Release No. 0213.98 
Remarks
                                 
                         RADIO ADDRESS
                    OF SECRETARY DAN GLICKMAN
     U.S. EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS/SUBSIDIZED EU BARLEY SALES
                          MAY 18, 1998

     "This week, I am in Geneva with President Clinton attending a meeting of
the World Trade Organization. World leaders are gathering here to begin
charting a course toward a more free and fair global trade zone in the 21st
century. For agriculture, this means eliminating export subsidies, clamping
down on the unfair habits of State Trading Enterprises, and reigning in the
use of bogus scientific barriers and other schemes that shut out competition. 

     "The Clinton Administration intends to take an aggressive lead in
pushing toward a more level playing field. Particularly for agriculture, this
push could not come at a more critical time.

     "The U.S. is expecting bumper wheat, corn and soybean crops. After a
warm, El Nino-driven winter, we see strong world crop production. Large
supplies alongside the economic crisis in Asia mean prices are coming down,
and competition for international markets will be intense.

     "Unfortunately, with many European countries sitting on large stockpiles
of grain and other farm products, we are seeing the European Union up the ante
on their already heavy-handed export subsidies -- all in a costly attempt to
get an unfair edge in world markets.

     "This Administration will not stand idly by while other countries
actions put our own farmers at a disadvantage. I have reactivated the Export
Enhancement Program for U.S. poultry exports to the Middle East to make up for
our lack of access to European markets. I will consider similar measures for
other commodities facing unfair treatment. This Administration is serious
about ensuring our farmers and ranchers get a fair shake in the global
marketplace.

     "Nowhere am I more serious than on American soil. Right now, 30,000 tons
of heavily subsidized EU feed barley is making its way to a California port.
Given the level of frustration this shipment has caused, it isn't surprising
that many in farm country are calling on me to stop it. While government in a
free society does not have the power to terminate a private, commercial
transaction, we have made clear to European leaders that this is no small
matter.

     "The fact is: There are plenty of U.S. producers with barley to sell for
a fair market price, and our producers clearly would be the sellers of choice
if it weren't for excessive European subsidies."
                                
     "Since the European Union has refused to take the United States off its
list of eligible countries for future subsidized barley exports, I am left
with no choice but to make clear that this Administration is prepared to use
the authorities available to us, including deploying countervailing duties, to
offset future subsidies, effectively neutralizing their impact.

     "I will not tolerate unfair trade practices on American soil, and I
intend to aggressively use all the tools in my trade arsenal to ensure a level
playing field around the world for U.S. agriculture."

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