NCGA, Ag Trade Coalition Support USTR Nominee (5-15-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and more than 100 members of a coalition representing agriculture, business and government entities issued a statement of support to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and ranking member Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today urging swift confirmation of Ambassador Susan Schwab’s nomination as U.S. Trade Representative. The Senate Finance Committee will hold its confirmation hearing on May 16.

“NCGA continues to have a strong relationship with the USTR’s office and believes that Susan Schwab will continue to advocate strongly for U.S. agriculture’s interests,” said Bob Bowman, NCGA Joint Trade Policy A-team chairman. “Her significant expertise and her continued involvement during current negotiations means there will be no significant interruption in negotiations during the changeover of personnel.”

The letter highlights Schwab’s World Trade Organization (WTO) expertise and early experience as an agriculture negotiator as a benefit in her new role as the chief negotiator.

“Ambassador Schwab has dedicated her career to international affairs and the pursuit of forging commercially meaningful trade ties,” the letter stated. “Her desire to achieve tangible results for American agriculture and agribusiness is precisely the leadership that is needed in the dynamic and sometimes difficult-to-navigate world of agricultural trade.”

The groups encourage swift action as WTO talks are currently under way and are approaching a July deadline.

Once confirmed by the full Senate, Schwab will replace Rob Portman, who was nominated to head the Office of Management and Budget.

To view the letter in its entirety, please click on link.