The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO THE FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E755 on April 11, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO THE FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE
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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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