• US files complaint with WTO
• IWC to discuss Commercial Whaling
• COAG 2003

USA has lodged a complaint against Mexico for unfair levying of anti-dumping duties on Rice and Beef exporters. Last year, Mexico accused U.S. white long grain rice exporters of dumping. Mexico is the largest importer of U.S. rice and the second-largest importer of red meat, behind Japan.

USA and Mexico officials shall discuss the above issue in the light of North American Free Trade Agreement, which was enacted in 1994.

Following agitation on consumption of whales by Japan and as a food delicacy, Japan may quit IWC.IWC, International Whaling Commission, originally set up to manage whaling is working on protecting marine mammals. Japan contends that endangered whales should be protected but that others, such as the minke, which are in no danger of dying out, should be harvested on a sustainable basis.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Committee on Agriculture (COAG) has voiced general support for the Organization's work addressing a "food chain" approach to food safety. COAG's meeting in Rome this year also considered FAO initiatives on good agricultural practices, sustainable livelihoods, biosecurity and agro-environmental information.