Childers, Neugebauer Seek Common Ground
By Tommy Horton
Can Committee members appreciate why the cotton industry feels as if it has a target on its back in the WTO talks?
Rep. Neugebauer: Yes, many Committee members realize the attention agriculture policy has been given under the current Administration and from other outside groups. Modern family farms are not the same as going to Grandma's farm. The size of farms today requires risk management and policies matched to the reality of modern agriculture.
Rep. Childers: As a north Mississippian and our state's only member serving on the House Agriculture Committee, I understand the difficulties the cotton industry faces. My district has watched the garment industry in our region move overseas, and we've witnessed the detrimental ripple effect that this has had on our local economy, including the cotton industry.
Should the words "level playing field" be removed from the conversation since it may never be achieved in global trade talks?
Rep. Neugebauer: A level playing field is the ultimate goal in trade negotiations. While we may not always get there, I think it is important to start with an ambitious goal in mind. The United States has one of the most open markets in the world, although we may not always get credit for our openness and commitments we offer to make.
Rep. Childers: Any future trade agreements need to adequately open and free markets to farmers in our region. I will continue to work closely with our trade representatives to ensure that the U.S. cotton industry is able to fairly compete both domestically and internationally.
source : cottonfarming
By Tommy Horton
Can Committee members appreciate why the cotton industry feels as if it has a target on its back in the WTO talks?
Rep. Neugebauer: Yes, many Committee members realize the attention agriculture policy has been given under the current Administration and from other outside groups. Modern family farms are not the same as going to Grandma's farm. The size of farms today requires risk management and policies matched to the reality of modern agriculture.
Rep. Childers: As a north Mississippian and our state's only member serving on the House Agriculture Committee, I understand the difficulties the cotton industry faces. My district has watched the garment industry in our region move overseas, and we've witnessed the detrimental ripple effect that this has had on our local economy, including the cotton industry.
Should the words "level playing field" be removed from the conversation since it may never be achieved in global trade talks?
Rep. Neugebauer: A level playing field is the ultimate goal in trade negotiations. While we may not always get there, I think it is important to start with an ambitious goal in mind. The United States has one of the most open markets in the world, although we may not always get credit for our openness and commitments we offer to make.
Rep. Childers: Any future trade agreements need to adequately open and free markets to farmers in our region. I will continue to work closely with our trade representatives to ensure that the U.S. cotton industry is able to fairly compete both domestically and internationally.
source : cottonfarming
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