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ERS data and analysis can shed more light on current events.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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See
previous economics behind the headlines
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