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October 6, 2000

Ag Committee, AFBF question retaliatory delays

Both the American Farm Bureau Federation and the House Agriculture Committee are asking the Clinton administration why it has failed to follow through with retaliatory measures against the European Union. President Clinton approved measures in May that would impose 100 percent duties on a different set of EU goods every six months over a dispute on beef and bananas.

AFBF President Bob Stallman said the prolonged delay in listing new European Union agricultural products subject to carousel trade retaliation raises doubts about the government's seriousness to enforce international trade agreements.

"AFBF is extremely concerned and disappointed that the new lists have not been issued," Stallman stated in a letter to President Clinton. "We have fought hard for trade interests of our nation and believe that the failure to rotate the beef and banana retaliation lists, as mandated by U.S. law, sends the wrong signal.

"Failure to rotate these lists causes doubts among farmers and ranchers about the seriousness our government attaches to the enforcement of international trade agreements. In addition, questions are being raised in the country as to whose interests are being served by not rotating the lists—those of the United States, or Europe? It is clear that the Europeans view the U.S. carousel law as a threat, yet our government is choosing not to implement this valuable trade enforcement tool."

The House Agriculture Committee is taking the same stance: "We believe quick and decisive implementation of the provision is the best way to encourage European compliance with recent WTO decisions on beef and bananas," said Reps. Larry Combest (R-TX) and Charlie Stenholm (D-TX), ranking members of the House Agriculture Committee.

EPA Bt assessments positive for biotechnology

An EPA preliminary draft risk assessment for Bt corn, cotton and potato plant-pesticides that evalutes health, safety and environmental risks is positive news for biotechnology and Bt products, in particular.

According to an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis, some of the EPA report findings include:

•"The assessment confirms EPA's original findings that there are no unreasonable adverse effects from these products."

•Gene flow to wild species through outcrossing is not a concern of the registered Bt plant pesticides.

•Regarding the Monarch Butterfly type issues: "Considering all the information available, the weight of evidence indicates no unreasonable adverse effects on BT Cry proteins expressed in plants to non-target wildlife, plants or beneficial invertebrates."

•"EPA believes the significant benefit accrues to growers, the public, and the environment from the availability and use of certain Bt plant pesticides."

•"Direct benefits to growers for Bt corn, cotton and potatoes has likely exceeded $100 million in 1999. Cotton had the highest per acre grower benefits and the largest reduction in conventional pesticide use."

TDA town hall meetings scheduled

Texas Agriculture Commssioner Susan Combs has announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture will continue a series of town hall meetings in October.

Combs will meet with farmers, ranchers and rural community leaders to discuss issues affecting the agricultural industry and rural Texas.

Meeting dates and times include the following:

•Sonora, Oct. 10, 9 a.m., Sutton County Civic Center.

•San Angelo, Oct. 10, 2 p.m., Angelo State University.

•Llano, Oct. 10, 5 p.m., Llano County Library.

•Stephenville, Oct. 24, 1 p.m., Cafe Trifles.

•Gatesville, Oct. 24, 4 p.m., Andy's Restaurant.

•Seminole, Oct. 26, 9 a.m., Gaines County Park Building.

For more information contact John McFerrin, producer communications specialist, at 1-512-463-7593.

Meatpackers and the supermarket industry have agreed to impose a voluntary system that will label beef in the United States with "Made in the U.S.A." stickers.

Beef producers and the beef industry believe Americans would be more likely to purchase and would be more comfortable with buying beef they know was American bred.

"I do expect to see it (labeling) nationwide," said John Motley, senior vice president of the Food Marketing Institute, which represents the supermarket industry.

Several national chains, including Wal-Mart, Safeway and Albertson's, have expressed interest.

Notable Quotables
"Overall, the available information indicates a very low probability of risk to Monarchs in areas beyond the near-edge cornfields. The agency concludes that the published preliminary Monarch toxicity information is not sufficient to cause undue concern of widespread risks to Monarch butterflies at this time."

An excerpt from a recently released Environmental Protection Agency study that concludes biotech crops pose little risk to Monarch butterflies, and offer significant benefits to farmers and the environment.