FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 1997

Contact: Dave Redmond

(202) 225-4050

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CONGRESSMAN BOB SMITH (R-OR), CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, TODAY PRAISED DECISIONS BY CHILE AND CHINA TO ACCEPT IMPORTS OF CERTAIN U.S. FRUITS FROM CALIFORNIA, SAYING THEIR ACTIONS EVIDENCED A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO REDUCE TRADE BARRIERS AND ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC GROWTH.

Smith has made reducing international trade barriers to U.S. agricultural exports the highest priority of the Agriculture Committee in the 105^th Congress, and has led numerous trade missions abroad, including a highly productive trip to Chile in late January.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and United States Trade Representative announced that Chile would accept kiwifruit, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and grapes from California, which will result in $10 million in goods exported annually. China will accept grapes from four California counties -- Kern, Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties - which will amount to a $50 million market in two to three years.

"I'm delighted with these decisions, which indicate that non-tariff trade barriers are beginning to wilt under the glare of sound science and common sense. I give both the Chileans and Chinese credit for recognizing the high quality of American farm products and allowing American farmers to compete in those markets. It is real progress," Smith said.

"At the same time, I do hope Chile will recognize the same quality and safety in Pacific Northwest wheat, which was a principal concern of mine when the Committee undertook its trade mission in January. I'm continuing to work with both the Chileans and our own trade negotiators to make that a reality," Smith said.

Smith represents Oregon's Second Congressional District - which includes eastern, southern, and central Oregon - in the U.S. House of Representatives.