Position Statement: Trade & Market Development

The Washington State Hay Growers Association supports programs that increase present market share or programs that develop new markets for our products. In trade between the U.S. and any other nation, we believe each should have equal access to the other’s market. However, we should control importation of products from Canada or other exporting nations that are subsidized in a way that creates unfair competition to the Washington State hay industry.

We support any effort made by our State agencies and legislature toward dissolving barriers against Washington products. Trade between countries should be equal in regard to fair practices between nations in agriculture chemicals, inspections, regulations, grading, containers, and labeling requirements. Foreign companies that export products to the U.S. should be required by U.S. trade law to comply with the same social and environmental regulations required of domestic companies. In domestic and foreign markets, we believe the Washington State Department of Agriculture should be allowed to take a more active role.

We support legislation restricting wholesalers and retailers from discrimination against local farm products and we support fair agricultural practices legislation for all agriculture products. We will oppose any unilateral action by the U.S. to eliminate import restrictions and subsidies without equivalent commitments by other countries.

Approved by the WSHGA Membership
January 24, 2001

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Washington State Hay Growers Association
100 North Fruitland, Suite B, Kennewick, WA   99336
(509) 585-5460     FAX: (509) 585-2671
info@wa-hay.org