Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulama Xingwana is currently in the US holding bilateral trade talks with her counterpart Mike Johanns, amongst others.

The US remains its number one trading partner in terms of total trade, which includes agricultural goods. Total trade is approaching R60 billion ($8.6 billion), with a yearly increase of approximately 11%, according to the department.

They have discussed global trade in terms of the World Trade Organisation, including the US farm Bill 2007 and its impact on the Doha negotiations.

Discussions were also held regarding agricultural research cooperation and a proposal to revive the Professional Development Programme (PDP), which involves the two countries' agriculture departments, the South African Agriculture Research Council and several US universities. The talks further extended to the issues of animal and plant and the food safety inspection services.

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