Newsroom
" "  
Search ERS

 
Newsroom

Print this page Print | E-mail this link E-mail | Bookmark & Share Bookmark/share | Translate this page Translate | Text only Text only | resize text smallresize text mediumresize text large

The Economics Behind the Headlines:
August 2005


ERS data and analysis can shed more light on current events.

In the news

Avian flu could spread to Europe, FAO says (Wall Street Journal, August 31, 2005)
From ERS Disease-Related Trade Restrictions Shaped Animal Product Markets in 2004 and Stamp Imprints on 2005 Forecasts. Disease outbreaks and related trade restrictions continued to constrain markets in 2004. U.S. cattle and beef markets were most affected, although outbreaks of Avian Influenza affected poultry markets. Forecasts of 2005 U.S. animal-products trade reflect expected market responses.

In the news

U.S. and China approach textile agreement (Dailies, August 18, 2005)
From ERS The Forces Shaping World Cotton Consumption After the Multifiber Arrangement. Elimination of the Multifiber Arrangement (MFA) with its per-country export quotas is reshaping world textile and cotton markets. But in the long run, income growth and technical change have more impact on world cotton consumption than does the elimination of the MFA.

In the news

Food crises rage across Africa (Associated Press, August 17, 2005)
From ERS Food Security Assessment, GFA 16. Just over 1 billion people in the 70 low-income countries studied in this annual report are estimated to have consumed less than the recommended nutritional requirements in 2004—an increase from more than 830 million in 2003. The outlook among world regions varies.

In the news

New Jersey to invest $140 to preserve farmland (Bloomberg, August 15, 2005)
From ERS Rural Amenities: A Key Reason for Farmland Protection. ERS analysts found various objectives in state legislation that authorizes farmland protection programs, notably the protection of “rural amenities"—e.g., open space, scenic views, rural agrarian character, and wildlife habitat.

In the news

Whole-grain white bread on grocery shelves (Associated Press, August 8, 2005)
From ERS Will 2005 Be the Year of the Whole Grain? In reaction to USDA’s new Dietary Guidelines, many companies launched new branded packaged foods with higher whole-grain content. A shift to these products has possible ramifications for farmers and secondary manufacturers.

In the news

Tobacco acreage in Virginia lowest on record (Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 3, 2005)
From ERS Tobacco Acreage Plunges for 2005 Crop Year. On March 1, 2005, tobacco growers indicated intentions to harvest 319,860 acres during the upcoming 2005 season, the lowest since the 1800s, Production is expected at around 683 million pounds, as much as 200 million pounds below 2004.

In the news

BSE generating little concern among consumers (Reuters, August 3, 2005)
From ERS Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook. Monthly report provides analysis of current market developments and short-term outlook on production, consumption, prices, and trade. The July 2005 report shows beef prices gaining relative to competing meats.

In the news

Maryland farm operation gets year’s first Conservation Security Program contract (Frederick News-Post, August 1, 2005)
From ERS Flexible Conservation Measures on Working Land. The 2002 Farm Act increased conservation funding and earmarked most of the increase for working-land payment programs rather than land retirement. ERS examines a range of program design options and looks at environmental benefits, cost effectiveness, and equity considerations.

In the news

USDA to set domestic sugar quotas (Reuters, August 1, 2005)
From ERS Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook. Report published online three times per year provides an update of current market and policy developments and their impacts on the sugar and corn sweetener industries.

 

See previous economics behind the headlines

 

For more information, contact: Mary Reardon

Web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov

Updated date: March 1, 2006