FWD: Fast Track

[MDOLAN <mdolan@citizen.org>]

  ===== Original Message from RAY@SMTP (Ray Gilmer) {ray@ffva.com} at 9/17/97 
  1:21 pm
  >
  >NEWS RELEASE
  >
  >FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  > CONTACT: Ray Gilmer
  >
  >
  >
  >FLORIDA FRUIT & VEGETABLE ASSOCIATION OPPOSES FAST TRACK LEGISLATION
  >
  >CLINTON ADMINISTRATION BILL FAILS TO ADDRESS GROWER CONCERNS
  >
  >
  > ORLANDO, FLA. (Sept. 17, 1997) - The Florida Fruit & Vegetable
  >Association opposes fast track legislation proposed by the Clinton
  >Administration because it would leave Florida's citrus and vegetable
  >producers vulnerable to low priced imports from developing countries.
  >"Based on our experience with previous trade accords, our growers cannot
  >support granting broad trade negotiating authority to the
  >Administration," said FFVA President Glenn Rogers.
  >Following adoption of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in
  >1994, import surges of Mexican vegetable commodities have seriously hurt
  >farmers in Florida and other states. These surges often pushed market
  >prices on tomatoes, peppers and many other crops to below the cost of
  >production. Many Florida farmers have consequently gone out of business.
  >"During NAFTA negotiations, we received assurances from government
  >officials that NAFTA and U.S. trade laws would provide safeguards and
  >trade remedies to address import surges of perishable, seasonal
  >commodities. Those provisions have been worthless for our industry," said
  >FFVA Executive Vice President Mike Stuart. "The Administration's fast
  >track package fails to address these major concerns for our growers."
  >FFVA is a non-profit agricultural trade organization representing
  >Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other commodities. For more
  >information, visit our Internet site at www.ffva.com.
  >
  >###
  ===== Comments by MDOLAN@CITIZEN (MDOLAN) at 9/17/97 2:36 pm
  No surprise here.  Bad news for the White House, all the same. 
  President Clinton will not be able to peel off the Florida delegation
  like he was able to do in '93.  More Broken Promises of NAFTA.
  Stay tuned ....