Johanns Outlines 2007 Farm Bill Proposals to Expand, Improve Trade

Press Release

Johanns Outlines 2007 Farm Bill Proposals to Expand, Improve Trade

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today described the Administration's farm bill proposals regarding international trade, pointing out that the trade provisions complement the entire farm bill package.

"During the Farm Bill Forums many participants voiced concern about interests from other parts of the world attempting to set our farm policy. We believe that the proposals we have put forward will put American agriculture on a more competitive footing for years to come," Johanns told the World Agricultural Forum. "The proposed changes to our commodity programs reduce trade distorting support. These initiatives stand on their own merits but they will also put U.S. producers in a more secure position under international trade rules," he said.

The Administration's proposals for trade would increase funding for the Market Access Program; target funds to boost international markets for specialty crops; increase the U.S. presence within international trade standard-setting organizations; provide additional tools to respond to unfair trade practices and strengthen our efforts to revitalize the agricultural sectors in fragile regions. In addition, they would also give us new flexibility when delivering international food aid in emergencies by providing the authority to use up to 25 percent of Public Law 480 (P.L. 480) Title II funds to make cash purchases of food near the site of a food crisis.

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