114 



links, and become partners in economic development activity. Not 

 because it is a government program established to "do good." But 

 because it eneibles cooperatives and businesses to help one another 

 become better partners in estcJsllshing strong markets for the 

 future. Strong markets equate to more and better jobs in the U.S. 

 It is our hope that the new International Trade Service Agency 

 will provide a stronger organization structure to achieve these 

 ends. American cooperatives stand ready to help make USDA's 

 international programs achieve their development goals. NCBA and 

 its member cooperatives are thinking globally, and we welcome the 

 support of USDA in our efforts to take a global approach. It is no 

 longer a question of taking advantage of opportunities. It has 

 become a matter of necessity if we are to continue to sustain our 

 leadership position in the world. 



