U.S. Agricultural Exports: Strong Growth Likely But U.S. Export Assistance Programs' Contribution Uncertain
NSIAD-97-260
Published: Sep 30, 1997. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed: (1) the way in which the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (FAIR) will likely affect U.S. agricultural exports; and (2) the continued relevance of U.S. agricultural export assistance programs.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Given the mixed evidence concerning the continued relevance of U.S. agricultural export assistance programs, their decreased funding levels, and the trend toward increased liberalization of global agricultural trade from which the U.S. agricultural sector is likely to benefit with or without further government support, the Congress may wish to reassess the continued viability and/or focus of the programs the next time these programs are reviewed. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Congress will not legislate a new Agriculture Act until 2002. At that time, Congress may consider action on GAO's matters for consideration. |
| To support such an assessment, the Congress may wish to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop more systematic information on the potential strategic value of U.S. export assistance programs--for example, in countering competitor nations' agricultural export programs or in providing negotiating leverage. Specifically, the Congress may direct USDA to develop more systematic information on: (1) competitors' programs and negotiating objectives; and (2) how effective each U.S. agricultural export assistance program is in furthering U.S. interests. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Congress will not legislate a new Agriculture Act until 2002, and GAO's matters for consideration address issues should be considered at that time. |
| Once this information is in hand, the Congress may wish to refocus the thrust of the programs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Congress will not legislate a new Agriculture Act until 2002. At that time, Congress may consider action on GAO's matters for consideration. |
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