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© 2010 Grocery Manufacturers Association 1350 I (eye) Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.639.5900 :: fx 202.639.5932 :: info@gmabrands.com :: privacy statement :: comments/feedback :: |
“It is time for Congress to reform our outdated farm policy to better serve the needs of rural America and the entire U.S. economy,” said Dooley. “That is why GMA and this broad coalition of business leaders, who represent tens of millions of U.S. workers, are calling on Congress to approve a farm bill that reduces subsidies and fosters an environment more conducive to eliminating trade barriers to U.S. products.”
The letter (attached) was signed by GMA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, the Information Technology Industry Council and the Retail Industry Leaders Association. It outlined three major farm-reform policy goals:
A reduction in excessive subsidies The elimination of substantial domestic and international agricultural market distortions The protection of basic U.S. farm policies from unwarranted World Trade Organization (WTO) attacks
These reforms will lay the groundwork for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round negotiations, that would include meaningful commercial market access for all U.S. exports, including agricultural and non-agricultural goods and services. The Doha Round trade negotiations of the WTO, underway since 2001, are currently at an impasse.
The House Agriculture Committee is expected to begin consideration of a new farm bill Tuesday, July 17.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association GMA represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the food supply through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmabrands.com
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.
Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.
In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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© 2010 Grocery Manufacturers Association 1350 I (eye) Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.639.5900 :: fx 202.639.5932 :: info@gmabrands.com :: privacy statement :: comments/feedback :: |