U.S. Chamber Praises USDA Report on Future of Agriculture Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today applauded a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that recognizes the mounting challenges confronting American farmers in the new globalized economy.

"This report provides a roadmap for policymakers to address the huge range of critical issues facing U.S. farming and agriculture," said William Kovacs, Chamber vice president of Environment, Technology and Regulatory Affairs. "The integrated approach outlined by the agency will be a tremendous asset in navigating those issues."

The report, "Food and Agriculture Policy: Taking Stock for the New Century" outlines the growing importance of trade to agriculture, suggests increased investment in agricultural research to develop new technologies, and urges federal agencies to work together to swiftly implement a solid agriculture policy.

The current enormous production capacity in the U.S. is not enough to meet future food demands, according to the Chamber. Funding of food and agriculture should be treated as an investment and finding new ways of adding value to production and to rural communities will be critical to U.S economic stability and success.

"Agriculture exports are worth upwards of $50 billion annually," said Kovacs. "Only forward thinking and innovation in farming development will keep the U.S. competitive and allow agriculture to continue to benefit the economy."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.
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