I think we need to upgrade this debate in a more general way if we possibly can.

I think we need to take a very serious look at what the food aid needs are.

I went down to Latin America with the leader of the Senate, Trent Lott, and we visited Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Panama.

I do not think that we need fast track to negotiate trade agreements.

This is a fundamental shift in the way that we are doing business.

One study last year argued that a 16 percent appreciation in the value of the United States dollar was responsible for a 17 to 25 percentage point decline in corn and wheat prices.

I have indicated my strong belief in that regard as to the result of the hearings to our current Secretary and the staff down there.

We have seen the United States share of export markets continue to fall.

It seems to me that that is important.

Do you have any suggestions in regard to how our food aid programs could be improved?

I believe I have an open mind regarding trade, but I have a very parochial concern.

I think it is less popular and has the risk of becoming unpopular as times goes by.

I really do look forward to close examination of the existing agricultural trade programs and the policies as we consider the new Farm bill.

The trade title of the Farm bill is clearly one of the most important components, in my opinion, at least.

I think we gave up the store a few years ago when we agreed to proportionate reductions of export enhancements.

I just think that the EU is by far the biggest offender with respect to agricultural trade barriers.

I believe that no country, altruistically, out of the goodness of its heart, is going to lower a trade barrier.

We have got to find it--that is our job.