"The conclusion of the World Trade Organization Ministerial in Hong Kong leaves many questions open for farmers and ranchers in the United States. While the conference can be termed a mild success since talks did not break down, they leave many of themost important questions open for further negotiation. "After reviewing the final ministerial text, I remain disappointed that negotiators abandoned the concept of a single undertaking and isolate cotton for special treatment. As I said last week, the cotton provisions, while still under discussion, greatly complicate the negotiations and the support an eventual agreement may enjoy in Congress. I do not think it is possible to pass an agreement in the Congress that will advance cuts of one commodity above others. Disparities in the agreement will likely be rectified in the farm bill.
展开▼
