Ag-High Tech Coalition Advocates Normal Trade Relations with China.

Business Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 14, 2001

The Ag-High Tech Coalition, made up of leading agricultural and high tech organizations, today urged Congress to affirm President Bush's decision to continue Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with China.

The Ag-High Tech Coalition announcement coincided with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman's visit to Silicon Valley, where she will receive The California Council for International Trade's Annual Golden State Award. Secretary Veneman is expected to use her Silicon Valley visit as an opportunity to highlight the importance of high tech in modern agriculture.

"Normal Trade Relations status with China is clearly in the economic interests of the United States. China's large and rapidly growing market presents enormous opportunities for the United States," stated SIA President George Scalise, who serves as co-chair of the Ag-High Tech Coalition. "NTR is the basis for our current bilateral trading relationship. Extension of NTR will keep China on the path of opening its markets to high tech, agriculture, and other U.S. exports."

"As stewards of both the land and virtual space, our entrepreneurs can compete with the best worldwide," declared Wine Institute President and CEO John De Luca who also leads the Coalition as founder and co-chair. "We have a natural affinity to support governmental efforts to open and expand overseas markets and fair trade opportunities for our world class exports."

Currently, the Ag-High Tech Coalition's primary goal is convincing Congress of the importance of continued Normal Trade Relations with China. Many of the coalition members have been active for years on China trade matters, and continue to be actively involved with this important issue. China is the second or third largest market in the world for most high tech goods

The agriculture and high tech sectors created the Ag-High Tech Coalition in early 2000 to join forces on common issues. Coalition members include: Agricultural Council of California, California Farm Bureau Federation, Consumer Electronics Association, Electronic Industries Alliance, Information Technology Industry Council, MultiMedia Telecommunications Association, Semiconductor Industry Association, Western Growers Association, and the Wine Institute.