The European Union

July 16, 2002

At first glance it probably sounds like a good idea for the European Union to expand eastward -- adding Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and more countries. And for the most part, especially security, it is a great idea.

However, from the point of view of the American farmer, we have to be careful and cautious. Here's why: There is no trade region where we have more trade disputes than Europe -- ranging from bananas to hormone beef and now biotech foods. There are disputes with Europe today. The new Europe is going to be much bigger with many more countries. That can multiply the trade problems.

My compliments to some 60 U.S. food and ag associations for getting on top of this potential problem early. In a recent letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Zoellich, they sound the alarm.

. U. S. Fruit and vegetables currently enjoy better terms of access to the candidate countries than to the present European Union. Once they join, will access dimish?

. Extending the common ag policy to more countries will likely encourage more surplus production. Just what we don't need.

. If more countries adopt the EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules, this will restrict our market access.

. EU's current biotech rules stand as a huge barrier to trade. The same is true with their illegal ban on U. S. hormone beef. Will the new EU members begin imposing those restrictive rules?

Our trading problems are not expected to diminish. It is imperative that we work to influence the process in Western Europe now while we have time. Otherwise, we'll be the "odd man out."