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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mimi Ricketts, NCGA, 636-733-9004
NCGA, Ohio
Corn Growers Association Applaud Nomination of Rep. Rob Portman as USTR
ST. LOUIS (March
22, 2005) -- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Ohio
Corn Growers Association (OCGA) today applauded President George W.
Bush’s nomination of Rep. Bob Portman (R-Ohio) for U.S. Trade
Representative.
“OCGA looks
forward to continuing our relationship with Rep. Portman in his upcoming
role as U.S. Trade Representative,” said OCGA President Keith
Houts. “His background with trade issues and his past commitment
for level playing fields for U.S. commodities in the global marketplace
will give corn growers from Ohio and around the country optimism for
future markets.”
“NCGA thanks
outgoing Trade Representative Robert Zoellick for his hard work and
on his continued efforts to ensure corn growers are able to take advantage
of market opportunities while staying competitive in the world marketplace,”
said NCGA President Leon Corzine.
“We look
forward to working with Rep. Portman after his Senate confirmation,”
he added. “We need a fair and level playing field for our commodities
to compete in the global marketplace and that requires a true commodity
advocate to push for free trade agreements.”
In announcing his
nomination last week, Bush called Portman the right man for the job
to continue on the efforts by Zoellick.
Portman first came
to Congress in 1993. He has been a long-time friend and supporter of
Bush. He also brings with him a wealth of experience as an international
trade lawyer.
Portman will go
into his new job faced with the key vote on the Central American Free
Trade Agreement, World Trade Organization discussions and other hotly
discussed trade issues.
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The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase
opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members,
26 affiliated state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands
of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. |