STATEMENT Regarding the WTO Ministerial Round in Seattle, WA

“We are disappointed with the turn of events surrounding the World Trade Organization Ministerial Round but are optimistic that the agriculture agenda agreed to during the conference, while not signed, will proceed as the WTO continues its work in January. The U.S. beef industry was represented by an NCBA delegation and by U.S. government negotiators.

“U.S. negotiators should be commended for hanging tough on issues important to the nation’s farmers and ranchers. The agriculture agenda developed in Seattle was agreed to in principle but not signed. It will provide the basis for negotiations when they resume next year and if implemented, will prove beneficial to the U.S. beef industry. The current proposal paves the way for more access for U.S. beef exports by continuing the reduction in tariffs and export subsidies in markets overseas and emphasizes that food safety disputes will be addressed under the current agreement which states that trade dispute resolutions will be based on sound science. The current proposal also includes reduction in production subsidies on agricultural products.

"The agreement does not include animal welfare among non-trade concerns and states that other non-trade concerns including the environment, food security and rural development should be addressed through targeted, transparent and non-trade distorting measures that are consistent with WTO guidelines.

“The U.S. beef industry has increased beef exports 500 percent since 1980. This increase has been due in part to successful bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements. The WTO agenda has the potential to help continue this export growth by opening new markets and expanding existing ones for U.S. beef. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts under the current WTO rules to open markets now closed to U.S. beef such as Europe and to maintain access to important markets including Korea and Mexico.

“We welcome the increased attention to world trade issues as they are vitally important to farmers and ranchers in the United States. More public attention can only provide a needed platform for consumers here and abroad to learn the true facts about why America produces the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply in the world."

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Initiated in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry. NCBA is producer-directed but consumer-focused, with offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C.