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impacts would be uneven. California producers of avocadoes, and 

 winter vegetables would face stiffer competition in both domestic 

 and Canadian markets. On the other hand, California processors of 

 deciduous fruit and producers of high-value and value-added 

 specialty products might gain from economic growth and an expanded 

 market in Mexico estimated to be 360 million consumers. 



In the 1992 presidential campaign. President Clinton promised to 

 negotiate two side agreements to the NAFTA: one each on 

 environmental and labor issues. Since the election, President 

 Clinton has also indicated he wants a side agreement on import 

 surges. Agriculture, especially the fruit and vegetable sectors, 

 have expressed the need for some type of protection from Mexico for 

 sensitive crops — in essence, import surge protection. It is my 

 hope that Ambassador Kantor will address these issues today. 



I also have concerns for the sugar provision as written. This 

 agreement was negotiated by the previous administration, many of 

 whom are still in their positions. I think, Mr. Ambassador, that 

 we should take a long, careful look at this agreement and correct 

 those things which are unfair to sugar farmers. Much has been said 

 about "side agreements." I endorse that concept and trust you will 

 strongly consider using that tool to "fix" the proposed agreement. 



I am very concerned about the impact of the North American Free 

 Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the economy of the Central Valley. I 

 have yet to be convinced that this agreement will serve the needs 



