OTHER NEWS - Dec. 26, 1994

U.S. Horticultural Exports Reach Record Level: Exports for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30 rose 11% to $8.1 billion, the U.S. Agriculture Department reported. It was the 10th consecutive year of increase. Exports to Canada dipped by 2% to $2.3 billion; products shipped to Japan shot up 30% to $1.6 billion; exports to Mexico jumped 41% to $482 million. Russia proved to be an emerging market for U.S. horticultural products, buying $54 million worth, up 86% from the previous year. Among the products showing increases overall were all fresh, dried and frozen fruit categories; juices; potatoes; frozen and dried vegetables; tree nuts, and wine. Declines were seen in processed fruit, fresh and preserved vegetables, hops, nursery products and ginseng.