Sunday, October 12, 2008

NFU Statement: Colombia FTA is Wrong Move at Wrong Time

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2008

Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191

WASHINGTON (April 8, 2008) – National Farmers Union President Tom Buis made the following statement today in response to President George W. Bush’s announcement that he was sending the Columbia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to Congress.

“It is premature to consider the Columbia Free Trade Agreement until provisions for a level playing field have been established. America’s farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world. Yet our trading partners are not required to meet our high labor, environmental, health and safety standards.

“Our current trade agreements have failed to live up to their promises. The Columbia Free Trade Agreement is another step in the wrong direction.

“We should fix current trade deals before considering the Columbia agreement. We need to stop and take a look at what our goals are in approving trade agreements and work to adopt the best deal for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“I urge members of Congress to oppose the Columbia Free Trade Agreement.”

-30-

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 8:11 am and is filed under Trade. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.