Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. o-H 'hfiooj fill United States _ Agricultural Trade Department of Agriculture Foreign Highlights Agricultural Service cr- Circular Series r.-o i n ~T~J ATH 8 96 ro September 1996 o 0 • ” Exports Rise 6 Percent in June a new record in fiscal-dear j 966, consumer food export e^gpnsipn has moderated from the pace set) during the past several years. This is largely due to slower sales growth to Canada and Mexico. Import demand from Japan, our largest market, remains strong with sales up 14 percent so far this year. At $21 1 million m June, edible fish and seafood exports rose I 1 percent from June 1995. Gains for sunmi, salmon (both canned and whole), and roe and urchin offset declines in crab and crab meat. U.S. fish and seafood exports during the first nine months of fiscal year 1966 totaled $ 1.9 billion, down 6 percent from a year earlier Shipments to Japan, which account for half of all 1J .S. seafood exports, were down 17 percent largely due to lower sales of sunmi U.S. forest product exports totaled $613 June trade statistics released by the these commodities. During the first nine million in June, down 11 percent from last Commerce Department on August 20 months of fiscal year 1996, bulk year. Declines in log and lumber exports placed the value of U.S. agricultural, commodity exports totaled $22.8 billion, more than offset gains for other further- fish, and forest product exports at $5.1 up 23 percent from the same period last processed wood products like window billion, a 6-percent increase over June year. Stronger import demand from Asian frames and wood doors. Exports during 1995. Agricultural exports totaled $4.3 Pac Rim countries, Mexico, and the EU- the first nine months of fiscal year 1966 billion, up 9 percent over year-ago levels. 15 underpins rising U.S. bulk exports. were down 6 percent from the same Bulk commodity exports registered a gain period a year earlier at $5.3 billion due in of 24 percent, while exports of U.S. exports of intermediate agricultural pail to lower log sales to Japan, our most intermediate products were down 3 products totaled $799 million in June, important export market. percent and consumer foods remained down 3 percent from the same month last largely unchanged. Fish and forest year. So far this fiscal year, intermediate product exports totaled $824 million in product exports are down 5 percent to Inside This Issue... June, down 7 percent from the same $8.2 billion. The slower pace in soybean month last year. oil shipments, due to reduced demand Page from China, accounts for much of the June shipments brought agricultural, fish, decline in this category. Animal fats and Feature: and forest product exports to $53.3 billion wheat flour also have recorded substantial Export Outlook. .3 for the first nine months of fiscal year declines. Cochran Program 6 1996, 9 percent higher than the same period in fiscal year 1995. Agricultural Exports of U.S. high-value, consumer- Country Report exports continue to be the best oriented products totaled $ 1.6 billion in Mexico. 10 performers, up 12 percent over the same June, up 1 percent over June 1995. Trade Event: period last year at $46 billion. Results were mixed with eight of the 15 major product groups registering gains Trade Mission to Slovenia At $1.9 billion in June, U.S. exports of The products that recorded the largest and Croatia. 15 bulk agricultural commodities increased gains were tree nuts and poultry meat Market Updates. 17 24 percent over the same month last year During the first nine months of fiscal year Higher prices and strong foreign demand 1966, consumer food exports reached Statistical Section . 21 for coarse grains and wheat continue to $15.1 billion, up 9 percent over the same support higher U.S. export values for period last year. Although likely to reach U.S. Agricultural, Fish, and Wood Export Summaries Qctober-June and Latest Month Comparisons B FY95 ■ Product Summary -Year-to-date-- -Latest month - Coarse grains Coarse grains Horticultural prods. Horticultural prods. Soybeans & products Soybeans & products Livestock products Livestock products Wood products 1/ Wood products 1/ Wheat & flour Wheat & flour Cotton Cotton Fish & Seafood 1/ Fish & Seafood 1/ Tobacco Tobacco Ri ce Rice 20 4.0 6.0 230 400 600 800 1,000 Billion dollars Million dollars Top Ten Markets Summary -Year-to-date- Latest month-- Note Percentages are computed as the change from a year ago. 1/ Not included in agricultural totals. Trade Hiyhliyhts-2 September 1996 TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294 Feature Story: U.S. Agricultural Trade Outlook U.S. AGRK LJLTURAL EXPORTS F()RE( 'ASIA T$5H BILLION IN T7S( AJ YEAR PAD AGRICULTURAL TRADE SURPLUS EXPEi 'TED TO SLIP TO $20 BILLION. USDA’s initial export forecast for fiscal year 1997 planted area. Higher export pnees will partially offset the (October 1996) - September 1997) was released late last decline in next year's export volume, but overall export month at $58 billion. The forecast for fiscal year 1996 value is projected to decline $200 million to $900 remains unchanged at a record $60 billion. The million Price strength is anticipated in fiscal year 1997 downturn in overall export value projected for next year as domestic long-grain nee supplies tighten. Competition is attributed to a $3.5 billion decline in the value of from Asian rice should mtensify as U.S. pnees nse, but shipments of bulk agricultural commodities. Reduced demand in Latin American markets is expected to remain export sales of wheat, corn, and cotton are anticipated. strong for U.S. long-gram rice Japan is expected to import more medium-grain rice to fulfill its GATT In contrast, export value for high value, consumer foods minimum access obligations. is forecast to increase nearly $1.5 billion and is expected to reach its 11th consecutive record level. The Oilseeds and product exports in fiscal year 1997 are U.S. agricultural trade surplus in fiscal year 1997 is forecast at 30.8 million tons, unchanged from the current forecast to decline to $26 billion due to record imports year. However, export value is forecast to increase $800 and a reduced export value. million to $10.4 billion largely due to higher export Commodity Highlights pnees for soybeans and soybean meal and higher soybean oil exports. Higher prices reflect lower projected global oilseed supplies and lower ending stocks U.S oilseed Wheat and flour exports in fiscal year 1997 are production for 1996/97 is forecast to increase 6 percent, projected to decline 7 million tons and $2 I billion to 26 although exportable supplies are expected to remain tight million tons valued at $4.8 billion This projected decline due to low carry-in levels China is expected to enter the is due to reduced volume and lower export prices. Tight world market as a major buyer of vegetable oils, and 1 I S domestic supplies, much larger exportable supplies from soybean oil exports are forecast to rise to 800,000 tons major competitors, and reduced global import demand valued at $500 million will lower U.S. exports. Wheat flour exports are projected to double from 500,000 tons in fiscal year 1996 Cotton exports in fiscal year 1997 are forecast to decline to 1 millions tons in fiscal year 1997 due to lower wheat 200,000 tons and $700 million to 1.5 million tons valued prices. at $2.4 billion U.S. cotton production is expected to increase in 1996/97, but, U.S. exports will face increased Coarse grain exports are forecast to drop 3.1 million competition in overseas markets as crop output in other tons and $900 million to 58 million tons valued at $8.6 supplier countries, such as Argentina and Australia, billion m fiscal year 1997. The prospect of a smaller than increases. World cotton trade is expected to decline due earlier anticipated 1996/97 U.S. com harvest will limit to significant reductions in imports of cotton by China. export supplies, cuttmg com exports 3.5 million tons to 51 5 million tons. Reduced export volume and somewhat Livestock, poultry, and dairy exports in fiscal year weaker prices are projected to lower U.S. com export 1997 are forecast to increase $600 million to a record value to $7.6 billion. I J.S. sorghum exports are projected $ 12.7 billion. A projected gain in poultry and product to increase m response to a larger domestic crop and exports is offset by a loss in dairy' products, while increased foreign demand. livestock products are expected to increase $600 million to a record $9.3 billion. Japan. South Korea, and Russia Rice exports in fiscal year 1997 are forecast to decline remain the major markets for 1 J.S. beef and pork exports, 700,000 tons to 2.3 million tons, in response to a slight which are forecast to rise 70.000 tons and $400 million decrease in domestic production combined with increased to 1.5 million tons valued at a record $3 1 billion fins domestic consumption Crop outturn for long-grain nee relatively modest increase reflects lower beef prices and is expected to be lower mainly due to a reduction in TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294 September 1996 Trade Highlights -3 ...Agricultura! Trade Outlook import policy uncertainties in Russia An improved categories, but imports of tropical products are likely to outlook for animal fats and live cattle account for most of remain near 1996 levels due to lower expected prices. In the remaining projected increase in livestock product response to the record import level and a smaller exports, exports. Poultry meat exports are forecast to increase the U.S. agricultural trade surplus in fiscal year 1997 is $200 million to a record $2.9 billion. Russia and forecast to decline $2.5 billion to $26 billion. Despite the China/Hong Kong are expected to remain the top markets decline in the agricultural trade surplus, agriculture for 1 J.S. broiler meat and account for most new sales. continues to be one of the leading positive contributors to the nation's balance of trade Horticultural exports in fiscal year 1997 are forecast at a record $9.8 billion. With increases of $200 million each, fruit and vegetable exports are projected to reach For more information, contact: records of $3.5 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively The David Rosenbloom at (202) 720-2120 forecast for horticultural products assumes that sales to or Ernest ('arter at (202) 720-2022 Mexico continue their current pace of recovery, exports to Canada benefit from the progressive lowering of duties, steady growth to key Asian Pacific Rim markets continues, and no significant appreciation in the dollar against the yen which would slow sales to Japan. Agricultural Trade Surplus U S agricultural imports in fiscal year 1997 are forecast at a record $32 billion, $500 million higher than expected in fiscal year 1996. Small gams are expected for most U.S. Agricultural Trade Surplus Forecast at $26 Billion in *97, Off $2.5 Billion from ’96 High Why? Exports fall and im ports continue to grow ... to record $32 billion Billion $ 80 Exports Imports Balance 60 I i 11! 3 ii i ii f 111 b 1111« 40 20 0 -20 -40 1 973 77 81 85 89 93 97f Fiscal year Trade Highlights - 4 September 1996 TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294 U.S. Exports of Agricultural, Fish & Forest Products by Major Group Monthly and Annual Performance Indicators June October-June Fiscal Year 1995 1996 FY '95 FY'96 1995 1996(f) 1997(p) Export Values - $Billion - Chg - SBillion - Chg - $Billlon - Chg Grains and Feeds 1/ 1.333 1.547 16% 12.555 16.314 30% 17.637 21.8 18 7 -14% Wheat & Flour 0 346 0.459 33% 3.596 4.923 37% 5.201 6.9 4.8 -30% Rice 0 085 0.070 -18% 0.820 0.773 -6% 1.050 1.1 0.9 -18% Coarse Grains 2/ 0 563 0.684 21% 5.137 7.430 45% 7.411 9.5 8.6 -9% Corn 0.509 0.629 24% 4.559 6 709 47% 6.619 8.5 7.6 -11% Feeds & Fodders 0.213 0.214 0% 1.893 2.032 7% 2.511 2.8 2 9 4% Oilseeds and Products 0.491 0.624 27% 7.309 7.757 6% 9 119 9.6 10 4 8% Soybeans 0.221 0.422 91% 4.253 5.159 21% 5.274 6 2 6.7 8% Soybean Cakes & Meals 0.056 0.066 18% 0.844 0.935 11% 1.079 1 2 1.3 8% Soybean Oil 0.046 0.005 -89% 0.721 0.241 -67% 0.809 0.3 0.5 67% Other Vegetable Oils 0.083 0.059 -29% 0.709 0.676 -5% 0.918 N/A N/A N/A Livestock Products 0.681 0.637 -6% 5.787 6.291 9% 7.831 8.7 9.3 7% Beef, Pork & Variety Meats 0.371 0.337 -9% 2.904 3.434 18% 4.038 4 7 5 1 9% Plides, Skins & Furs 0.155 0 146 -6% 1.297 1.260 -3% 1.738 1.7 1.7 0% Poultry Products 0.166 0.201 21% 1.618 1.996 23% 2.210 2.7 2.9 7% Poultry Meat 0.137 0.170 24% 1.356 1.716 27% 1.867 N/A N/A N/A Dairy Products 0.080 0.067 -17% 0.588 0.563 -4% 0.789 0.7 0.5 -29% Unmanufactured Tobacco 0.064 0.095 49% 1 116 1.173 5% 1.329 1.4 1 4 0% Cotton and Linters 0.174 0.107 -38% 3.126 2.788 -11% 3.496 3.1 2.4 -23% Planting Seeds 0.028 0.039 40% 0.560 0.586 5% 0.680 0.7 0.7 0% Horticultural Products 0.804 0.820 2% 6.956 7.080 2% 9 110 9.3 9.8 5% Sugar & Tropical Products 0.144 0.176 22% 1.450 1.497 3% 1.940 2.0 2.0 0% Forest Products 4/ 0 692 0.613 -11% 5.650 5.311 -6% 7.335 N/A N/A N/A Fish and Seafood Products 4/ 0.190 0.211 11% 2.062 1.943 -6% 3.172 N/A N/A N/A Total Agriculture 3.964 4.313 9% 41.066 46.044 12% 54.141 60.0 58.0 -3% Total Aa.. Fish & Forest 4.846 5.137 6% 48.777 53.299 9% 64.648 N/A N/A N/A Export Volumes —- MMT-— Chg —- MMT-— Chg -— MMT— Chg Grains and Feeds 1/ 8.541 7.136 -16% 86.244 85.504 -1% 118.626 N/A N/A N/A Wheat 2.133 2.004 -6% 22.907 23.405 2% 32.094 32.0 25.0 -22% Wheat Flour 0.055 0.039 -29% 0.894 0.340 -62% 1 184 0.5 1.0 100% Rice 0.299 0.204 -32% 3.017 2.227 -26% 3.767 3.0 2.3 -23% Coarse Grains 2/ 4.729 3.780 -20% 47.418 48.125 1% 65.670 61.1 58.0 -5% Corn 4.257 3.481 -18% 42.085 43.591 4% 58.645 55.0 51.5 -6% Feeds & Fodders 1.108 0.940 -15% 10.147 9.574 -6% 13 483 12 9 13.0 1% Oilseeds and Products 1.619 1.868 15% 27.629 25.066 -9% 34.050 30 8 30 8 0% Soybeans 0.967 1.409 46% 19.267 18.557 -4% 23.584 22.4 22.3 -0% Soybean Cakes & Meals 0.320 0.277 -13% 4.800 4.043 -16% 6.094 5.3 5.2 -2% Soybean Oil 0.073 0.007 -90% 1 089 0.399 -63% 1.216 0.5 0.8 60% Other Vegetable Oils 0 115 0.077 -33% 0.988 0.929 -6% 1.281 N/A N/A N/A Livestock Products 3/ 0.332 0.295 -11% 2.772 3.048 10% 3.688 N/A N/A N/A Beef, Pork & Variety Meats 0 120 0.114 -5% 0.912 1.097 20% 1.256 1.5 1 6 7% Poultry Products 3/ 0.145 0.177 22% 1.406 1 758 25% 1.943 N/A N/A N/A Poultry Meat 0.141 0.171 21% 1.373 1.720 25% 1.901 2.3 2.5 9% Dairy Products 3/ 0.047 0.036 -24% 0.322 0.361 12% 0.440 N/A N/A N/A Unmanufactured Tobacco 0.010 0.016 56% 0.167 0.185 11% 0.197 N/A N/A N/A Cotton & Linters 0.097 0.061 -38% 1.863 1 562 -16% 2.068 1.7 1.5 -12% Planting Seeds 0.020 0.053 164% 0.374 0.500 34% 0.541 N/A N/A N/A Horticultural Products 3/ 0.648 0.626 -3% 5.470 5.416 -1% 7.001 7.1 7.5 6% Sugar & Tropical Products 3/ 0.084 0.088 5% 0.797 0.834 5% 1 104 N/A N/A N/A Total Agriculture 3/ 11.543 10.355 -10% 127 045 124.232 -2% 169 660 160.0 150.5 -6% Notes 1/ Includes pulses, corn gluten feed and meal, 2/ includes corn, oats, barley, rye and sorghum; 3/ includes only those items measured in metric tons, 4/ items not included in agricultural product totals N/A = not available. FY 1996 forecasts (f) are based on USDA's "Outlook for Agricultural Exports,' published August 29, 1996 TEAD/FAS (202 ) 720-1294 September 1996 Trade Highlights - 5 Feature Story: Cochran Fellowship Program "BUILDING SUSTAINABLE EXPORT MARKETS" - USDA TARGETS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE COCHRAN PROGRAM The linkage between sustainable development and trade Cochran Participation in 1995 is based upon the premise that U.S. efforts to share technical expertise with developing countries will The Cochran Fellowship Program provided training for provide the tools to help build stable and more a record 716 participants from 42 countries during fiscal prosperous economies which ultimately will stimulate year 1995 (October 1994 - September 1995). New overseas demand for U.S. farm products. Rising programs were initiated in eight countries: Estonia, incomes permit developing countries to increase their Latvia, Lithuania, the Philippines, Indonesia, Romania, food imports to help meet their growing demands for Tunisia, and South Africa. Fiscal Year 1995 was the last year of the Cochran program in Hong Kong, Singapore, more and different foods. USDA's Long-Term and Taiwan. These countries are now classified as high- Agricultural Trade Strategy seeks new and innovative income countries and. therefore, are no longer eligible for ways to integrate assistance programs such as the the program Cochran Program with other USDA initiatives to achieve the Department's trade goals. An excellent The Newly Independent States (NTS) of the fonner Soviet example is the expanded country eligibility extended to Union accounted for the largest regional participation in the Cochran Program by the recently authorized the Cochran Program during 1995, with about 41 percent Emerging Markets Program. of total program trainees. Nearly half of all NIS country participants were Russian. Non-ElJ Europe was the Program Background second largest participating region with about one-third of all trainees. Within tins region, the program was most Since 1984, the I Jmted States Congress has made funds active in Poland. The Asian region accounted for available for training agriculturalists from middle income approximately 16 percent of total participants; Latin countries and emerging democracies. Training programs America, 11 percent; and Africa, 4 percent. are developed in the United States for selected senior- and mid-level specialists and administrators from both The 716 Cochran participants in fiscal year 1995 the public and private sectors concerned with agricultural represented a 38 percent increase over a year earlier and trade, agribusiness development, marketing, policy, and a 550 percent increase over 1984, the initial year of the technology transfer. The Cochran Fellowship Program is Program’s operation. In total, there were about 273 administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service separate training programs, with an average of 2 to 3 (FAS) The Program works closely with other USDA participants per program. agencies, agricultural trade and market development associations, agricultural colleges and universities, and Country Eligibility agribusinesses to implement training programs. Program Objectives Middle-income countries that meet the following requirements are eligible to participate in the program Program objectives are to provide high quality training 1 The country's principal agricultural exports do not resulting in knowledge and skills that will compete significantly with U.S. agricultural commodities and products ui international trade Assist eligible countries to develop agricultural systems necessary to meet the food needs of their domestic populations; and ^ ^ 00111417, or significant segments therein, that has developed economically to a point where it no longer Strengthen and enhance trade linkages between qualifies for bilateial foreign assistance from the 1 tinted U.S. agricultural interests and eligible countries. States because its pei capita income level exceeds the Trade Highlights - 6 September 1996 TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294 Cochran Program eligibility requirement of such assistance programs. The interviews with candidates and the recommendations of country may still have PL-480 funds. Economic Support the respective USD A/FAS Foreign Agricultural Affairs fluids, centrally or regionally funded activities, or residual Officer. All training occurs in the United States. programs funded by appropriations from previous years Applicant Eligibility 3. A country that has never qualified for bilateral foreign aid assistance from the United States, but with respect to The Cochran Fellowship Program is open to the staff of which an ongoing relationship with the United States, agribusinesses, government departments, universities, uicludmg technical assistance and training, would provide and other agricultural organizations. In their own mutual benefits to such country and the United States. countries, applicants may be managers, technicians, scientists, professors, administrators, and/or policy 4 A countiy that has recently begun the transformation of makers. All participants must be proficient in the oral its system of government from a non-representative type and written usage of the English language. of government to a representative democracy and that is encouraging democratic institution building, and the Program Procedures cultural values, institutions, and organizations of democratic pluralism. FA S/Washington designates countries for participation and transmits program announcements to the USD A 5 The country has economic ties with the 1 Jnited States. Foreign Affairs Officers (Agricultural Counselors and Attaches) stationed overseas The Foreign Affairs Program Design Officers notify the appropriate parties in their country/countries of responsibility in order to solicit The Cochran Fellowship Program offers short-term nominations. Applications, containing a detailed training opportunities, most ranging from 2 weeks to 3 description of the training request, are submitted to the months depending on the objectives of the program. Foreign Affairs Officers who conduct an initial screening Participants meet with professionals in then- fields, of applicants. A final pool of applicants is selected by the participate in field observations and industry visits, Foreign Affairs Officers and is interviewed during experience on-the-job training, attend university courses country visits by FAS/Washington Cochran Program and seminars, or participate in a combination of the staff. Final approval of Cochran candidates is made by a above. No training is offered which directly enhances a USD A committee, chaired by the Cochran Fellowship country's ability to export goods in competition with the Program Director, on the basis of candidates' 1 Jnited States. The Cochran program works closely with qualifications, the recommendations of the Foreign FAS' Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers stationed Affairs Officers, staff interviews, and country specific overseas and U S. agricultural trade and market training needs. development associations to identity’ potential areas of training for countries participating in the program. Every Cochran Program Funding effort is made to match U S, agricultural interests with those of the recipient countries. Cochran Program funding in 1995 was obtained from 3 sources: Congressional appropriations. IJSDA’s Training Focus Emerging Markets Program, and the ITS Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Newly The Cochran Fellowship Program reflects a philosophy Independent States. that training should provide participants with sound technical knowledge and the opportunity to test and Congressional appropriations provided funding for 39 practice new skills and knowledge m practical situations. percent of all Cochran participants (279 trainees) in fiscal Therefore, most programs offer a mixture of technical year 1995. Tins represented the exclusive funding source instruction, practical field observations, and “hands-on" for all framing activities offered to participants from experience. Programs are specially designed in Asian and Latin American regions, as well as from Cote accordance with the training objectives identified during d' Ivoire, Tunisia, Romania, and Turkey. TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294 September 1996 Trade Highlights - 7 ...Cochran Program USDA's Emerging Democracies Office (EDO) was Self-Sponsorship—Another area of financial contribution established in the Food. Agriculture, Conservation, and to the program is self-sponsorship of training activities. Trade Act of 1990 to provide targeted countries with Application for Cochran-organized training often is technical assistance in areas that promote agricultural received from individuals that have the financial reform and that develop, maintain or expand markets for resources to pay theu- own way. During fiscal year 1995. ITS agricultural exports In fiscal year 1995, the EDO 7 participants paid all costs associated with their training provided funding for 37 percent of all Cochran activities. Self-sponsorship enables the program to reach participants (263 trainees). EDO funds were utilized for more international participants without additional costs Cochran participants from Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, being incurred. Latvia, and Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Training Topics and South Africa. The 716 Cochran fellows that participated in the program The Emerging Markets Program was authorized in the during fiscal year 1995 received training in 273 different Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of training programs. These training programs represented 1996. It builds upon and expands the Emerging a broad range of commodity and technical training topics. Democracies Program. The 1996 Act authorizes $ 10 Although training programs often cover more than one million annually for 7 years for agricultural technical commodity or technical traming topic, an overview of the assistance to develop, maintain, or expand markets for program's subject matter is depicted in the generalized U S agricultural exports in countries designated as categories shown in the following table. "emerging markets.” The initiation of the Emerging Markets Program will allow greater flexibility for the Cochran Training In Fiscal Year 1995 Cochran Program Countries such as China, Burma, Vietnam, and Cambodia which could not meet emerging Commodity Number of Number of democracies criteria do meet emerging markets criteria Train in « Area Programs Participants and thus have become eligible for Cochran participation utilizing funding under the Emerging Markets Program. Grain and Oilseeds 28 51 Forestry/Wood Products 2 22 hi fiscal year 1995, l JSAID provided funding to carry out Dauy, Lvstk, & Poultry 48 100 Cochran traming for participants from the 12 Newly Cotton and Seeds 9 14 Independent States of the former Soviet Union. This Horticultural Products 13 28 covered 174 participants, representing 24 percent of the Consumer-ready Products 32 125 total. Subtotal 137 340 Cost Sharing In order to extend the benefits of the Cochran Program to Technical Number of Number of a greater number of participants, the Program has Tonics Programs Participants attempted to leverage its funding in two important ways: (1) by utilizing, where possible, non-govemmental Ag. Banking & Finance 12 29 organizations to provide some of the hosting, escorting, Ag. Policy & Trade Policy 30 87 technical training, and logistical support for participants Food Safety & Regulation 24 59 without requesting reimbursement of costs incurred: and Infrastructure 18 62 (2) by requiring that participants or their sponsoring General Technical 52 139 organizations pay their own international airfares. Exceptions, however, were made last year to the airfare Subtotal 136 376 contribution provision for participants from the NIS countries. South Africa, and Albania. GRAND TOTAL 273 716 Trade Highlights - 8 September 1996 TEAD/FAS (202) 720-1294