• The EU is considering a plan to scrap its licensing system and to provide aid to ACP banana producers

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• The European Commission approved proposals for negotiating a new cooperation agreement with ACP countries, when the current Lomé trade and aid pact expires in the year 2000

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MARCH

APRIL

• St. Lucia's Concerned Farmers Group (CFG) warned the government of tensions in the industry over the government's privatisation plans.

• USA and 5 Latin American nations in a statement to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, charged that new EU banana importation plans will violate WTO rules.

MAY

• UK supermarket compant TESCO signs agreement with Windward Islands to triple amount of banana purchases for the islands.
• EU requests investigation into Chiquita Brands Inc., business practices in Latin America.