Voluntary Report - public distribution

**Date:** 11/9/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** AU5026

AU5026

**Austria**

**Agricultural Situation**

**What\'s New in Central Europe**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Sarah Hanson

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Jana Mikulasova

**Report Highlights:**

This newsletter provides an update on upcoming market promotion events
and an overview of recent market trends, trade policy issues, and
commodity analyses for the countries of Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia. Highlights
include: On November 2, Croatia confirmed the second case of H5N1 avian
influenza in dead swans; On October 5, the European Commission\'s Court
of First Instance ruled against Upper Austria's request to have upper
Austria declared a GMO-free zone; This summer farmers in the Czech
Republic planted 300 hectares of Bt corn (MON 810) for the first time.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Vienna \[AU1\]

\[AU\]

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| ![](media/ | ***WHAT'S NEW IN CENTRAL EUROPE***                      |
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| ){width="1 | ***AGRICULTURE -- POLICY -- TRADE***                    |
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| *          |                                                         |
| Newsletter |                                                         |
| covers:*   |                                                         |
|            |                                                         |
| * Austria |                                                         |
|  Bosnia   |                                                         |
| --H        |                                                         |
| erzegovina |                                                         |
|  Czech    |                                                         |
| Republic*  |                                                         |
|            |                                                         |
| * Croatia |                                                         |
|  Hungary  |                                                         |
|           |                                                         |
| Slovakia*  |                                                         |
|            |                                                         |
| *"YOU DO   |                                                         |
| THE        |                                                         |
| BUSINESS,  |                                                         |
| WE KEEP    |                                                         |
| YOU        |                                                         |
| INFORMED"* |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

*News*

* Austria*

**Austria Requires Mandatory Housing of Poultry and Domestic Birds:** On
October 20, the Austrian Health Ministry enacted a measure requiring the
mandatory housing of poultry and domestic birds. As a result, poultry
growers and hobby breeders are required to house their poultry and birds
from October 22 to December 15, 2005. The duration of this ordinance may
be extended if necessary. The Austrian Health Minister and the
Agricultural Minister stated that this measure is a necessary
precaution. The measure should protect Austrian poultry production, as
well as Austrian consumers. This action is in response to the recent
avian flu cases in the Romanian Danube-delta and in an area of Moscow.
(See report AU5023) [^1]^\*^

**European Court of Justice Rules Against Upper Austria\'s GMO-free
Zones**: On October 5, the European Commission\'s Court of First
Instance ruled against Upper Austria's request to have upper Austria
declared a GMO-free zone. The European Commission originally rejected
the province's GMO-ban two years ago, saying that there was no
scientific justification for this ban. For this reason, Upper Austria
prompted a court action and finally lost the legal battle on
agricultural biotechnology against the European Commission. This was the
first time the Court had ruled on a general prohibition of biotech crops
in a region. (See report AU5022)

**Exporter Guide Annual Report:** In 2004, the Austrian economy grew
faster than the Eurozone average and Germany with annual economic growth
reaching 2.4%. Current low interest rates, income, and corporate tax
cuts support private spending growth. The food sector grew by 19.5 %
from 2000 to 2005 to total 11.6 billion Euros (\$14.2 billion USD).
Consumer acceptance and governmental support have transformed Austria\'s
organic foods sector from a niche market to a market segment of
considerable importance. The trend towards convenience food and
ready-to-eat meals will continue. Seafood, dried fruits, nuts, organics,
wine, and gourmet foods offer the best U.S. export opportunities. (See
report AU5021)

**Sales of Organic Products Up:** During the first four months of 2005,
Austrian food retailers experienced an all time high for organic product
sales in terms of value and quantity. Organic fresh produce sales
totaled Euro 65.1 million (\$85.4 million), a 17.3% increase compared to
the same period last year. Per capita expenditures for organics were up
by 15.3%. Organic product sales have been on a steady increase for
several years. In 2004, total organic fresh produce sales amounted to
Euro 159.8 million (\$209.7 million). There are good market
opportunities for U.S. organic dried fruits and nuts. U.S. exporters
should work through Austrian importers for import permits. (See report
AU5020)

**Biotechnology Survey Shows Only 11% of Consumers Willing to Buy
Biotech Foods:** A recent survey found that only 11% of Austrian
consumers are willing to buy foods that contain biotech ingredients. In
general, women are more skeptical about biotechnology than men, and
young people (up to 29 years old) are more open to biotechnology than
older people. Interviewees with above average income showed more
willingness to buy biotech products. However, a high number of explicit
\"non-buyers\" was university graduates. Regarding provinces, Vienna was
the most biotech-friendly area. (See report AU5019)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export
Certificate Report:** This report covers export certificates required by
Austria, which differ from EU export certificate requirements. (See
report AU5017)

**Grain and Feed - Austrian Grain Harvest Down 11%:** The Austrian grain
harvest is expected to reach 4.31 million MT in 2005, this is 11% less
than last year\'s harvest which totaled 4.84 million MT. Heavy rains and
cool weather conditions have dampened high expectations for yield and
quality. (See report AU5016)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** Austrian food legislation consists of the food law, ordinances
to the food law, meat regulations, pesticide regulations, and the food
codex. It is largely adjusted to conform with EU regulations. Austrian
food regulations are valid for products produced in Austria and imported
foods. However, Austria is obliged to allow entry of products permitted
in other countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) (\"Cassis de
Dijon\"). EU traceability and labeling regulations for biotech food and
feed also apply in Austria, but until now retail stores have agreed not
to sell biotech foods. Last Updated July 2005: Sections I, II, IV, VIII,
Appendix I updated. (See report AU5014)

**Sugar Annual Report:** (See report AU5013)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** Austria is one of the leading opponents
of agricultural biotechnology within the European Union. Austria has
fully implemented EU regulations on biotechnology. However, no single
biotech crop is approved by Austria, and three national ordinances still
effectively prevent the planting of EU-approved biotech crops. In
addition, five of the nine Federal States have passed biotechnology
precautionary bills to protect their organic and small-scale
agricultural sector. The Austrian Government is working on coexistence
guidelines for biotech, conventional, and organic crop production.
Responding to consumers' anti-biotech attitudes and NGOs' anti-biotech
lobbying, the Austrian retail sector agreed to refrain from stocking or
selling biotech foods. Presently only biotech feed (soybean meal) can be
found in the Austrian market. (See report AU5012)

**Livestock and Products - Second Confirmed Case of BSE in Austria:** On
June 21, authorities confirmed the second case of BSE in Austria. The
infected animal was an eleven-year old cow, born and raised on a small
mountain farm in Vorarlberg province, close to the German border. The
first case of BSE was in November 2001. Since that time, Austria has
been regarded as BSE-free. The cause of this case is still unclear. (See
report AU5011)

**Austria\'s Wood Products Sector Continues Growth:** In 2004, the value
of Austria's wood products production reached a record high with
production increasing by 10% compared to the previous year and amounting
to \$7.41 billion. During the last seven years, the value of production
rose by 41% in total. Almost 70% of Austria's wood products production
is exported. In 2004, total exports amounted to \$5.57 billion, a 4.3%
increase compared to 2003. In 2004, wood product imports increased and
amounted to \$3.16 billion, a 7% increase compared to 2003. The European
Union supplies about 86%. (See report AU5009)

* Bosnia --Herzegovina*

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export
Certificate Report:** Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) requires various
certificates for imported food products. However, there are no required
formats that exporters are required to use, except for phytosanitary
certificates that should be in accordance to the recommendations of the
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Only the veterinary
certificate needs to contain certain statements set by the State
Veterinary Office (SVA). The SVA is also responsible for verifying
specific requirements for importing live animals and products of animal
origin. This report provides information on Bosnia and Herzegovina
export certificate requirements for food and agricultural products. (See
report BK5010)

**Grain and Feed Crop Update:** The Entity Ministries of Agriculture
decreased harvested wheat area to 80,000 hectares from the previously
reported 88,000 ha. Due to excessive rain during harvest, some wheat
could not be harvested, and average yield was lower than normal at 2.5
tons/ha. As a result of wet field conditions, total production is
estimated to be at below 200,000 tons. Reportedly, the quality of the
crop is also lower. (See report BK5009)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** This report provides information on the food import rules for
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), including the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. It includes information on
labeling, packaging, food additives, and import procedures. Important
points of contact for U.S. food exporters are listed in the appendices.
Last Updated August 2005: Sections I, II, VI, VII, VIII, and IX. (See
Report BK5007)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH)
anti-biotech position is growing day by day, and now some imported U.S.
food products are being tested for biotech content and rejected. BiH
lacks detailed regulations for the import and marketing of biotech
foods, and since November 2004 the import of biotech products has been
forbidden. Knowledge about biotechnology is poor even among scientists
and agricultural officials. Agriculturists and non-government
organizations that promote organic agriculture oppose biotech
applications and encourage producers, consumers and regulators to reject
biotech products. In 2004, the media and consumer groups criticized BiH
authorities for not better controlling imported foods for biotech
content and for approving the import of biotech commodities from the
U.S. under the food aid program. (See report BK5006)

**Grain and Feed Crop Update:** The winter wheat crop is developing well
with an expected total yield of around 220,000 MT from 90,000 ha. Bosnia
and Herzegovina usually imports around 350,000 MT of wheat in a
marketing year to cover its needs. Preparations for corn planting are
delayed because of this year's excessive snowfall and continued snow
cover. Total corn area for 2005/06 is expected to be 227,000 ha. Total
spring barley area for 2005/06 is expected to be around 15,000 ha. At
present, no biotech products can be imported into the country because no
government agency has the authority to monitor and regulate biotech
imports. (See report BK5004)

* Czech Republic*

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export
Certificates Report:** This report covers only export certificates
required by the Czech Republic, which differ from EU export certificate
requirements. (See report EZ5013)

**Grain and Feed Crop Update:** On August 15, the Ministry of
Agriculture estimated total grain production at around 7.8 million MT,
which represents an 11% drop from the record harvest of 2004/2005. The
smaller harvest is the result of smaller area (down by 1%) and lower
yield (down by 10%). The quality of all grains will be lower. The State
Agricultural and Intervention Fund (SAIF), the Czech Payment Agency, has
contracted a storage capacity for 800,000 MT. However, 500,000 MT of
last year's harvest still remain in storage. Almost all long-term
storage capacity is in private hands, and the government is currently
deciding whether to build state-owned warehouse for intervention
purposes. At present, the Ministry of Agriculture is proposing three new
warehouses with a total capacity of 300,000 MT. The decision whether or
not to build these facilities will most likely be made in September.
(See report EZ5012)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** On May 1, 2004, the Czech Republic became a member of the
European Union (EU), and all EU food rules, regulations, and laws apply.
This report provides information on the laws and regulations for food,
food import rules, and contact information in the Czech Republic. Last
Updated August 2005: Sections I, III, IV, VI, and Appendix I and II.
(See report EZ5011)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** The Czech Republic, as a member of the
EU, follows the EU's legislative framework for biotechnology. Act
78/2004 replaced the first Act on GMO 153/2000. The Ministry of
Environment is the competent authority for handling biotech product
notifications, and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for
notifications of biotech food and feed. The Czech Republic ratified the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in October 2001. This year about 300
hectares of Bt corn (MON 810) is being grown in the Czech Republic for
the first time. The Czech Republic's coexistence rules require isolation
distances and notifications to the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Ministry of Environment. When voting on biotech approvals at various
levels in the EU, the Czech Republic takes a case-by-case approach and
bases its decision on scientific evidence. (See report EZ5010)

**Grain and Feed Crop Update:** The Czech Republic, as a member of the
EU, follows the EU's legislative framework for biotechnology. Act
78/2004 replaced the first Act on GMO 153/2000. The Ministry of
Environment is the competent authority for handling biotech product
notifications, and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for
notifications of biotech food and feed. The Czech Republic ratified the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in October 2001. This year about 300
hectares of Bt corn (MON 810) is being grown in the Czech Republic for
the first time. The Czech Republic's coexistence rules require isolation
distances and notifications to the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Ministry of Environment. When voting on biotech approvals at various
levels in the EU, the Czech Republic takes a case-by-case approach and
bases its decision on scientific evidence. (See report EZ5009)

**Czech Republic Names New Minister of Agriculture - Petr Zgarba:** On
April 25, Petr Zgarba replaced Jaroslav Palas as the Czech Republic's
Minister of Agriculture. Zgarba is a 46-year-old Social Democrat who has
been a party member since 2001. The reasons for former-Minister Palas's
resignation were strictly political and lay in his personal disputes
with former Prime Minister Gross. Zgarba is expected to continue the
same course as his predecessor and not make major changes. According to
some sources, he may be open to biotechnology, and he supports
bio-ethanol production. As a first measure, he will need to address the
country\'s large grain stocks from last year's harvest. (See report
EZ5008)

**Sugar Annual Report:** Sugar beet production in MY 2004/05 was 554,000
MT. Average sugar content in MY 2004/05 was 17.5% (in MY 2003/04 16%)
and the average output (tons of sugar per hectare) was 8.03 MT/ hectare.
In 2004, the Czech Republic joined the EU sugar regime, and the price of
sugar increased by over 20% after EU accession. The Czech Republic has a
quota of 454,862 MT for sugar, out of which 97% is quota A for domestic
production and 3% is quota B for export. Government officials agree with
the necessity for reforming the sugar regime, however, they do not
support the current EU proposal for cutting national quotas (A and B
combined) by 16% as it would seriously decrease domestic production, and
the Czech Republic would become a net sugar importer. (See report
EZ5006)

* Croatia*

**Croatia Confirms 2nd Case of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Dead Swans:** On
November 2, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that samples
taken from dead swans from the fish-breeding farm Ribnjak "1905" were
infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus strain.
The dead swans were from the same flock that had migrated and landed at
the fish-breeding farm Grudnjak where the first confirmed finding of
H5N1 was found. One of the swans from Ribnjak "1905" had a leg marking
from Hungary, which the Croatian authorities officially reported to
Hungarian authorities. (See report HR5016)

**Croatia Confirms H5N1 Avian Influenza:** On October 26, the reference
laboratory for avian influenza in Weybridge, Great Britain confirmed
that samples taken from dead swans from the fish-breeding farm Grudnjak
were infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza virus
strain. These results were announced as Croatian Veterinary authorities
detected additional cases of the avian influenza virus H5 in dead swans
located just a few kilometers away from Grudnjak in a near by
fish-breeding farm. Croatian authorities took appropriate quarantine
measures immediately and destroyed all domestic poultry in a radius of 3
kilometers from the second finding. The dead swans from both locations
were from the same flock with one bird having a leg marking from
Hungary. The virus samples from the second finding have been sent to
Weybridge, Great Britain to identify the virus strain. (See report
HR5015)

**Grain and Feed Crop Update:** Due to extremely wet weather this
growing season, corn production is expected to be lower at 1.8 to 1.9
MMT, down from the earlier estimates of 2.2 MMT. This early estimate
could change if the weather stabilizes. However, there will be quality
problems and limited chance that Croatia will export corn this year.
Wheat production amounted to 500,000 MT this year. Croatia will not have
an exportable surplus of wheat and some imports of milling wheat are
expected. Wheat imports will be sourced from the closest suppliers
including Hungary and Bulgaria. (See report HR5012)

**Grain and Feed Crop Situation Update:** Croatia sewed wheat on an
estimated 120,000 ha which resulted in a smaller crop of 500,000 MT. The
growing season was wet with heavy rain during harvest. As a result,
overall wheat quality is lower. This year's harvest, combined with
government stocks of approximately 300,000 MT, will barely meet annual
domestic consumption of 750,000 to 800,000 MT. Croatia will not have an
exportable surplus of wheat and some imports are expected. Corn yield is
expected to be good this year with an estimated 2.2 million MT from
400,000 ha. Croatia is not expected to import corn this year and may
export some corn from this year's harvest. Barley was sown on an
estimated 50,000 ha with a yield of 150,000 MT. This season's excessive
rain affected both yield and quality. Barley imports are expected to be
around 50,000 MT this year. (See report HR5011)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** This report provides information on the food import rules for
Croatia. It includes information on labeling, packaging, food additives
and import procedures. Important points of contact for U.S. food
exporters are listed in the appendices. All sections of this annual
report were updated in August 2005. (See report HR5010)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** Croatia is a net food importer and
government policy is geared toward raising agricultural productivity
and, to a lesser extent, limiting imports. EU membership is also a
priority for the Croatian government, and new laws and agricultural
policies will increasingly mirror those of the EU. The Croatian public
remains very skeptical about agricultural biotechnology. There has also
been a general demonization of U.S. food products as "Frankenstein
Foods". In 2004, samples of foodstuff and seed taken from the market
were randomly tested for biotech traces, which resulted in the
withdrawal of some products from the market and penalties because the
biotech products were not labeled. In Croatia, several pieces of
legislation have been introduced that seek to regulate the import and
cultivation of biotech crops and foods. However, there is a lack of
political will to proceed with further legislation that would enable
actual imports of biotech products. (See report HR5009)

**Biotechnology - New Law on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):** On
May 27, the Croatian Government passed a new Law on Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMO) that replaced the "biotechnology-regulating provisions"
of the Law on Protection of Nature. The new law was published in
Governmental Gazette num. 70 on June 8, 2005. (See report HR5008)

**Fishery Products Market Brief:** Despite Croatia's lengthy Adriatic
coastline, the country struggles to catch and produce seafood. From 2000
to 2004, Croatia's seafood imports increased from \$33 million to \$71
million, a 114 percent increase with the trend expected to continue.
Moreover, Croatia imports between \$1 to 2 million of seafood from the
United States annually. Demand for seafood is increasing, as Croatia
becomes a more popular tourist destination\--making it an excellent
market for U.S. seafood exports. (See report HR5007)

**Wine Market Brief:** Croatia provides a unique opportunity for U.S.
wine exporters to position their product in this future EU member
country. Disposable per capita income is growing, and the supermarket
sector is expanding creating an opportunity for mass wine retailing.
U.S. wine exporters should focus their market entry efforts on Zagreb,
the nation\'s capital, where niches exist for medium and higher quality
wines. (See report HR5006)

**Biotechnology - New Measure on Seed Testing for Biotech Content:** On
March 24, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water
Management (MAFWM) announced that it had tested 15 samples of corn and 3
samples of soybean seeds and found no trace of biotech content. The
testing was done following last year's finding of trace amounts of
biotech content in Pioneer corn variety PR 34G13. The MAFWM announced
that the testing measure on seeds would become a regular procedure
before spring planting. There are rumors that corn and soybean feed will
also be tested for biotech content in the near future. Croatia allows
zero tolerance for all biotech varieties. (See report HR5004)

**Product Brief Pet Food Market Update:** Croatia\'s population is
aging, and the standard of living is slowly rising. As a result, pets
are becoming more popular. Croatia does not have a domestic pet food
manufacturing industry and imports all of its consumption. In 2003,
imports totaled \$21.2 million and are on the rise. While direct exports
from the United States account for only a small portion of the pet food
market (2.8 % in 2003), U.S. exporters are advised to keep a keen eye on
Croatia's economic growth as an indicator of potential sales for U.S.
pet food products. One good prospect for U.S. dog and cat food exporters
is the niche market for premium pet foods. (See report HR5002)

* Hungary*

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export
Certificate Report:** This report covers only export certificates
required by Hungary, which differ from EU export certificate
requirements. (See report HU5012)

**Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual Report:** The apple crop for 2005/2006
will be 32% lower than last year at 440,000 to 470,000 MT. Cold, rainy
weather in May spoiled fruit setting during pollination, and humid, cool
weather throughout the summer resulted in extensive fungus infestations.
Domestic and export demand will be met with supplies. However, juice
concentrate production will be lower. (See report HU5011)

**Grain and Feed Crop Situation Update:** In July, the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reduced its total wheat and
coarse grain crop forecast to 14.5 million MT from its June 2005 figure
of 17.4 million MT and calculated Hungary's carryover grain stock from
7.1 to 7.2 million MT. This means that Hungary must handle more than 20
million MT of grain this season. By August 1, eighty percent of the
1.135 million hectares of wheat had been harvested. Analysts expect a
5.2 million MT total crop. However, wet weather affected the gluten
content and falling numbers. This year industry expects only 65 to 70
percent of the total crop will be of milling quality. Cornfields look
good. Abundant rainfall and hot weather in late July helped to offset
the weaker early development. MARD estimates are at 7 million MT from
1.220 million hectare. (See report HU5010)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** On May 1, 2004, Hungary became a member of the European Union
(EU), and all EU food rules, regulations, and laws apply. This report
provides information on the laws and regulations for food, food import
rules, and contact information in Hungary. Last Updated August 2005:
Appendix I and II (See report HU5009)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** Hungary's biotechnology policy for feed
corn production, corn seed production, and soybean product (soybean
meal) imports negatively impacts U.S. exports to Hungary. Field corn and
seed corn production (about one fifth of the EU's corn crop) is
dominated by American varieties. Four corn varieties passed the
evaluation process and are waiting approval, two others are still under
field trials. In January 2005, the GOH imposed a moratorium on the
varieties of the MON 810 corn event. Legal and technical debates about
the moratorium and coexistence regulation (in preparation) may hamper
the commercialization of biotechnology crop varieties in Hungary over
the next few years. (See report HU5008)

**Hungarian Chief Veterinary Officer Dismissed:** On May 24, Jozsef
Graf, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development dismissed Dr. Tibor
Balint, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and Head of the Veterinary
Department. Dr. Miklos Suth assumed the CVO position on June 1, 2005.
Dr. Suth was previously the Director of Hungary's Food Inspection
Institute. (See report HU5007)

**Hungarian Prime Minister Sacks Ag Minister Nemeth and Nominates
Graf:** At an April 25th meeting of the Hungarian Socialist Party
(MSZP), Prime Minister Gyurcsany announced the removal of Imre Nemeth,
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and nominated Jozsef Graf
as the new minister. (See report HU5006)

* Slovakia*

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export
Certificates Report:** This report covers only export certificates
required by the Slovak Republic, which differ from EU export certificate
requirements. (See report LO5011)

**Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual:** Due to cold and rainy weather during
flowering and a wet summer, Slovakia's commercial apple crop is expected
to amount to 29,093 MT in 2005. This represents a 6.5% decrease (31,062
MT) compared to 2004. Total apple production (including non-commercial
production) will reach 39,093 MT. Due to a growing health awareness,
fruit and fruit product consumption is on the rise. Slovakia is a net
importer of fresh fruit and processed fruit. (See report LO5010)

**Livestock and Products Classical Swine Outbreak:** On August 12, 2005
the Slovak State Veterinary and Food Administration announced an
outbreak of classical swine fewer (CSF) in domestic pigs on a farm
called Ples in the town of Rapovce in the Lucenec district. This
announcement followed the State Veterinary Institute's confirmation of
CSF on August 9. The District State Veterinary and Food Administration
of Lucenec have since destroyed all 851 pigs housed on the Ples farm and
established a protection and surveillance zone around the area of
outbreak. (See report LO5009)

**Grain and Feed - Intervention Purchases Update:** The Agricultural
Payment Agency in Slovakia has finished intervention purchases of grains
from last year's harvest. The Government bought 505 thousand MT out of
642 thousand MT of grains from Slovak farmers. The rest of the grain was
refused for unsatisfactory quality. (See report LO5008)

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** The Slovak food and agricultural import regulations and
standards have become almost fully harmonized with EU legislation. Over
the past year, Slovakia passed a new Feed Act and a new Act on GMOs.
This report provides information on the laws and regulations for food,
food import rules, and contact information in the Slovak Republic. All
sections of this annual report were updated in August 2005. (See report
5007)

**Biotechnology Annual Report:** As an EU member, Slovakia has fully
implemented EU regulations on biotechnology, and the growing of biotech
crops is not prohibited. However, Slovakia still does not have
coexistence regulations in place, and no biotech crops are grown or
tested in the country. There is a growing lack of consumer acceptance
for biotechnology due to intense anti-biotech campaigns led by NGOs and
the influence of neighboring countries. However, Slovak consumers have
not been strongly averse to buying biotech products in the past, and
several retail chains offer cooking oils made from biotech soybeans.
(See report LO5006)

**BSE Update:** Last month the State Veterinary Administration in
Slovakia announced that it tested 18,123 heads of cattle from January to
March 2005 with no cow testing positive for BSE. The State Veterinary
Administration has been testing and monitoring BSE in Slovakia since
July 1, 2001. Testing is conducted systematically on each head of cattle
older than 30 months. (See report LO5005)

**Grain Update\--Spring Planting Targets:** Sowing area for spring
barley in 2005 is set at 208,000 hectares. Sowing area for spring wheat
is expected at 11,300 hectares, representing an increase of 300 ha from
2004. Oat production in Slovakia has been on the rise since 2000 and is
expected to continue with 25,000 hectares sown in 2005. Sowing area for
corn is expected to increase with plantings at 150,000 hectares in 2005.
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends a minimum sowing area of 15,000
hectares for peas. Peas are an important feed crop in Slovakia. (See
report LO5003)

* Slovenia*

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country
Report:** On May 1, 2004, Slovenia has become a member of the European
Union (EU), and all EU food rules, regulations, and laws apply. This
report provides information on the laws and regulations for food, food
import rules, and contact information in Slovenia. All sections of this
annual report were updated in August 2005. (See report SI5002)

*Calendar of Events in the Region*

*Market Promotions Activities Austria & Central Europe*

**Czech Republic**

May 16 New York State Virtual Wine Tasting

**Croatia**

May 24 Wine Tasting

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.66875in" height="2.001388888888889in"}

**Hungary**

May 10 Menu Promotion

**Slovenia**

June 10 Reception for Cochran Fellowship Program Participants

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="2.7534722222222223in"
height="2.077777777777778in"}

*Visitors*

**Austria**

**Bosnia --Herzegovina**

**Czech Republic**

June 16 Ohio State University Agricultural Leadership Program

> FAS presentation on Czech agriculture and trade issues, discussion
> with guests

![](media/image5.jpeg){width="3.0in" height="2.25in"}

July 19-26 Ms.Penny Zervos, FSIS

July 19-30 Dr. Rori Craver, FSIS

July 20-23 Dr. Karen Sliter, APHIS Vienna

July 26-29 Madelyn Spirnak, Senior Advisor for Agriculture
Biotechnology, State Department

**Croatia**

**Hungary**

June 22 James P. Camerlo, Chairman, Dairy Farmers of America

July 25 Madelyn Spirnak, Senior Advisor for Agricultural Biotechnology,
US Department of State

August 18 CODEL headed by Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Chairman, Agricultural
Committee

Aug 27-

Sept 4 74th National Agricultural and Food Industrial Exhibition (OMEK)
in Budapest

**Slovakia**

July 29 --

July 1 Madelyn Spirnak, Senior Advisor for Agriculture Biotechnology,
State -Department

*Holidays and Embassy Closures*

**All Posts**

November 24 Thursday Thanksgiving Day

December 26\*Monday Christmas Day

**Austria**

December 8 Thursday Immaculate Conception

December 25 Sunday Christmas Day

December 26 Monday St. Stephen's Day

**Bosnia --Herzegovina**

November 25 Friday Statehood Day (BiH)

**Czech Republic**

November 17 Thursday Struggle for Freedom Day

December 24 Saturday Christmas Eve

December 26 Monday St. Stephen's Day

**Croatia**

November 11 Friday Veterans' Day

November 24 Thursday Thanksgiving Day

December 25 Sunday Christmas Day

December 26 Monday St. Stephen's Day/Christmas Observance

**Hungary**

December 24 Saturday Christmas Day

**Slovakia**

November 17 Thursday Day of the Fight for Freedom and Demokracy

December 24 Saturday Christmas Eve

December 25 Sunday Christmas Day

December 26 Monday St. Stephen's Day

**Slovenia**

December 25 Sunday Christmas Day

December 26 Sunday National Day

*Contact us for Additional Info*

#### Austria

#### Office of Agricultural Affairs

#### American Embassy

#### Boltzmanngasse 16

#### A-1090 Vienna, Austria

#### Tel: +43-1-31339-2249

#### Fax: +43-1-3108208

#### Email: [**agvienna@usda.gov**](mailto:agvienna@usda.gov)

#### [**http://www.usembassy.at/en/usda**](http://www.usembassy.at/en/usda)

#### Bosnia-Herzegovina 

#### Office of Agricultural Affairs

#### American Embassy

#### U.S. Embassy

#### Ali Pasina 43

#### 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

#### Tel: +387-33-445-700, x 2099

#### Fax: +387-33-212-692

#### E-mail: [**Sanela.Stanojcic-Eminagic@usda.gov**](mailto:Sanela.Stanojcic-Eminagic@usda.gov)

#### Czech Republic

#### Office of Agricultural Affairs

#### American Embassy

#### Trziste 15

#### 11801 Prague, Czech Republic

#### Tel: +420-257-531-170

#### Fax: +420-257-531-173

#### Email: [**Petra.Choteborska@usda.gov**](mailto:Petra.Choteborska@usda.gov)

#### Email: [**Jana.Mikulasova@usda.gov**](mailto:Jana.Mikulasova@usda.gov)

#### Croatia Office of Agricultural Affairs U.S. Embassy Thomas Jefferson 2 1010 Zagreb, Croatia Tel: +385-1-611-2467 Fax: +385-1-665-8950 Email: [**amisir@inet.hr**](mailto:amisir@inet.hr)

#### Hungary

#### Office of Agricultural Affairs Bank Center Building Szabadsag Ter 7 H-1054 Budapest, Hungary Tel: +36-1-475-4162 Fax: +36-1-475-4676 Email: [**Ferenc.Nemes@usda.gov**](mailto:Ferenc.Nemes@usda.gov) Email: [**agbudapest@mail.datanet.hu**](mailto:agbudapest@maildatanet.hu) 

**Slovakia, Slovenia**

For information about Slovakia, please contact our Austrian or Czech
office. For Slovenia, please contact our Croatian office.

[^1]: ^\*\*^ Attaché reports are available on the internet at
    http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/AttacheRep/default.asp