Exports of U.S. agricultural products declined to $10.40 billion in July, compared to $10.42 billion in June, while imports slipped to $9.68 billion for the month compared to $9.97 billion in June, according to USDA's Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data update.The shifts in imports and exports still resulted in U.S. agriculture registering a trade surplus for July of $718 million, up from $449 million in June.This brings cumulative U.S. agricultural export values to $119.71 billion so far in Fiscal 2017 compared to $107.33 billion at this point in Fiscal 2016 while imports now total $99.86 billion compared to $94.76 billion through July of Fiscal 2016. The cumulative trade surplus is at $19.85 billion compared to $12.57 billion.USDA in August adjusted its trade forecasts for Fiscal 2017 to $139.8 billion and imports to $116.2 billion for a surplus of $23.6 billion.USDA Releases Its Study on GE Labeling Issues
USDA has now released its study on providing consumers access to information via the National Bioengineered Disclosure Standard. In the report titled, "Study of Electronic or Digital Link Disclosure," USDA acknowledged much of what most probably knew – technology is a key to relaying the information, but technology itself presents a challenge. The availability of Internet/broadband and/or wifi networks, especially in rural areas, is one of the keys.The three conclusions reached in the study are that "Education for consumers and retailers around electronic and digital disclosure links and bioengineered foods will improve access and understanding," the report said. "Offline options, such as those that provide the bioengineering disclosure through phone or text message, will increase access for consumers who lack smartphones or broadband access." And their final point is that "Developing or endorsing user-friendly scanner apps will ease the consumer experience." They also note that technology will continue to change, "resulting in shifting retailer and consumer adoption. Thoughtful action can help to make sure that consumers are able to use such methods to effectively access food information."
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