NCGA Supports U.S. Negotiators in Holding Firm for Market Access in Doha Talks (7-24-06)

Disappointed a market access agreement could not be reached in the World Trade Organization Doha Round talks, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today said no deal is better than a bad deal.

Negotiations on market access among the G-6— United States, European Union, Japan, Brazil, India and Australia— broke down Sunday.

“We are very disappointed the negotiations have been suspended,” said Bob Bowman, NCGA chairman of the Joint Trade Policy A-Team. “We support the U.S. negotiators and their strong push for an ambitious market access package in any final agreement. We will continue to agree with the negotiators that no agreement would be better than a bad agreement that would negatively impact our producers. With that said, we are hopeful that we will be back at the table to work toward a final agreement.”

Bowman noted NCGA and its grower members remain committed to supporting a WTO package that creates new global markets and economic opportunities and stability for all countries involved.

“In order to remain competitive in the global marketplace, it is important U.S. producers are provided the necessary tools, such as market access and a level playing field in regard to tariffs,” Bowman said.