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Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, third from left, and
ambassadors from five Central American nations gathered in
Washington, D.C., today to sign the Central America Free Trade
Agreement (CAFTA). NCGA Chairman Fred Yoder, who attended
the event, said CAFTA is a good deal for corn growers.
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NCGA
Applauds Signing of CAFTA and Urges Rapid Congressional Passage
(5-28-04)
National Corn Growers
Association (NCGA) Chairman Fred Yoder today attended the Washington,
D.C., signing ceremony for the Central America Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA), an accord that is expected to significantly increase export
opportunities for U.S. corn growers.
“The signing of
CAFTA means a tremendous opportunity for our corn growers,”
Yoder said. “CAFTA will provide guaranteed access totaling
more than 1 million metric tons duty free and tariffs eliminated
within 15 years.” In 2003, CAFTA countries imported 1.7 million
metric tons of corn. With approval of the agreement, it is expected
this number will grow and the U.S. share will expand.
U.S. Trade Representative
Robert B. Zoellick, who signed the agreement on behalf of the United
States, said, “For the United States, the economic gains will
be significant. With the addition of the Dominican Republic, CAFTA
is the second-largest U.S. export market in Latin America, behind
only Mexico.” Trade ministers from Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua joined Zoellick in signing the
document.
The free trade agreement
is critical to the United States as it seeks new opportunities around
the world, Yoder said. Zoellick said signing CAFTA fulfills President
George W. Bush’s vision of expanding economic opportunities
and trade, as well as illustrating the United States’ commitment
to a free trade environment.
“Not only is this
a benefit to corn growers and the agricultural sector as a whole,
but it will result in substantial growth of income and food demand
for the people of Central America,” Yoder said. “U.S.
farm products that will benefit from improved market access include
corn, pork, dry beans, vegetable oil, poultry, rice and dairy. This
agreement is fair for U.S. agriculture and provides a good foundation
to build a strong future. It’s good business for the United
States, Central America and consumers.”
The administration will
submit a single legislative package to Congress that includes CAFTA
and the Dominican Republic together. NCGA urges congressional action
on CAFTA this year.