U.S. dairy interests eagerly support a Clinton Administration position that other nations' domestic price supports must be reduced in the upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations.  The supports have been a "barrier to the growth of U.S. dairy exports," says the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

In a recent address to the USDEC Board of Directors, U.S. Trade Representative Special Ambassador for Agriculture Peter Scher said the United States is committed to increasing market access for U.S. dairy products and improving public understanding  of international trade.

Europe in particular relies on dairy export subsidies that distort world prices and create a competitive disadvantage for U.S. dairy exporters, says USDEC.  Scher said, "We will continue to press Europe for more flexibility in the next WTO round.  Particularly in the dairy sector, we want to see substantial reforms."

Scher also said his office will work to correct misconceptions and improve public understanding about international trade before talks begin Nov. 30 in Seattle.  "One of the most serious threats our trade agenda faces is from the lack of confidence people in this country have in international trade," he said.