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I am also very interested in what is being done to implement the Department's long 

 term trade strategy. This Subcommittee unfortunately had to fight with the USDA to get 

 them to produce one— today will provide us vnth an excellent opportunity to check its 

 progress. 



I also hope to hear positive things about efforts to increase high value exports and 

 new agricultural technologies today. I cannot think of a better way to stimulate job growth 

 than to make sure that we do everything possible to add value to our raw products befons 

 they are exported. Study after study has indicated the potential of this to rural America. 

 High value exports help our manufacturing, packaging and shipping industries as well. 



I would once again like to commend Mr. Penny and his staff for their efforts in 

 planning this joint hearing. This is an example of the type of cooperation that should take 

 place between oversight and authorizing committees and I hope we can continue more of 

 these efforts next year. ' ' . 



