Fri., Nov. 1 02 - Beef Industry Provides Ongoing Input Into Trade Meeting

Suggested Lead:

Beef industry involvement in negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas began long before the Seventh Trade Ministerial Meeting was held in Ecuador this week, says NCBA. According to Chuck Lambert, chief economist for NCBA, there is no need for beef representatives to travel to South American meeting at the 11^th hour since most of the work is already done.

Cut #1       :25            Outcue: "...trade negotiation position."

Lambert says NCBA representatives on various ag trade advisory committees have been providing direct input into the U.S. trade position.

Cut #2       :34            Outcue: "...the final negotiations."

According to Lambert, unless the U.S. gets increased access for its beef elsewhere in the world, it cannot afford to give additional trade access to South American countries.

Cut #3       :25            Outcue: "...for U.S. beef."

Lambert says exports hold huge potential for U.S. beef producers.

Cut #4       :25            Outcue: "...increased access into Asia."

The beef industry’s position on the Free Trade Area of the Americas can be viewed on the Web at www.beef.org.