Veneman Keynotes Outlook Forum

February 22, 2002

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman gave the keynote address Thursday at the 78th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, a two-day conference sponsored by USDA that features discussions on issues confronting the U.S. food and farm sectors. Veneman used the opportunity to review her first year in office and reiterate administration's commitment to agriculture.

She noted in the area of trade that the administration had played a role in the launching of a new round of WTO trade negotiations, achieved passage of trade promotion authority in the House of Representatives, advanced work on a Free Trade of the America's Agreement, and worked to "tear down trade barriers that hurt America's farmers and ranchers."

Veneman went on to reiterate what the administration hopes to see in the next farm bill: support for adding $73.5 billion to farm program spending spread evenly over the next decade; providing a safety net for farmers without encouraging them to over produce, and thereby depressing prices, which is self defeating; establishing farm savings accounts, supports trade and is consistent with U.S. international obligations; and, advances new conservation measures to help farmers better manage working lands.

Also for the coming year, Veneman said administration priorities include implementing a new farm law. "As we look at the priorities that face this department, and agriculture this year, implementation of a new farm bill stands at the top of the list," said Veneman. "Once Congress passes a new farm bill and it is signed by the President, we need to be ready to move forward with implementation."

She also said new markets are needed for agricultural goods, "and that means making sure that other countries live up to their trade obligations." She said USDA will work to ensure that phytosanitary and sanitary regulations are based on sound science and, "not allow other countries to restrict products – including the products of biotechnology -- under the banner of protectionism."