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In conclusion, I would support the continuation of the Market Promotion Program and the Foreign 

 Market Development Program at levels much higher than currently exist. While subject to 

 improvement, these programs have proved their value and have the necessary flexibility to meet 

 changing conditions to the year 2000. Furthermore, I recommend that the Foreign Agricultural 

 Service name be retained and that strong Congressional support be given to its activities both in 

 Washington, DC. and overseas. 



Other Comments 



1. The Cochran Fellowship Program which was established in the 1990 Farm Bill has been quite 

 useful. I would suggest that language be added by Congress instructing that this program give 

 priority to bringing foreign visitors to the United States who may facilitate U.S. agricultural export 

 opportunities. For example, I think it would be beneficial to bring over food safety officials from 

 developing countries to learn of the U.S. system so that upon their return U.S. agricultural exporters 

 might deal with more knowledgeable people in the destination market. 



2. I believe Congress should restate the importance of the private sector advisory committee 

 system. Having been an active participant for several years, I believe that interaction between the 

 private sector and public policy makers in the agricultural trade policy area has been beneficial to 

 both. 



3. One area of savings I would point out to this committee would be a restraint on the number of 

 reports demanded by Congress in the next Farm Bill. In my opinion, these Congressionally 



