in international agriculture, trade and marketing, especially as they relate to emerging market economies. They serve without compensation. (05/22/07)

Agriculture Secretary Responds to "Safe for Trade" Nod for U.S. Beef From World Animal Health Body
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns noted that he is pleased that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). "This classification confirms what we have always contended—that U.S. regulatory controls are effective and that U.S. fresh beef and beef products from cattle of all ages can be safely traded due to our interlocking safeguards." (05/22/07)
— On U.S. Request to Beef Trading Partners (USDA Radio News; 05/23/07 - real, mp3)
— U.S. Beef Receives a Good Grade From the OIE (USDA Radio News; 05/22/07 - real, mp3)
— On Ruling by International Animal Health Org (USDA Radio News; 05/22/07 - real, mp3)
— Johanns Does Not Rule Out WTO To Solve Beef Trade Cases (USDA Radio News; 05/22/07 - real, mp3)

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China and Guatemala
Private exporters reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the following activity: export sales of 500,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to China during the 2007/2008 marketing year; and export sales of 190,001 tons of corn for delivery to Guatemala during the 2007/2008 marketing year. The marketing year for soybeans and corn begins Sept. 1.  (05/22/07)

USDA Radio News Updates on Agricultural Trade
—World Grain Buying Habits Are Changing (05/22/07; real, mp3)
—A New Era of Strong Commodity Prices (05/22/07; real, mp3)
—Energy A Bigger Influence on Soybean and Corn Markets (05/22/07; real, mp3)

2007 AGOA Report Shows Growth in U.S.–Africa Trade (05/18/07)
— More on the African Growth and Opportunity Act

USDA Clears Swine for Processing (05/15/07)
— TRANSCRIPT: Update on Adulterated Animal Feed and Human Health Risk Assessment (05/15/07)
— Transcript of FDA-USDA Update on Adulterated Animal Feed (05/17/07)
— USDA Releases Poultry for Processing (05/18/07)

Johanns Announces Joe Glauber's Detail to Special DOHA Agricultural Envoy at USTR  (05/11/07)
— USDA Deputy Chief Economist Will Lead Ag Trade Talks (USDA Radio News; 05/11/07 - real, mp3, wave)

Johanns Outlines 2007 Farm Bill Proposals to Expand, Improve Trade (05/10/07)

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data (05/10/07)

Statement from Ambassador Susan C. Schwab on U.S. trade agenda (05/10/07)
— More on the Bipartisan Agreement on Trade Policy

U.S. Food Exporters Showcase in Chicago (USDA Radio News; 05/08/07 - real, mp3, wave) 

Scientists Conclude Very Low Risk to Humans from Food Containing Melamine (05/07/07)
— FACT SHEET: Melamine and Analogues Safety/Risk Assessment (05/07/07)
— TRANSCRIPT: Media Briefing Update on Adulterated Animal Feed (05/08/07)
— Transcript of FDA-USDA Update on Adulterated Animal Feed (05/10/07)

Korean Beef Trade Issue Being Worked On This Week (USDA Radio News; 05/07/07 - real, mp3, wave)

USDA Radio Features With FAS Administrator Mike Yost
— High Shipping Costs Could Mean More Higher Value Exports (USDA Radio News; 05/01/07 - real, mp3, wave)
— High Commodity Prices Likely To Bring More Market Volatility (USDA Radio News; 05/01/07 - real, mp3, wave)
— China Still Slated For Corn Import Market (USDA Radio News; 05/02/07 - real, mp3, wave)
— Distilled Grains And Corn Gluten Exports Expected To Rise (USDA Radio News; 05/02/07 - real, mp3, wave)

World Trade Agreement Efforts Intensifying (USDA Radio News; 05/01/07 - real, mp3, wave)

First Shipments of Indian Mangoes Arrive in United States
Indian mangoes are the first fruit irradiated at an overseas site and approved for importation into the United States.  (05/01/07)

FDA and USDA Determine Swine Fed Adulterated Product
FDA determined that a shipment of rice protein imported from China was contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds. The product was imported during the week of April 2, 2007 by Wilbur-Ellis, an importer and distributor of agricultural products. The rice protein was used in the production of pet food and a byproduct was used to produce animal feed.  (04/26/07)
— Joint Update: FDA/USDA Update on Tainted Animal Feed (04/28/07)
— FDA/USDA Trace Adulterated Animal Feed to Poultry (04/30/07)
— Transcript of FDA/USDA Media Teleconference Providing an Update on Adulterated Feed to Poultry and Hogs (05/01/07)
— TRANSCRIPT: Media Briefing Update on Adulterated Feed (05/01/07)
— FACT SHEET: Melamine and Analogues Safety/Risk Assessment (05/07/07)