WTO Opens New Round in Seattle

November 29, 1999

The World Trade Organization (WTO) this week opens a new round of international trade negotiations with the United States pledged to an "aggressive reform of agricultural trade." That, says U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, is "at the heart of our agenda."

"After 50 years (of world trade agreements), agriculture must be made fully part of the trading system," Barshefsky says. "We will seek the elimination of agricultural export subsidies -- an especially abusive policy that imposes its greatest burdens on the poorest farmers in developing countries."

Other, often-iterated goals include reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, reforming state trading policies and "further reducing trade-distorting domestic supports," she adds. "And we will begin the work of the next decade by ensuring that farmers and ranchers can use scientifically proven new technologies without fear of trade discrimination," a reference to genetically modified food ingredients.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers issued a paper spelling out the U.S. agenda and calling for a new round that will last "no more than three years." The focus will be on market access in services, agriculture and industrial goods.

(For the entire report, go to the Internet address http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/CEA/html/wto/)

Barshefsky says the United States wants to "begin" consideration of "the implications of biotechnology, which has revolutionized medicine and will soon do he same in agriculture." She admits it is a complex issue. "Agricultural biotechnology at times raises consumer concerns which we must meet squarely."

However, she adds, "it also offers potential benefits: more productive farms, which reduce pressure on land and water; reduced use of pesticides; healthier produce, through reduction of fat content, addition of vitamins or elimination of allergens, which cannot be overstated."

The goal is to "develop a consensus for transparent, timely and science-based regulatory procedures which will both address public concerns and allow us to enjoy the benefits of these innovations," says Barshefsky. Her comments came last week in a speech prepared for delivery at the National Press Club.