“Secretary Veneman clearly stated the importance of trade to American agriculture,” said Johnson.  “She introduced new trade policy strategy and initiatives, she discussed methods for market maintenance and access, she outlined USDA export promotion and market development programs, and she expressed her understanding of the increasingly important role that biotechnology plays in our future trade.”

Johnson continued, “The two overriding facts that the Administration deemed indispensable to the future of this country’s trade were:  1) American agriculture is dependent upon maintaining existing export markets and creating new opportunities, 2) The greatest potential for future expansion of agricultural exports lies with the burgeoning middle class in developing countries.  I believe Secretary Veneman and USDA are pursuing trade expansion effectively.”

Trade expansion is directly related to job creation in rural America.  Rep. Johnson says unemployment is increasingly a burden to the small and medium-sized communities he represents.  He intends to work with the Administration on trade issues because U.S. exports support 750,000 American jobs.  Additionally, every $1 billion in exports creates 15,000 jobs.  Johnson notes exports support one-third of all jobs in rural communities whether they are on the farm, in manufacturing, transportation or food processing. 

“The economic benefits of expanded trade to our depressed rural communities are immeasurable,” stated Johnson.  “Public and private sector groups and individual producers must continue to work together toward creating a quality American product that will be a mainstay in our existing and new overseas markets."