FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 1997
Contact: Dave Redmond
(202) 225-4050
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CONTINUING ITS EFFORT TO REDUCE TRADE
BARRIERS AND OPEN NEW MARKETS FOR AMERICAN FARM PRODUCTS, THE
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LED BY CHAIRMAN BOB SMITH (R-OR),
TRAVELED TO MEXICO LAST WEEK, SEEKING MEXICO'S UNDERSTANDING AND
FLEXIBILITY ON SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY CONCERNS.
As a result, in a letter today, the Members have asked President
Bill Clinton to recognize the state of Sonora as hog cholera free
and the Mexicali Valley as free of Karnal bunt fungus. In return,
they said, the United States should expect similar flexibility
toward U.S. products by Mexico.
"It's important that we meet our trading partners face to
face, so that they can hear a frank, open account of our trade
concerns. At the same time, we have an obligation, if we intend
to make any real progress, to hear their concerns, as well. We
are persuaded that fact the Mexicans have a strong case in Sonora
and the Mexicali Valley, and we should recognize that if we expect
flexibility on these issues from them," said Smith, who raised
concerns on behalf of Oregon fruits, wheat, and cattle.
In addition, Smith thanked Mexico for opening its markets to U.S.
cherry imports and stressed regionalization as the key to breaking
down sanitary and phytosanitary concerns.
"In meetings with Mexico's Secretaries of Agriculture (SAGAR)
and Commerce (SECOFI), Mexican congressional counterparts, and
Mexican agribusiness leaders, the delegation emphasized the U.S.
desire that Mexico improve market access by eliminating sanitary
and phytosanitary barriers to trade. The Members concluded that
both sides have great expectations for NAFTA to improve agricultural
trade. Currently, agricultural trade between Mexico and the United
States is $8.5 billion, with a $2 billion surplus to the United
States," the Members wrote to Clinton.
"The delegation recognizes that in the spirit of international
cooperation there are steps the U.S. government can take in working
toward realizing the goal of improving trade among NAFTA signatories.
In particular, concerning Mexico, understanding that health and
safety concerns have been addressed, the delegation requests the
Administration recognize, as soon as possible, the State of Sonora
as hog cholera free and the Mexicali Valley free of Karnal bunt.
This will allow the import of Sonoran pork products and Mexicali
wheat into the United States," the Members wrote.
"These actions taken by the United States would demonstrate
to Mexico our willingness to continue working toward solving difficulties
both sides have encountered in fulfilling our obligations under
NAFTA. The United States should expect similar flexibility toward
U.S. products by Mexico," the Members concluded.
Smith, who represents Oregon's Second Congressional District in
the U.S. House of Representatives, has made opening markets for
American agricultural exports the Agriculture Committee's highest
priority in the 105th Congress.