splash template

July 2005, World Apple Report Highlights

The Invisible NGOs
Most managers in agriculture and agribusiness are unaware of the proliferation in numbers and growing clout of non-governmental organizations, so-called NGOs. NGOs operate at every level from United Nations meetings to local, grassroots issues. Many are philosophically opposed to agricultural activities. This article describes the many ways in which NGOs operate, their use of symbolism and publicity, their media savvy and the global alliances they have built. It shows where they get their very substantial funds and how this is tied to well-publicized victories for their causes. It shows how commodity groups need to prepare to defend their interests.

Precautionary Principle Bites Back
The voters in France and the Netherlands gave a resounding "No" to the proposed constitution for an enlarged European Union of 25 countries. This article argues that European leaders taught their constituents too well the "precautionary principle" which the leaders have used to block trade liberalization, genetic engineering, hormones in beef and other innovations that might shake the status quo. The voters acted on the same principle that if there is any possible risk ahead, it is better to say "No" to change. The article concludes that the real decision ahead for Europe is not about a constitution but about how to stay competitive with North America and Asia that have shown their ability to adapt more rapidly.

What a Bunch of Bananas!
The European Union has defended a banana program that first set cartel-like quotas for imports. When those were ruled illegal by the WTO, it has been attempting to rig tariffs that would essentially make central American bananas higher priced in Europe than other bananas. It seems the height of hypocrisy then that the EU's Competition Authority should now be investigating European banana traders for price fixing and market sharing. If consumers are hurt by a cartel of traders, aren't they equally hurt by a cartel run by the EU Commission itself?

Special Statistics
Major Countries: Trade Deficits and Surpluses, 2004 (chart).
China: Rate of Growth of Fresh Apple Exports (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

Belrose, Inc., 1045 NE Creston Lane, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
E-mail to: belrose@pullman.com
Tel: 509-332-1754
Fax: 509-334-5209