FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 1997
Contact: Dave Redmond
(202) 225-4050
WASHINGTON, D.C. - OREGON CONGRESSMAN BOB SMITH, CHAIRMAN
OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, TODAY PRAISED MEXICO'S
DECISION TO IMPORT U.S. CHERRIES FROM OREGON, WASHINGTON, AND
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING A PHYTOSANITARY DISPUTE RESOLUTION UNDER
TERMS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA).
"There's no question that Mexico had no scientific basis
for excluding U.S. cherries. Eight months ago, a NAFTA dispute
resolution panel ruled that Mexico could not back up its claims.
This is important because, in this instance at least, the system
seems to have worked. Exports are, after all, the future of American
agriculture. Our farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone
in the world, as long as they're given a fair shake in foreign
markets. At least this time, NAFTA seems to have helped U.S. producers
successfully challenge an unfounded non-tariff trade barrier,"
Smith said.
Mexico first closed its market to U.S. cherries in 1991, citing
concerns about two pests - the apple maggot and plum curculio.
In June of 1996, a NAFTA phytosanitary dispute resolution panel
ruled that Mexico's concerns about the two pests could not be
scientifically justified. Even after the panel's decision, Mexico
continued to insist that fumigation was necessary to adequately
protect against the pests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture
estimates that Mexican market access will result in several million
dollars of increased revenue for U.S. cherry growers. The United
States will begin exporting cherries from California in mid-April
and from Oregon and Washington at the end of May.
Smith has pledged to make increasing agricultural exports a principal
focus of the Agriculture Committee in the 105th Congress,
and will hold oversight hearings into the effects of both NAFTA
and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) on American
agriculture.
Smith represents Oregon's Second Congressional District in the
U.S. House of Representatives. The district, which includes most
of eastern, southern, and central Oregon, is heavily dependent
on agriculture.