Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Discussed parameters and commitments of new regional research project, S-1043. Each state representative confirmed their respective role. Each state representative presented a summary of progress and research results for themselves and others participating in the project. Discussed new research initiatives and opportunities, focusing on invited papers at Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and Southern Agricultural Economics Association meetings. Discussed prospects for expanding participation of selected members to the Allied Social Sciences Association meeting and the International Ag Trade Research Consortium. Elected new officers for 2009-2011: Parr Rosson, Chair, Osei Yeboah, Secretary Discussed location/timing/program for Spring 2009 meeting: San Antonio, Texas, March 19-20, 2009. Conducted presented papers on the following topics: Lifting the Cuban Embargo: Gains in Southeastern Markets, Cassandra Copeland and Henry Thompson Opportunities for Exporting Agricultural Products to Cuba, Parr Rosson, Texas AgriLife Research Exchange Rate Sensitivity in Bilateral Agricultural Trade Flows: The Case of U.S. Trade with Canada and Mexico, Lynn Kennedy and Young-jai Lee Analyzing Factors Affecting US Food Price Inflation, Woo Koo and Jungho Baek

Intended activities discussed included submission of papers, organized symposia and posters to professional meetings. Other activities included discussion of conducting a national conference on trade interaction with international institutions such as the World Trade Organization. Milestones achieved included the completion of research on food prices and the economy, trade with Cuba, and trade with Canada and Mexico.