ASIA-PACIFIC BI TECHNEWS is to give correct information to consumers about GM foods to deliver 50 000 tonnes of to Nepal between and their usage and safety. The brochure provides information January and March 2000. India stopped exporting wheat in on the benefits and risks of genetic modification as well as 1995–96, and thereafter became a net importer as the country’s web site details of relevant government regulatory agencies. domestic output fell. However, in 1998–99, the country Information on gene technology and its regulation is also produced a record 73 million tonnes of wheat, leading to included in the brochure. The brochure is already available excess stocks in warehouses. Many trade officials have voiced in Australian supermarkets and can also be accessed at concern over the excess stocks, and called for aggressive trading http://www.isr.gov.au/ba. of stocks. The recent deal with Nepal is seen as a positive sign, and the country is also examining the options of exporting This brochure was produced by Biotechnology Australia, wheat to other countries including the Middle East and which is a joint venture between the Commonwealth Indonesia. Departments of Industry, Science and Resources, Health and Aged Care, Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia, Environment Australia, and Education, Training and Youth Affairs. Increase of Korean Exports to Japan China To Grow More Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry plans to expand Korean agricultural exports to Japan to US$1.5 Soybeans billion by 2002. This is an almost 100 percent increase from 1998, which recorded US$790 million. With the arrival of the new soybean cultivation season, China plans to reduce the cultivated area for A local operation will undertake the task of corn and spring wheat and increase the area for distributing agro-fisheries products. Market analysts have soybean in northeastern China to balance supply and also taken steps to explore Japanese markets and conduct demand. extensive marketing surveys in four major regions. Pork exporters will try to improve the quality and price From 1995 to 1999, China’s soybean output averaged competitiveness of their products. They have requested 14.2 million tons annually while annual consumption for government support for a stable supply of feed was 16.1 million tons. The supply shortfall of about 2 grains. million tons had to be made up for through imports. Actually, from 1998 to 1999, China’s soybean imports hit an all-time high of 3.85 million tons. The imports WHAT WE HEAR are superior to Chinese soybean in oil output and stability of supply. Dr. Khush Awarded the 2000 Although there was an overall domestic shortage, soybean was overstocked in northeastern China. Before the Wolf Prize for Agriculture new soybean crop entered the market in October 1999, Dr. , the world’s premier breeder, has soybean reserves totaled nearly 5 million tons. been awarded the 2000 Wolf Prize for Agriculture. He will China still has an oversupply of corn. Experts have receive US$100 000 from the Israel-based Wolf Foundation, recommended that the mix of soybean and corn which was established by the late German-born inventor Dr. productions be adjusted and the consumption of soybean Ricardo Wolf. Dr. Khush, who is the principal plant breeder increased. and head of the plant breeding, genetics and biochemistry The area for soybean cultivation could increase by division at the Philippine-based International Rice Research 0.8 million hectares a year to reach 9 million hectares, Institute (IRRI), was unanimously chosen for his outstanding with most of the increase taking place in northeastern contribution to theoretical research in plant genetics, evolution China. Annual soybean output could then approach 15.5 and breeding, especially of rice, with regard to food production and alleviation of hunger. The jury noted Dr. Khush’s million tons. remarkable achievements in rice research, developing new approaches and mobilizing new techniques to breed better rice varieties. Dr. Khush has led the rice breeding program of the IRRI for the last 32 years. More than 300 rice breeding India Signs First Wheat lines developed under his leadership have been released Export Deal in Four Years worldwide. Dr. Khush has also been honored with numerous other awards, including the 1996 , which India has recently signed its first wheat export deal was jointly awarded to him and Dr. Henry Beachell. Asia- in four years. According to Shanta Kumar, India’s consumer Pacific Biotech News would like to congratulate Dr. Khush affairs and public distribution minister, India has agreed on winning this award.

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