55 



It is very critical to us as a subtropical and very vulnerable State 

 that we retain clear standards. I was very pleased to hear Sec- 

 retary Espy and Ambassador Kantor indicate that we would. How- 

 ever, we are very concerned with some other documents that indi- 

 cate our country may be moving away from that area. 



There is a recent document in which APHIS of USDA is looking 

 towards the vision for the year 2000. They are indicating that their 

 inspections for phytosanitary standards will be much less frequent. 

 And they have specifically stated in the Vision 2000 that they are 

 looking at the reality in the near future of not being able to protect 

 our Nation from imported plant pests and diseases. 



If this is what we are looking toward, Florida will face much ad- 

 ditional loss. In the last 15 years, we have spent $180 million just 

 to fight pests that have been imported into our State. 



How do we explain to our Nation and to our citizens in Florida 

 that our farmers are not allowed to use a whole host of chemicals 

 that can be used by their neighboring farmers to the south? I know 

 this particular committee has dealt with the proposal before, par- 

 ticularly on the export of pesticides and on the use of pesticides 

 that may have been judged by our Government to be too toxic for 

 either our farm workers to be exposed or for residues later on food. 

 We think that equalization of standards is necessary. 



We would also offer and explain to the farmer in Dade County 

 who is facing the decision on replanting tropical fruit trees. He is 

 facing a capital investment of 5 to 6 years before production after 

 the losses he sustained in Hurricane Andrew. Should they replant, 

 or should they just throw in the towel now if there are to be no 

 changes in the current agreement before us? 



In summing up, I would just say to you that I represent and I 

 speak for all of the citrus and winter-produced fruits and vegeta- 

 bles in Florida. We produce 50 percent of the fruits and vegetables 

 in the winter months. During the winter months, we are the sole 

 domestic producers of those essential foods so critical to your diet. 



We regret that we as yet have had no indication by Secretary 

 Espy, the administration, or Ambassador Kantor, that any of our 

 concerns on the redefinition of sugar to include high fructose corn 

 syrup or strict enforcement of the country of origin or a price-based 

 mechanism — those have not been addressed. Since they have not 

 been addressed, we have no position other than to be in total oppo- 

 sition. 



We are for free trade. We are just not for this particular agree- 

 ment. I would like to offer into the record some additional informa- 

 tion which our Farm Bureau, our citrus industry, and our vegeta- 

 ble industry presented yesterday as part of a full campaign, hoping 

 to defeat this agreement. 



Thank you. 



Senator Conrad. Without objection, that will be entered into the 

 record. 



Senator Conrad. By the way, in addition to your statements, any 

 other information that you wish to enter into the record will be ac- 

 cepted as well. 



Mr. Kleckner, welcome. 



