Industry, agriculture, differ on WTO approaches

August 9, 1999

Industry and agriculture are at odds over how to handle the upcoming international trade talks, says American Farm Bureau Federation. Industry wants a pact wrapped up quickly, but AFBF says agriculture must be sure all issues are resolved before any agreement is signed.

AFBF says a spokesman for the paper products industry told a House trade subcommittee that negotiations this November at the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle need to be wrapped up quickly, because South American competitors are making headway with sales.

But AFBF President Dean Kleckner says U.S. negotiators must not make a final agreement until all issues have been worked out. That is the best way to make sure agriculture's interests are not left on the back burner.

Congress wants the Clinton Administration to resolve conflicts between U.S. economic sectors before the trade talks begin.