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added crops, I think our major markets over the next five year will be worldwide, but greatest growth 

 will be concentrated in Asia. 



Our hemisphere should also provide outstanding growth. Mexico alone, with the passage of NAFTA, 

 has developed into an outstanding market for a number of agricultural products, including those I 

 represent. It is interesting to note that Mexico has jumped from being an insignificant or non-existent 

 market five years ago to being the number one export market for both U.S. apples and pears this 

 past year. When the 1990 Farm Bill was debated, I would not have guessed that this dramatic shift 

 would have occurred. Perhaps an unexpected country or region will develop over the next five 

 years. In my opinion, Mexico is a good example of why U.S. trade policy should be as flexible as 

 possible. 



Other current examples for the need of flexibility are Vietnam and China. Had MFN status not been 

 extended in May for China, we would be faced with a much different agricultural trade situation than 

 we have today. As it happens, Secretary Espy on June 10 announced a major market access 

 opening for our apples. Similarly, Vietnam provides a marketing opportunity for U.S. agriculture that 

 six months ago did not exist. 



We simply cannot always predict which country or region will develop the critical combination of 

 market demand, purchasing power and access that will allow U.S. agricultural exporters to thrive. 

 For this reason, I believe Congress should provide the tools that will allow the Department of 

 Agriculture the latitude to make quick and decisive actions in support of agricultural exports as time 

 and circumstances demand. The goal should be to expand U.S. agricultural export opportunities to 

 the benefit of the U.S. producer, domestic jobs and our nation's balance of trade. The goal should 



