Ag groups, shippers back Schwab’s U.S. Trade Representative nomination

Ag groups, shippers back Schwab’s U.S. Trade Representative nomination    More than 60 agricultural trade groups and shippers sent a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee urging confirmation of Amb. Susan C. Schwab as the country’s next U.S. trade representative.
   Schwab serves as deputy U.S. trade representative.
   “Our sector continues to maintain a positive trade balance with total exports in 2005 exceeding $62 billion,” said the Monday letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Max Baucus, D-Mont.
   Some of the groups and shippers to sign the letter are the American Farm Bureau Federation, Blue Diamond Growers, ConAgra Foods, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Grain and Feed Association, National Pork Producers, Sunkist Growers, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Hide, Skins and Leather Association, and Welch Foods.
   “Important trade talks are now underway,” the letter warned. “In order for the United States to lead these negotiations, we urge the Senate to act quickly to confirm Ambassador Schwab’s nomination.”