WASHINGTON - President Clinton announced his support for four steps to boost U.S. agricultural trade, including voluntary labeling of U.S. meat sold for export.
Support for the initiatives was part of a White House drive for congressional approval of so-called fast-track authority for trade negotiations.
In a letter to Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the president said, "I am glad to convey my support for the attached list of initiatives that can further strengthen the ability of America's farmers to compete in today's global economy."
Three of the items endorsed by Clinton dealt directly with livestock.
The White House said it "stands ready to assist the livestock industry in its ongoing efforts to examine and develop voluntary labeling of meat of U.S. origin." Clinton directed Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman to work with the industry to develop guidelines for volunatry labeling of U.S.-grown meat and meat products sold for export.
Although the issue was raised in the context of meat trade with Canada, it could have ramifications with other trading partners.
Some U.S. cattle producers have said they would accept labeling of U.S. meat as a way to gain access to European Union consumers. The EU has appealed a World Trade Organization ruling that it had no scientific basis to ban sales of U.S. meat grown with the aid of artificial growth hormones.
Clinton said Glickman "will engage in consultations" with Canada for the exchange each month of up-to-date data on cattle inventory, cattle slaughter, and cattle and beef trade between the nations.
Glickman also was directed to work with the Customs Service to assure timely data on U.S. imports of live cattle and beef.
In addition, Clinton endorsed a Senate bill that would require the U.S. trade representative to identify annually countries that impose unfair trade barriers to value-added farm exports and to "focus our resources on removing these barriers."
The bill was filed by Daschle at the start of this year. It was awaiting action in the Senate Finance Committee.
U.S. farm exports run at about $60 billion a year. Red meat exports total $2.4 billion a year.
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