Release No. 0622.96
                                                               
                                    Tom Amontree (202) 720-4623


Statement

                              by 
             Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman
                           December 2, 1996

     "The U.S. Supreme Court today heard arguments regarding the
constitutionality of mandatory assessments for generic commodity promotion
under federal marketing orders.  I want to emphasize the Clinton
Administration's strong support for these programs.

     "We need to remember that marketing orders have provided producers the
opportunity to ensure a steady supply of reasonably priced, high quality
fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and milk for consumers for more than half a
century.  Producers continue to vote overwhelmingly in support of these
programs, which is a clear indication that they find them to be beneficial.

     "As the majority of producers have found, product promotion and the
other marketing tools available through marketing orders increase sales,
both at home and in international markets.  These self-help programs are
vital to agriculture's economic health, and they strengthen America's trade
balance.

     "National commodity "check-off" or research and promotion programs have
also enjoyed strong industry support, providing producers and processors
with the means to conduct product and market research, as well as promote
their products to consumers.  Like marketing orders, the national research
and promotion programs empower producers to work together to address their
common marketing problems."

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