Food

U.S., China Sign Historic Agreement to Provide Market Access for U.S. Rice Exports

AICC Agriculture, Export, Food, Home, News and Press, Trade

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached agreement with Chinese officials on final details of a protocol to allow the United States to begin exporting rice to China for the first time ever.

“This is another great day for U.S. agriculture and, in particular, for our rice growers and millers, who can now look forward to gaining access to the Chinese market. This market represents an exceptional opportunity today, with enormous potential for growth in the future,” said Perdue. “The agreement with China has been in the works for more than a decade and I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition, especially knowing how greatly it will benefit our growers and industry.”

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of rice. Since 2013, it has also been the largest importer, with imports reaching nearly 5 million tons last year. When the new rice protocol is fully implemented, the U.S. rice industry will have access to this critical market, significantly expanding export opportunities. U.S. rice exports can begin following the completion of an audit of U.S. rice facilities by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

JOINT RELEASE: Initial Results of the 100-Day Action Plan of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue

AICC Business, Export, Food, Home, Investment, News and Press, Trade, White House

President of the United States Donald Trump and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping agreed at their Mar-a-Lago meeting to advance U.S. – China economic cooperation with a 100-day action plan under the framework of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue. Under the leadership of the co-chairs, Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross of the United States and Vice Premier Wang Yang of China, both nations have negotiated intensively to make progress on key issues. The three co-chairs reached consensus on initial commitments under the 100-day plan and objectives for next steps.

In approximately one month following the Presidential Summit, the two sides reached consensus on addressing issues in areas including agricultural trade, financial services, investment, and energy. For details, see the U.S.-China joint fact sheet below.

Both sides also identified other issues that will require significant effort to resolve and achieve progress on within the 100-day period. Both sides further committed to strengthen communication and coordination to jointly advance those issues and achieve resolution as soon as possible. Further, as concrete progress is made in implementing the actions under the 100-day plan, the two sides will begin discussing a one-year plan to further solidify actions in promoting U.S. – China economic engagement and cooperation. Following implementation of the 100-day plan, the United States and China look forward to deepening engagement on these and other issues at the first meeting of the Comprehensive Economic Dialogue, to be held in the United States in the summer of 2017.

Initial Actions of the U.S.-China Economic Cooperation 100-Day Plan

1. Following one more round of technical consultations between the United States and China, China is to allow imports of U.S. beef on conditions consistent with international food safety and animal health standards and consistent with the 1999 Agricultural Cooperation Agreement, beginning as soon as possible but no later than July 16, 2017.

2. The United States and China are to resolve outstanding issues for the import of China origin cooked poultry to the United States as soon as possible, and after reaching consensus, the United States is to publish a proposed rule by July 16, 2017, at the latest, with the United States realizing China poultry exports as soon as possible.

3. China’s National Biosafety Committee (NBC) is to hold a meeting by the end of May 2017, to conduct science-based evaluations of all eight pending U.S. biotechnology product applications to assess the safety of the products for their intended use. No additional information unrelated to safety assessment for intended use is to be requested of the applicants. For any product that does not pass the safety evaluation at the NBC meeting held in May 2017, the NBC is to operate with transparency by providing in writing to the applicants a complete list of requested‎ information necessary to finalize the safety assessment for the products’ intended use, along with an explanation of how the requested information would be relevant to the safety of the products’ intended use. The NBC is to hold meetings as frequently and as soon as possible after an application is resubmitted in order to finalize reviews of remaining applications without undue delay. For the products that pass the safety evaluations of the NBC, China is to grant certificates within 20 working days in accordance with Administrative License Law of the People’s Republic of China.

4. The United States welcomes China, as well as any of our trading partners, to receive imports of LNG from the United States. The United States treats China no less favorably than other non-FTA trade partners with regard to LNG export authorizations. Companies from China may proceed at any time to negotiate all types of contractual arrangement with U.S. LNG exporters, including long-term contracts, subject to the commercial considerations of the parties. As of April 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy had authorized 19.2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas exports to non-FTA countries.

5. By July 16, 2017, China is to allow wholly foreign-owned financial services firms in China to provide credit rating services, and to begin the licensing process for credit investigation.

6. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) intends to extend by July 16, 2017 the current no-action relief to Shanghai Clearing House for six months, with further extensions amounting to up to three years, if appropriate and consistent with the conditions set forth in the no-action relief. The People’s Bank of China and the CFTC are to work towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the cooperation and the exchange of information related to the oversight of cross-border clearing organizations.

7. By July 16, 2017, China is to issue any further necessary guidelines and allow wholly U.S.-owned suppliers of electronic payment services (EPS) to begin the licensing process. This should lead to full and prompt market access. China is to continue to allow Chinese banks to issue dual brand-dual currency bankcards that allow U.S. EPS suppliers to process foreign currency payment card transactions.

8. The applicable U.S. federal regulatory authorities remain committed to apply in the United States the same bank prudential supervisory and regulatory standards to Chinese banking institutions as to other foreign banking institutions, in like circumstances and in accordance with U.S. law.

9. China is to issue both bond underwriting and settlement licenses to two qualified U.S. financial institutions by July 16, 2017.

10. The United States recognizes the importance of China’s One Belt and One Road initiative and is to send delegates to attend the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing May 14-15.

The United States welcomes direct investment by Chinese entrepreneurs as it does by entrepreneurs from other countries. The United States welcomes Chinese participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit that will be held June 18-20 in Washington D.C.

PROCESS EXPO 2017

AICC Agriculture, Business, Export, Food, News and Press, Trade

Start Date: 2017-09-19
End Date: 2017-09-22
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

PROCESS EXPO, is the nation’s largest trade show for all segments of the food and beverage industry. Occurring only once every two years, PROCESS EXPO will take place September 19-22, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Produced by FPSA, PROCESS EXPO is the nation’s largest trade show dedicated to bringing the latest technology and integrated solutions to all segments of the food and beverage industry.

Processors gain a competitive advantage with the innovative technology on the show floor, where food processing and packaging experts demonstrate their machines and products. Both veterans and those new to food and beverage processing get training on food safety, trends, leadership, and more.

Some 19,000 attendees representing the full spectrum of food manufacturing are expected to attend, along with some 600 food processing and packaging equipment exhibitors from the dairy, meat/poultry/seafood, beverage, bakery, prepared foods, confectionary and pet foods sectors.

PROCESS EXPO is a participant in the 2017 International Buyer IBP Select Program.

Food & Hotel China 2016

AICC Agriculture, Business, Event, Export, Food, News and Press, Trade

November 9-11, 2016
Shanghai, China

The 19th International Exhibition for the Food, Drinks, Hospitality, Foodservice, Bakery & Retail Industries.

The Premier Business Exhibition for the global food and hospitality sector in China

22 years of FHC in China. 20 editions in Shanghai alone.

The exhibition of choice for exporters and importers of food and beverages. More International companies and country pavilions than any food exhibition in China.

2,150 food and wine exporters and distributors from 66 countries participated at FHC and ProWine China 2015.

Visitors are decision makers and buyers from China’s retailers 40%; Importers and distributors 35% and hospitality sector 25%.

53,295 visitor attended FHC 2015, 55% from Shanghai; 39% from other regions of China and 6% from overseas.

Organsied by CIE a member of Allworld Exhibitions, responsible for Organisation Asia’s leading food and wine trade exhibitions. 14 shows in 9 Asian countries.

Register

China Moves to Reopen Market to U.S. Beef

AICC Agriculture, Business, Export, Food, News and Press, Trade

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement:
“I welcome the announcement from China’s Ministry of Agriculture that it has lifted its ban on U.S. beef following a recently concluded review of the U.S. supply system. This announcement is a critical first step to restore market access for U.S. beef and beef products. We look forward to prompt engagement by the relevant authorities for further technical discussions on the specific conditions that will allow trade to resume. True access to China’s beef market—consistent with science-based, international standards for trade—remains a top priority for the United States. The United States produces the highest-quality beef in the world, and China’s 1.3 billion consumers are an important market for U.S. producers. The Obama Administration and USDA will continue to press trading partners to eliminate unfair barriers to trade that hamper American farmers and ranchers.”

Background for Reporters
Following the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003, U.S. beef and beef product exports fell. Since 2003, USDA has led a multi-agency, full-court press, dedicating significant resources to restore foreign market access for U.S. beef. As a result, U.S. beef shipments had regained pre-BSE volumes by 2011 and even reached record values by 2014. Another central element of the U.S. strategy to maintain and expand foreign market access is insistence on policies that are based on the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Since January 2015, USDA has gained additional market access for U.S. beef in 16 countries, including: Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guatemala, Iraq, Lebanon, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, Vietnam and Brazil.

The past seven years have represented the strongest period in history for American agricultural exports, with international sales of U.S. farm and food products surpassing $1 trillion between fiscal years 2009 and the present.

Snapshot of the Beef Export Market in 2003
In FY 2003, U.S. beef exports (excluding beef products) totaled $3.0 billion (0.9 million tons) to 112 countries. As a result of the December 2003 BSE case, U.S. beef exports fell to $1.1 billion (0.3 million tons) in FY 2004.

Snapshot of the Current Market
In spite of some remaining restrictions, which USDA continues to prioritize, U.S. beef exports have recovered to pre-2003 levels. In FY 2015, U.S. beef exports totaled $5.8 billion (0.8 million tons) to 112 countries.

Snapshot of China’s Market Now and Then
In 2003, China’s imports of beef totaled $15 million (12,000 tons), including $10 million from the United States. In recent years, China’s imports have risen dramatically, reaching a record $2.3 billion in 2015. USDA forecasts that China will surpass Japan as the second-largest beef importer (after the United States) with imports estimated at 825,000 tons in 2016. Rapidly rising demand for beef has been fueled by middle-class growth and has made China the fastest-growing beef market in the world.

17Th Annual Asian Small Business Expo 

AICC Business, Event, Food, Investment, News and Press, Services, Trade

Saturday, September 10th, 2016
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (PDT)
Almansor Court Conference Center
700 S Almansor St.
Alhambra, CA 91801

“Recipes for Growth”

The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business Expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives.

Event Highlights
Network with hundreds of business owners, entrepreneurs start-ups.
40+ Exhibitors
Establish valuable new contacts.
Learn about new start-up opportunities.
Attend FREE business workshops.
Discover new and useful business services and methods.

It’s FREE to attend!

Workshop Schedule

9:30a – 10:30a
Recipes for Funding Opportunities
Financing options for your business at every stage of growth

9:30a – 10:30a
Finding Your Target Marget
Learn savvy marketing strategies and tips
Guest speakers: Ji Young Denick of MineMR
Esther Tseng, Freelance Food Writer
Stan Lee, Food Videographer

10:45a – 11:45a
Ingredients for a Successful Business (Women’s Entrepreneur Panel)
​Come listen to three amazing & inspiring women entrepreneurs and their paths to business success!
Annie Choi, Owner of Found Coffee
Ginger Dimapasok, Owner of Cafe 86
Khiow Hui Lim, Founder, iDigBrand, Inc.

​10:45a – 11:45a
Important Changes to the Minimum Wage & Labor Law
Is your business ready for the new minimum wage requirements?

12:15p – 1:15p
​The Art of Effective Business Networking
It’s all about relationship-building
Featured Speaker: John Bwarie, Co-Founder, Stratiscope

12:15p – 1:15p
New Opportunities in Financing
What alternative lending options are available for small businesses?
Speakers: Kiva, CDC Small Business Finance, Opportunity Fund

FREE Admission, FREE Workshops, FREE Parking, Networking, Business Advice

http://www.apisbp.org/expo
smallbiz@apisbp.org

The Entry Process

AICC Event, Export, Food, Medicine, Trade

Wednesday
July 20, 2016
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM PDT

Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel
601 S. Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro, CA 90731

On December 31, 2016, imports regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) will need to be processed in a paperless system. Preparing for this change is important in order to prevent delays in clearance.

This event is sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles World Airports at no cost to you.

To learn how to navigate the Entry Process to Reduce Delays!

Attend The Entry Process

AICC Event, Food, Information, Trade

Wednesday July 20, 2016
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM PDT
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel
601 S. Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro, CA 90731

On December 31, 2016, imports regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will need to be processed in a paperless system. Preparing for this change is important in order to prevent delays in clearance.

This event is sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles World Airports at NO COST.

Please join this event to learn how to navigate the Entry Process to Reduce Delays!

SIAL CHINA 2016

AICC Event, Food

Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
2345 Longyang Road
Pudong, Shanghai, 201204
China
Thursday, May 5, 2016, 9:00 AM
Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM (CST)

SIAL China is the largest food & beverage exhibitions in Asia. With the proven success in the past 16 editions, SIAL CHINA 2016 is expected to greet 3,000 exhibitorsand68,000 visitorswith 127,000 sqm exhibition spaces. Featured with top class events such as La Cuisine by SIAL, SIAL Innovation, Retail & Hospitality Forum, World Tour by SIAL, After SIAL Party, The Fresh, Chocolate world, The Consumer Goods Forum, China National Specialty Tea Brewers Cup Event and many more, SIAL CHINA 2016 will be the major meeting point for Asian’s food inspirations and business.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Next Steps, Funding to Address Substance Abuse in Rural Communities

AICC Agriculture, Food, Medicine

ATLANTA, March 28, 2016 
At the Operation UNITE Summit in Atlanta today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of upcoming rural town halls as well as funding rural communities can use to conduct health and safety outreach around prescription painkiller and heroin abuse. Opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin, accounted for 28,648 deaths in 2014, and rural communities are affected at higher rates than urban communities. This is in part due to a lack of outreach and treatment resources available in rural communities, and this year USDA is expanding its Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) competitive grants program to give rural communities the opportunity to use funds for programs that will address the opioid epidemic.

In January, President Obama tapped Secretary Vilsack to lead an interagency task force focused on this specific challenge. Recent efforts have helped identify effective tools to reduce drug use and overdose, including evidence-based prevention programs, prescription drug monitoring, medication-assisted treatment and the overdose reversal drug naloxone.

“The opioid epidemic is a fast-growing problem all across America, and we know that rural communities are facing an even higher burden than those in urban areas,” said Vilsack. “We’ve identified ways to use existing resources to help rural towns and organizations address this challenge head-on and potentially save lives, and I look forward to meeting with community leaders to better understand how we can further support their efforts to create healthier, safer futures for families and individuals who may be struggling.”

Over the next several months, Vilsack will travel to New Hampshire, Missouri, Nevada, Mississippi and Appalachia to participate in town halls that will bring together local and state government partners, the health community, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the issue and discuss possible solutions. Vilsack will encourage public and private organizations to commit to plans of action for their communities.

Additionally, USDA is making available $1.4 million through its Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) competitive grants program. Administered through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA), the program’s goal is to enhance the quality of life in rural areas through improved health and safety education efforts, including expanding the focus to address the critical challenges of substance abuse in rural communities across the nation. For the first time, USDA is encouraging applicants to develop projects that specifically work to educate the public about opioid abuse and overdose. USDA will also consider projects that target other health outcomes.

Since 2009, NIFA has awarded $10.6 million to the RHSE program for projects that support the health and safety needs of rural America. Fiscal year 2016 applications to the RHSE program should focus on supporting projects proposing to scale-up existing, outcome-based extension programs in the area of individual and family health education to rural communities, state-wide or regionally across state lines. Programs that apply for RHSE funding in fiscal year 2016 can focus on extension work in the realm of substance abuse, as well as nutrition and physical activity, healthy and safe homes, aging in place, as well as other behavioral health and human social topics.

Applications are due June 1, 2016. More information is available in the online Request for Applications.

Past projects funded through the RHSE program include an Oklahoma State University project that aims to improve health literacy among family and consumer sciences educators, rural hospital discharge planners, and family caregivers. A project from the University of Wisconsin seeks to increase cancer treatment education and access to services for rural residents, while also forming coalitions to address rural health disparities.

Since 2009, NIFA has invested in and advanced innovative and transformative initiatives to solve societal challenges and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA’s integrated research, education, and extension programs, supporting the best and brightest scientists and extension personnel, have resulted in user-inspired, groundbreaking discoveries that are combating childhood obesity, improving and sustaining rural economic growth, addressing water availability issues, increasing food production, finding new sources of energy, mitigating climate variability, and ensuring food safety. 

(USDA）