The Foreign Service Journal, May 2003

observe and report on local agricul- tural conditions (particularly in remote corners of the world) can still play a critical role in determin- ing a country’s contribution to the worldwide supply of a given com- modity and thereby have a signifi- cant effect on market prices. A FAS report out of the Ivory Coast a few years ago added almost $50 per ton to the value of cocoa on world markets by correctly projecting a relatively low pre-harvest forecast of production in the world’s largest cocoa producer. The individual agricultural attaché reports from around the world, along with satellite imagery used by FAS’s Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division and the analysis done by Washington-based FAS commodity divisions, are put together with other sources in the USDA “Lockup” to determine each country’s offi- cial production, consumption and demand figures. (The name comes from the fact that this process of data reconciliation is so sensitive that employees used to be literally locked up until the report’s release to prevent leaks.) In 1998, early reporting from Russia and timely PECAD imagery helped detect the worst harvest there in 50 years. As a result, the U.S. was able to prepare a food aid package that helped stabilize the country during a time of extreme economic difficulty. Since this was also the year of the ruble devaluation and economic crisis, the inter- vention was particularly timely, and literally saved lives, as it does in other countries with potential food shortages. FAS reporting also contributes to an embassy’s knowl- edge of local economic and political conditions in a way that other sections of the mission may not be able to do. F O C U S M A Y 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 49 U.S. agriculture is twice as reliant as the economy as a whole on overseas markets, making it one of the United States’ most trade-dependent sectors. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. ThereÕs more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: ¥ 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant ¥ Continental breakfast ¥ Weekly buffet dinner ¥ Daily maid service ¥ Free local calls ¥ Health club ¥ Internet access in lobby ¥ Weekend transport to local hot spots Experience the Appealing Charm 108 South Courthouse Road610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 eclubsales@dcexeclub.com a lexandriasales@ Two Convenient Our ÒRosslynÓ Guests are moving to our Arlington location.... Executive Club Suites of Arlington now offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests: ÒE- ClubÕ In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . ¥ Electronic locks on guest rooms ¥ 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle ¥ RT Grocery pickup weekly ¥ Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting ¥ Grilling area Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or