Thomas Daschle: “Australia is a very important ally and trading partner. As we all know, Australia joined the U.S. in our military…”

“Australia is a very important ally and trading partner. As we all know, Australia joined the U.S. in our military efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This support is vital, and it is appreciated. While it is important to continue our cooperative relations, I am extremely concerned about the negative impact the free trade agreement could have on my State of South Dakota and the rest of rural America, particularly on the agricultural sector of our economy. For many months, I urged our negotiators to exclude beef and cattle from the agreement. I am disappointed that they have not only rejected this suggestion, but have proposed that we allow the Australians additional access to our beef markets. The FTA would establish an 18-year phase-in of increased Australian access to American markets. While 18 years may seem like a long time to some people, I know many ranchers in South Dakota to whom it will not seem so long when the phase-in starts and depresses our beef and cattle markets. Both beef and cattle are very sensitive sectors, and they have become even more so with the recent mad cow disease scare. Beef and cattle are more sensitively traded items because they are both perishable and have cyclical market dynamics--leaving beef and cattle off the table seemed to make a lot of sense. The administration refused and included beef provisions in the agreement.”