The USTR hearing was the first of four two-day meetings to solicit input from agricultural organizations and individual producers in preparation for the upcoming WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle this November. Rigolizzo, a Berlin, N.J., fruit and vegetable grower and member of the American Farm Bureau Federation's board of directors, reminded the panel that agriculture is one of the few U.S. industries that consistently runs a trade surplus. But he also noted that sectors of the nation's farm and ranch economy also are slumping-with lost markets and market share bearing much of the blame. He said this further highlights the need for future trade agreements that strengthen U.S. agriculture's position. American farmers and ranchers produce an abundant supply of commodities far in excess of domestic needs and their productivity continues to increase.
Exports are agriculture's source of future growth in sales and income.
The farm leader said America's goals for the next WTO round should be laid out and adhered to. Expediting the next trade round with all negotiations, including those on agriculture and other areas concluding simultaneously. Eliminating export subsidies by all WTO member countries. Remaining committed to binding agreements to resolve sanitary and phytosanitary issues based on sound scientific principles. Eliminating tariff barriers to trade within specified time frames and eliminating all non-tariff trade barriers.