[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, today Congressman Stenholm and I are 
introducing a resolution recognizing the important service of the 
Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture on the 
occasion of its 50th anniversary. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service 
was established to develop and expand markets for United States 
agricultural commodities and products.
  Our farmers and ranchers are the most productive in the world and 
produce much more than we in the United States can consume. Therefore a 
vibrant export market is very important to the success of United States 
agriculture. FAS has contributed to that success and as of 2002, United 
States agricultural exports exceed imports by more than $12 billion. 
Our exports have grown significantly over the history of FAS and now 
exceed $50 billion per year.
  FAS fosters the public and private partnership that is needed to 
promote United States agricultural exports and to develop and expand 
markets around the world.
  At this important time when free trade negotiations are ongoing, both 
in the World Trade Organization and through bilateral negotiations, the 
FAS is essential to represent United States agriculture and ensure that 
the challenges facing our agriculture producers are thoroughly 
addressed.
  Another responsibility of the FAS is to provide food aid to needy 
people in developing countries and to help those countries to 
eventually become trading partners of the Untied States and buy our 
agricultural products.
  The FAS and its employees provide a significant service to the 
farmers and ranchers here at home so that they can compete in worldwide 
markets. I congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to 
working closely with the FAS as the Committee continues its work to 
expand markets for United States agriculture.

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