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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: Mimi
Ricketts, NCGA, 636-733-9004, ext. 112
August 3, 2004
National Corn Growers Association Applauds World Trade Organization Agreement
WASHINGTON (August 3, 2004) -- The National Corn Growers Association
(NCGA) today applauded the World Trade Organization's (WTO) framework
text that will lead to increased market access and the elimination
of export subsidies. The WTO announced the agreement Saturday.
"This is a positive step," said NCGA President Dee Vaughan. "We
thank President Bush, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and
Agriculture Ambassador Allen Johnson for working so diligently on behalf
of U.S. farmers. We look forward to a final agreement that will increase
global trade."
The framework calls for
the eventual elimination of export subsidies and a significant reduction
in import tariffs. "This has long
been a priority for NCGA and will provide new market opportunities
for U.S. grain and value-added products," Vaughan said. "In
addition, NCGA has long sought harmonization of trade distorting domestic
support. The framework moves us in the right direction while ensuring
the preservation of a strong farm safety net.
"Promoting trade liberalization and a healthy, global economy
is of great concern to U.S. farmers. One in every five rows of corn
is exported and in the future, the vast majority of consumers in the
world will live outside the developed world. Trade will be critical
to the future growth and profitability of corn growers," said
Vaughan.
Trade ministers from 147 countries of the WTO met last week in Geneva,
hoping to reach an agreement that would propel the Doha Round trade
talks forward. The round was in serious jeopardy after the collapse
last year of the Cancun Ministerial.
"There is still much work ahead of us. We look forward to collaborating
with Ambassadors Zoellick and Johnson and their negotiating team in
the months ahead,” Vaughan said. “This is a critical opportunity
to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in agricultural trade.”
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The National Corn
Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities
for corn
growers in a changing world and to enhance corn’s
profitability and usage. NCGA represents more than 33,000 members,
25 affiliated state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands
of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.
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