Farm Bureau Lauds House Compromise On Trade Sanctions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 28, 2000--The compromise deal spearheaded by Reps. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) to lift trade sanctions against Cuba, Libya, Iran, Sudan and North Korea offers American producers a fair shot at markets worth a potential $6 billion in agricultural sales.

"Through the committed work of Reps. Nethercutt and Emerson, America's farmers and ranchers will now be allowed to compete in these markets-countries we had been locked out of until now," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. "All we ask is that our farmers
and ranchers be given a chance to compete for these markets. In the past we have been forced to surrender these markets to our European competitors. This is a step in the right direction."

History has proved that the U.S. policy of using unilateral trade sanctions to bludgeon uncooperative countries is a failure, Stallman asserted.

"No longer will our farmers and ranchers be used as pawns in a game that uses food as a weapon," Stallman said. "Our nation was founded on the principles of freedom and opportunity for all its citizens. Now, it's our turn to show the citizens of oppressed nations how our grand system works."

Stallman said despite congressional opposition to government-backed credit and private-sector financing of agriculture sales to Cuba, that market soon will offer American farmers a substantial export opportunity, especially in light of the island nation's proximity to the United States.

"Cuba offers American producers a wonderful export opportunity," Stallman said. "The island is a mere 90 miles from our coast. How can European farmers beat that?"

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