DAVIS, Calif., April 11, 2003 – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Uruguayan Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gonzalo Gonzalez today signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a U.S.-Uruguay Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA).

"This consultative committee will help foster cooperation on global and regional trade issues," said Veneman. "The U.S. and Uruguay have a common interest in advancing agricultural reform and opening markets through the Doha Round of WTO negotiations."

Veneman and Gonzalez signed the MOU during a visit to the University of California at Davis, where they are both alumni. They also participated in a round table discussion with students on global agricultural issues.

The United States, Uruguay and other countries are currently negotiating trade issues for the global Doha Round of the World Trade Organization and the hemispheric Free Trade Area of the Americas. The mutual, ultimate goal of the FTAA’s 34 hemispheric partners is to create the largest (over 800 million people) and wealthiest ($13 trillion annual GDP) free trade area.

The CCA will increase communication and coordination in a number of areas, including market access, food safety, research, technical assistance and standards setting. Working together, Uruguay and the United States can address bilateral trade issues as they arise, develop recommendations, share ideas and better coordinate policies to benefit our farmers, businesses and consumers. Besides strengthening the agricultural relationship between our countries, this forum will enhance cooperation among our universities, research centers and other institutions.

Last year, the United States exported over $17 million in agricultural products to Uruguay, with consumer-oriented products like snack foods, red meats, pet foods and dairy products leading the way. U.S. imports of agricultural products from Uruguay totaled nearly $58 million, with consumer-oriented and fish and seafood products comprising the largest import categories.

The first annual meeting of the CCA will take place later this year and will be co-chaired by senior officials from USDA and Uruguay’s Ministry of Agriculture.

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PR 0052-03