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The approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) tomorrow will 

 enhance expanded export opportunities in Mexico and, through Mexico, to Latin America. 

 U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico already make these two countries ' • 

 combined our largest agricultural export market. ' ' ' , ■ '' 



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A third area of major opportunity is Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. 

 This is an area, of which of I have considerable personal experience and icnowledge. As a 

 matter of fact, I just returned from St. Petersburg and have traveled to this part of the 

 world on numerous missions to study their agricultural system. Let me just say that in 

 this region of the globe the potential for U.S. agriculture is as vast as the Russian 

 landscape. A population of more than 150 million in Russia is literally hungry for U.S. 

 food. - ■ 



It is also important to note that despite the wrenching economic transformation 

 currently under way in the Russian Federation, the market for imported high-value food 

 and beverage products is growing even in this part of the world. Many Russians are willing 

 to spend extra money to purchase imported foods and beverages, especially if they believe 

 that these products are of high quality. 



It goes without saying that market development work in the Russian Federation is in 

 its infancy. Given the right preparation and an understanding of the different variables, 

 however, U.S. exporters could reap huge rewards. Unfortunately, products from the 

 European Community dominate shelf space. 



