Combest, Stenholm Predict Tough Decisions Ahead

December 6, 1999

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) and ranking Democrat Charles Stenholm (TX) issued a statement admitting "some tough negotiations" lie ahead for agricultural trade negotiators.

"This ministerial is laying out the framework for the negotiations that will follow," Combest said. "If these meetings are any indication, there will be some tough negotiations ahead. We came to Seattle to help our trade negotiators push for the flexibility and freedom to negotiate the best possible deal for America's farming and ranching families. Because Congress will have to vote on any final outcome, our committee will continue to closely monitor the progress of the negotiations."

Combest and Stenholm said they and the other 20 or so members of their delegation kept in close touch with Barshefsky and Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman during the meetings. They also met regularly with agricultural groups to ensure that their concerns and goals were represented.

One of the agricultural groups with a deep interest in the negotiations said it was "profoundly disappointed" by the failure of the Seattle meetings to form an agenda for further talks. The National Corn Growers Association, however, added it was "heartened" by indications that talks could resume as early as January.

"American farmers were among those who had the most to gain going into these talks, and we have a great deal to lose if the WTO fails to make progress towards further liberalization of global trade in food and agricultural products," said NCGA President Lynn Jensen.