We believe the development of FITE may be a good first step towards this worthy goal. NAWG pledges to work with you and your colleagues in Congress to advance these efforts. NAWG believes that Congress should examine all available options and work in a bipartisan way to develop sound policies which will lead American agriculture into the next century. This week, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced a scientific exchange program to promote and strengthen biotechnology awareness and research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama leads the university efforts and has established research ties with the African National Agricultural Research Service in Kenya, Ghana, and Senegal.
Agriculture accounts for two-thirds of the jobs and a third of all economic activity in Africa.
And by helping develop African agriculture, we also gain insights that help us support our own farmers as well. Additionally, the project will also bring awareness of the benefits of biotechnology as it pertains to developing nations as well as ensuring that the biotechnology crops produced are safe and healthy. The development of corn and wheat varieties that mature faster, grow with fewer chemicals, and that have enhanced nutrients will also be included in the project. The House defeated the resolution to overturn the President's renewal of NTR by a vote of 170-260. This was only the first, and likely much less contentious, fight over China's trade status.