Statement By Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding Guatemala

March 10, 2005

"I am very pleased that Guatemala today passed the United States-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, which follows the recent approval of this agreement by El Salvador and Honduras.

"This action now brings the United States one step closer to an agreement that will significantly benefit American agriculture. Farmers, ranchers and food processors will benefit from the opening of markets to 44 million consumers and an anticipated increase of $1.5 billion in U.S. agricultural exports.

"While the U.S. market is already open to imports from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, this agreement will level the playing field for U.S. suppliers by eliminating tariffs on trade between our countries and create preferences for U.S. agriculture over our competitors.

"I look forward to working this year with the U.S. Congress to secure ratification of this vital trade agreement that will expand economic opportunities for all of American agriculture "

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