Texas Agriculture Daily News
Senators ask for hearing prior to trade talks with the EU
Friday, January 25, 2013
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Four U.S. senators say they’re concerned that free trade talks between the U.S. and the European Union will not address agriculture and the EU’s long-standing barriers to pork, beef, poultry and farm products from the U.S.
According to Reuters, Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Pat Roberts of Kansas, Mike Enzi of Wyoming and John Thune of South Dakota, have submitted a letter urging Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus to schedule a hearing with U.S. trade officials as the U.S. and the EU continue discussing the possibility of launching free trade talks in the coming weeks and months.
The senators are reportedly concerned as Congress has not approved the Trade Promotion Authority that gives the administration guidelines for discussion with the 27 nations in the EU.
According to the article, the EU has blocked imports of genetically modified corn and soybeans, poultry treated with chlorine dioxide and beef with lactic acid to kill pathogens. Officials say they’re looking for progress on these agricultural barriers.
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