[20030128]RS20997_农业法案贸易和粮食援助条款.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20997Updated January 28, 2003Farm Bill Trade and Food Aid ProvisionsGeoffrey S. BeckerSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryExports are viewed by most U.S. agricultural groups as critical to their prosperity.Thus, the trade provisions of omnibus farm legislation (P.L. 107-171), passed andsigned into law in May 2002, are of great interest to the agricultural community. Themeasure includes a trade title reauthorizing, through 2007, the major foreign food aidand agricultural export programs. It also contains other provisions affecting agriculturaltrade, including new country-of-origin labeling requirements for meat, seafood, andproduce; and increased domestic farm subsidies with possible implications for U.S.trade relations. This report will not be updated.BackgroundWith agricultural exports accounting for about one-fourth of U.S. farm income,policymakers view efforts to develop and maintain overseas markets as vital to thesectors financial health. After reaching a record of nearly $60 billion in FY1996, farmand food exports d