United States | Conner Emphasizes Need For Free Trade And Open Market Access ...
United States
Conner Emphasizes Need For Free Trade And Open Market Access
Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner told reporters today (Sept. 24) that he remains optimistic about the passage of pending trade agreements and a reform-oriented farm bill in addition to achieving international standards in meat trade and developing alternative renewable energy solutions.
Conner was named acting secretary by President George Bush last Thursday (Sept. 20) when Mike Johanns announced his resignation from the agriculture secretary position to return home to Nebraska most likely to pursue a Senate seat.
Conner, who served as deputy secretary to Johanns, took an active role in farm bill listening sessions around the country, hearing from farmers and other stakeholders about their likes and dislikes with the current farm bill. Conner led a review of more than 4,000 comments to develop a sound policy to direct American agriculture. He continues to push for farm policy reform and equal trade.
“We are optimistic about all trade agreements,” Conner said in regard to pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama, Colombia and South Korea. “These countries have unfettered access to our market, but our products face stiff duties. These agreements are truly needed to level the playing field for U.S. producers and we are optimistic that Congress will approve all agreements moving forward.
Conner also emphasized that a level playing field is needed in meat trade, citing specifically encouraging South Korea and Japan to agree to international standards allowing bone-in beef from animals up to 30 months of age.
“This continues to be a source of great frustration for us,” Conner said. “We simply want the Koreans to work with us to get to international standards compliance, which would allow us to ship a broader range of products.”
Conner said that South Korea is a part of the international community and he will see that the United States presses them to move their market to an international standard, which is based on science and not politics.
His farm bill recommendations for renewable fuel are also science-based as Conner emphasized increasing exploration of alternative forms of energy such as cellulose, which is found in grass, crop residue, trees and woody plants, to lessen the impact on livestock producers. Conner, who grew up in Indiana raising corn, soybeans, and cattle, said he is not satisfied with the status quo and wants to see growth in research, plant construction and helping producers transition to renewable crops.
Conner will continue his role of acting secretary until Bush nominates a permanent replacement, who then must be confirmed. Many expect Conner to receive the permanent nomination, although other names have also been mentioned as possible candidates.
United States
Conner Emphasizes Need For Free Trade And Open Market Access
Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner told reporters today (Sept. 24) that he remains optimistic about the passage of pending trade agreements and a reform-oriented farm bill in addition to achieving international standards in meat trade and developing alternative renewable energy solutions.
Conner was named acting secretary by President George Bush last Thursday (Sept. 20) when Mike Johanns announced his resignation from the agriculture secretary position to return home to Nebraska most likely to pursue a Senate seat.
Conner, who served as deputy secretary to Johanns, took an active role in farm bill listening sessions around the country, hearing from farmers and other stakeholders about their likes and dislikes with the current farm bill. Conner led a review of more than 4,000 comments to develop a sound policy to direct American agriculture. He continues to push for farm policy reform and equal trade.
“We are optimistic about all trade agreements,” Conner said in regard to pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama, Colombia and South Korea. “These countries have unfettered access to our market, but our products face stiff duties. These agreements are truly needed to level the playing field for U.S. producers and we are optimistic that Congress will approve all agreements moving forward.
Conner also emphasized that a level playing field is needed in meat trade, citing specifically encouraging South Korea and Japan to agree to international standards allowing bone-in beef from animals up to 30 months of age.
“This continues to be a source of great frustration for us,” Conner said. “We simply want the Koreans to work with us to get to international standards compliance, which would allow us to ship a broader range of products.”
Conner said that South Korea is a part of the international community and he will see that the United States presses them to move their market to an international standard, which is based on science and not politics.
His farm bill recommendations for renewable fuel are also science-based as Conner emphasized increasing exploration of alternative forms of energy such as cellulose, which is found in grass, crop residue, trees and woody plants, to lessen the impact on livestock producers. Conner, who grew up in Indiana raising corn, soybeans, and cattle, said he is not satisfied with the status quo and wants to see growth in research, plant construction and helping producers transition to renewable crops.
Conner will continue his role of acting secretary until Bush nominates a permanent replacement, who then must be confirmed. Many expect Conner to receive the permanent nomination, although other names have also been mentioned as possible candidates.