Smith Calls For Hearing On Opening New Ag Exports

Press Release

Smith Calls For Hearing On Opening New Ag Exports

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has sent a letter requesting a hearing on developing new overseas markets for American agriculture products.

In the letter, sent a letter to Rep. Mike McIntyre, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotechnology, Specialty Crops, and Foreign Agriculture, Smith specifically called for testimony from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service.

The Foreign Agriculture Service works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

"With so much uncertainty coming from Washington, agriculture producers are feeling extremely strained and uneasy. Whether it is new environmental regulations or volatile energy prices, the cost of doing business for farmers and ranchers is on the rise. According to a recently released report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, U.S. agriculture producers will need to reach more and more foreign customers in order to restore profits," Smith said in the letter.

"Since exports are imperative for U.S. producers, I would welcome the opportunity to listen to testimony and examine expert witnesses from the Foreign Agriculture Service on their mission and overseas operations. Such a hearing will provide a valuable forum to discuss steps toward long-term stability for our producers.

"Now more than ever, our products must be as competitive as possible in the world market," Smith said.

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