- Draft protocol advances prospects for US Rice exports to China. The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service office in Beijing has received a draft phytosanitary protocol from Chinese plant health officials covering prospective exports of U.S.-grown rice to China. A translation of the document has been sent to APHIS headquarters in Riverdale, Maryland, for review and assessment and to formulate a response. “From what we understand, there are a significant number of onerous conditions placed on US milled rice entry into China,” says USA Rice Federation President and CEO Betsy Ward. “Nevertheless, this is a significant achievement.” More information...
- Seed suppliers seek drought resistant corn varieties. As the US tries to recover from one of the driest summers corn seed suppliers are looking towards new strains that can survive with less water, including crossbreeding and GM. Read more...
- Wet weather in the UK means rodents are setting up home in grain stores warns the HGCA and British Pest Control. It's believed that heavy rain has flushed the animals out of their usual field homes. Read more...
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| A laboratory rat strain known as a Zucker rat. These rats are bred to be genetically prone to diabetes, the same metabolic disorder found among humans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
