Top Ag Trade Official Visits West Texas

摘要

U.S.Rep.Randy Neugebauer brought the top agriculture trade official for the United States to meet with West Texas cotton farmers in Lubbock,TX,Sept.29.Neugebauer arranged for Ambassador Allen Johnson,the chief agricultural negotiator for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and representatives from Plains Cotton Growers,Inc.(PCG) to meet to discuss issues facing cotton farmers.Top among the topics of discussion was the ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) debate over U.S.cotton programs.On September 8,a WTO dispute settlement panel ruled in a case brought by Brazil that aspects of U.S.cotton programs violate international trade rules.The U.S.will appeal that decision."It is important to me that our farm leaders meet face-to-face with the decision makers in Washington,"Neugebauer said."Having our lead agriculture negotiator and West Texas cotton growers in the same room to talk about the WTO will help both sides better understand what is going on at the negotiating table,as well as on the farm."