Chronic bronchitis is found in higher-than-normal rates among coal miners, grain handlers, metal molders, and other people who are continually exposed to dust and fumes.

Workplace exposure to dust and toxic gases is a much less common cause, seen in miners and grain handlers.

Two of the world's largest grain handlers, Cargill and Continental Grain, merged their grain operations this year.

For example, the port signed a deal with Viterra, Canada's largest grain handler, to lease and operate the grain terminal.

This brought the control of the two major grain handlers, along with several of AusBulk's divisions.

Already, more than 450 grain handlers have been temporarily laid off in Thunder Bay, Ontario, a port on Lake Superior that handles much of the prairie grain.

The Pool lost its position as the country's top grain handler when Agricore took over United Grain Growers in 2002 to form Agricore United.

More soybeans usually come to market at harvest time as farmers and grain handlers clean out their bins to make room for the new crop.

Some European food companies have asked for nonbiotechnology crops this year, and the American grain handlers say they will try their best.

If those who ordered biotechnology seed get a sense that grain handlers are wavering, or major food companies will not accept the crops, they can cancel their seed orders.