Farm Broadcasters Visited by Ag Secretary
Vilsack says he still expects Korean FTA to move foward.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 12, 2010
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with farm broadcasters in Kansas City Thursday at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention. The Secretary addressed a multitude of areas that directly affect agriculture including the importance of maintaining a strong safety net; leveling agricultural debt; maintaining innovation to grow the wealth; and expanding marketing and export activity.
Vilsack also spoke about the negotiations this week on the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which did not go smoothly. Despite the lack of a deal this week, Vilsack says that does not mean the end for it.
"We're not going to give up on the free trade agreement in Korea," Vilsack said. "I believe we are weeks, not months away from finalizing this agreement. We made progress but we need some additional conversations to take place to finalize this deal. I think everyone recognizes the importance to agriculture of this deal and are committed to it."
The Secretary also announced that USDA has released nearly $247.9 million dollars in funding for telecommunications projects that will improve broadband service to rural residents and businesses in 11 states. This funding, which is from USDA's Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, will finance over 16,000 miles of fiber to the home, bringing high speed internet service to rural areas.
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Tagged: farm, usda, free trade agreement, south korea free trade agreement
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