55 



Just one point and then I will stop. My written testimony reflects 

 what I have to say. But the GAO representatives were in earlier 

 on the first panel and indicated their belief in the need for strategic 

 marketing planning. 



There has been a lot of talk about strategic marketing. I, frankly, 

 am kind of a contrarian. I think the goal has been set out and it 

 is a good one, by Under Secretary Moos, Secretary Espy, of increas- 

 ing exports by 50 percent by the year 2000. The way you get to 

 that goal, I think ought to be largely the domain of the Department 

 of Agriculture and the expertise that is contained down there. 



And we should have people and we do have people who are com- 

 petent professionals, and who can react quickly to changed cir- 

 cumstances. And I note in my testimony one example just within 

 the last month is China. 



Unless MFN status had been extended for China, our industry 

 would not have the ability to ship apples, which Secretary Espy is 

 going to be, I think, next week helping inaugurate some of the first 

 shipments of United States apples to China next week. It was a re- 

 sult of coordinated work between FAS over a 3-year period of time 

 with APHIS, with private industry. But if the Government decision 

 had gone the other way, it would have been a dead market and no 

 strategic plan whatsoever. 



So I caution against overloading FAS with requirements for stra- 

 tegic plans that take them away from their immediate business, 

 which is to move product and working with the private sector. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Schlect appears at the conclusion 

 of the hearing.] 



Mr. Penny. Thank you. We appreciate your patience this morn- 

 ing. I know it was a long hearing. Typically, the hearing is busted 

 up by votes on the House floor. We at least tried to keep things 

 moving so that we shortened your day somewhat. 



I think your testimony is pretty straightforward. I did read the 

 entire testimony before you delivered it. I appreciate the summary. 

 I don't think we have any questions at this time, but we do have 

 a vote that is going to require Mr. Allard and I to leave, so I think 

 it is probably a good break point. 



Thank you again for being with us this morning. 



The subcommittee stands adjourned. 



[Whereupon, at 12:35 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned, to 

 reconvene subject to the call of the Chair.] 



[Material submitted for inclusion in the record follows:] 



