The Geneva meeting of G-6 ministers concluded without a breakthrough and future Doha Round negotiations have been suspended. Allen Helms, Chairman of the National Cotton Council, praised the U.S. negotiating team and its commitment to an ambitious result in the Doha Round.
“I commend U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, and the entire U.S. negotiating team for continuing to demand an ambitious result in the Doha negotiations and refusing to allow unwarranted pressure or deadlines to undermine the U.S. position. Ambassador Schwab and Secretary Johanns have demonstrated they clearly understand that the significant U.S. offer on market access, domestic agricultural support and export subsidies has not been matched. It may take longer than anticipated to bring the Doha Round to a successful conclusion, but the determination of the U.S. negotiating team is a positive sign for U.S. agriculture and for the world’s agricultural producers.”
Commending Congressional leaders, particularly Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss, American Cotton Producers’ Chairman Jay Hardwick stated, “Congressional leaders have clearly stated that their support for the ambitious U.S. proposal made in October 2005 would be realized only if our trading partners match the ambition of the United States. Chairman Chambliss has continually stressed a single undertaking in agricultural negotiations that achieves U.S. ambitions in both market access and domestic support. The resolve of U.S. leaders is to be commended.”