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and, therefore, a better income. On average, the output from 30 percent of U.S. harvested 

 acreage is destined for export markets. These exports generate about one-fifth of fanners' 

 cash receipts. 



In this connection, let me close on a theme Secretary Espy emphasized in the 

 symposium he held a few days ago with all the Department's top managers. There, he stated 

 that his interest in being Secretary of Agriculture stems from the fact that this Department 

 touches the lives of all Americans. One thing we too quickly forget is that food is the 

 biggest bargain in America in terms of percent of disposable income. Americans spent only 

 11.2 percent of their disposable income on food in 1992, down from 16 percent three 

 decades ago and over 20 percent in the early 1950s. Contrast that with the health care cost 

 crisis, and we must conclude that American agriculture is doing a good job in achieving 

 production efficiencies that benefit U.S. and foreign food consumers. 



Messrs. Chairmen, all of the Department's programs contribute to this success story. 

 It is too easy to forget that the agricultural export programs are absolutely critical to 

 maintaining income for American producers and ensuring stable food prices for our 

 consumers. That is the story we need to tell. These programs have performed well, but we 

 intend to improve them and expand exports beyond their current levels. 



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