Tom Latham: “The European Union is a critical market for U.S. agriculture. U.S. agriculture exports to the European communities were…”

“The European Union is a critical market for U.S. agriculture. U.S. agriculture exports to the European communities were 10.5 billion in 1997, and imports from the EU to the U.S. totaled about 7.5 billion. However, the fact remains, the EU subsidizes agriculture far more than the United States. The EU export subsidies and domestic support programs are estimated to total almost $50 billion. U.S. programs total about $5.5 billion. The European Union's agricultural policies are so punitive that they have actually been known to distort entire world markets. Tariff and nontariff trade barriers must come down. These policies hurt American farmers, they toy with our world markets, and we must level the playing field. Free and fair trade is critical to the success of our agricultural community. This Congress will continue to fight for improved access for agricultural exports. The President should join Congress in reducing and eventually eliminating agriculture from foreign sanctions.”