Trade Scored by Farmers Union

April 15, 2002

In a letter to President Bush, the National Farmers Union expressed its disappointment in the administration's treatment of agricultural trade issues.

"In recent weeks, you have provided proper leadership by utilizing U.S. domestic trade remedies to curtail unfair trade practices by other nations in the steel and softwood lumber sectors. In addition, you have committed to protecting the interests of U.S. textile manufacturers in future trade negotiations. However, on a number of agricultural issues, your administration has failed to support farmers and ranchers who are reeling from the impact of unfair competition in both our domestic and overseas markets," the letter stated.

According to the Feb. 21 Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, the value of U.S. agricultural exports has declined by 9% since 1996. During the same period of time, the value of agricultural imports has increased 23%.

"Obviously, our trade policy is not working for our nation or our nation's farmers," said NFU President Dave Frederickson. Not addressing unfair Canadian wheat exports to the United States even though findings of the International Trade Commission and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative support immediate action, was one criticism.