Max Baucus: “I would like to reemphasize and underline the point that trade agreements properly include not only the very traditional…”

“I would like to reemphasize and underline the point that trade agreements properly include not only the very traditional trade matters, such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies, but they also include other matters which do have an effect on trade. I would like to suggest what a few of them are. For example, the length of product patents and copyrights on music has only recently been addressed in trade agreements. These are not tariffs, quotas, or subsidies, but they certainly affect trade. Thus, these issues were addressed in the Uruguay Round. What about the use of names, such as 'champagne,' on a product label? Some suggest that the use of the word 'champagne' is not generic because it means a particular region of the world--in France, Champagne. That was an issue brought up and included in the Uruguay Round. What about payments to farmers to promote conservation practices, such as land set-asides, or low till agriculture? These are not tariffs, quotas, or subsidies, but they definitely affect trade. In fact, this is a current trade issue with the Europeans. They are very concerned about the actions of the United States in that area.”