U.S.-Russian Agreement on U.S. Pork, Beef, and Poultry

U.S.-Russian agreement on U.S. pork, beef and poultry

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today made the following statement following the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Russia on market access for U.S. pork, beef, and poultry:

"I'm very pleased by today's announcement of an agreement between the United States and Russia to provide assured access for U.S. pork, beef, and poultry into the Russian market. Russia has impeded access to our agricultural products for too long. I've made my views clear on the need to resolve this issue to both U.S. and Russian officials. I look forward to seeing the specifics of the agreement. Iowa's farmers depend on export markets, and I know Russian consumers will welcome stable supplies of Iowa's pork and beef. I commend President Bush's persistence in getting these trade problems solved. With the adoption of responsible trade policies, such as this agreement, Russia will be in a better position to integrate further into the international economy. I welcome closer relations between our two nations. I'm pleased we appear to finally be making some headway on several long-standing agricultural disputes. I hope this is indicative of even better things to come. Of course, with any agreement, the key is to ensure that the terms are followed and commitments upheld."