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The Honorable Jill Long 



Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify for the 



record regarding agricultural trade and the 1995 Farm Bill. I 



appreciate this opportunity and commend you for holding this 

 important hearing. 



Prior to the 1995 Farm Bill we have some important decisions to 

 make with regard to agriculture -- specifically I believe the 

 most important issue is whether we will continue to expand our 

 markets abroad. 



We have set the standard for quality by having the most abundant 

 and safest food supply in the world. It is imperative that the 

 United States continue to lead the world in terms of agriculture. 

 However, I am concerned that under the GATT agreement, 

 agriculture may be severely handicapped. Currently, the 

 Europeans are able to outspend us in agriculture programs 3 to 1 . 

 Therefore, I hope that the administration will recognize that 

 additional spending cuts to offset the major share of the 

 estimated cost of GATT unfairly impacts agriculture. In addition 

 to this, it gives an unfair advantage to foreign competitors, 

 reduces ability to capitalize on new market opportunities and, is 

 also, contrary to past assurances from the Administration. 



