The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today applauded the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) framework text that will lead to increased market access and the elimination of export subsidies. The WTO announced the agreement Saturday.

"This is a positive step," said NCGA President Dee Vaughan. "We thank President Bush, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Agriculture Ambassador Allen Johnson for working so diligently on behalf of U.S. farmers. We look forward to a final agreement that will increase global trade."

The framework calls for the eventual elimination of export subsidies and a significant reduction in import tariffs. "This has long been a priority for NCGA and will provide new market opportunities for U.S. grain and value-added products," Vaughan said. "In addition, NCGA has long sought harmonization of trade distorting domestic support. The framework moves us in the right direction while ensuring the preservation of a strong farm safety net.

"Promoting trade liberalization and a healthy, global economy is of great concern to U.S. farmers. One in every five rows of corn is exported and in the future, the vast majority of consumers in the world will live outside the developed world. Trade will be critical to the future growth and profitability of corn growers," said Vaughan.

Trade ministers from 147 countries of the WTO met last week in Geneva, hoping to reach an agreement that would propel the Doha Round trade talks forward. The round was in serious jeopardy after the collapse last year of the Cancun Ministerial.

" There is still much work ahead of us. We look forward to collaborating with Ambassadors Zoellick and Johnson and their negotiating team in the months ahead,” Vaughan said. “This is a critical opportunity to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in agricultural trade.”