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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Department of Agriculture Radio Address, 4/18/89
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE MJA
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Proposed Presidential Remarks: Agriculture
Radio Address
This will confirm our oral advice to your office that Counsel's
Office has reviewed the above-referenced proposed Presidential
remarks, and we have no legal objection to their delivery.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Document/No.
027002SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
ok
700
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Document No.
027002SS
2703
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
April 18, 1989
TO:
CHRISS WINSTON
The NSC concurs with the at tached Agriculture Radio Address.
Rate for
09
Brent Scowcroft
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
CC: James Cicconi
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio.Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
7089 APR 15 FM 03
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you
:
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
027002
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
04/17/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
(04/17 5:30 p.m. Draft Three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERTON
CICCONI
d
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1989 APR 17 PM 8: 15
April 17, 1979
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
EDWARD E. McNALLY
OWN
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON(W)
SUBJECT:
DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE RADIO NEWS CONFERENCE
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for your opening statement for tomorrow afternoon's radio news
conference at the Department of Agriculture.
II. DISCUSSION
On at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 1989 you are scheduled
to join Secretary Clayton Yeutter at the Department of
Agriculture radio studio. Your news conference will be broadcast
live via more than 700 rural radio stations.
After a brief opening statement by you (see attached), both
you and the Secretary of Agriculture will field questions on farm
issues from approximately eleven farm broadcasters.
(McNally)
April 17, 1989, 5:30 p.m.
Draft three
(Radio.Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good afternoon. I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
[[You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return. 1]
Well, American farmers got good news at the GATT
agricultural talks in Geneva two weeks ago. G-A-T-T -- known as
"GATT" -- was set up to provide international rules of trade.
And there was a renewed commitment by the 96 participating
nations to long-term agricultural reform -- benefitting farmers,
consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was a new
"roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for this trade round have not changed. The
bottom line is fairness for the American farmer. We seek a level
playing field for our farmers -- the eventual elimination of
export subsidies, import barriers, and other devices that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist. On a level playing field -- where neither side
has the home team advantage -- American farmers can compete with
anybody. And we'd have an export boom.
2
The American people are behind you in these negotiations.
We will not take actions -- short-term or long-term -- that
aren't matched by the European Community and other developed
nations. We're not about to disarm unilaterally in agriculture.
And we want to get rid of the impediments that keep us from
exporting.
The American public is also deeply concerned about economic
conditions in our rural communities. We need to diversify our
rural economies and create more jobs in rural areas. In
response, we. recently established ing a new Working Group on Rural
are
Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here, it will have
senior leaders from every arm of government with outreach to
rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Economic stress in rural areas is not just numbers and
statistics and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and
sweat and families that need help now. To provide some extra
money to farmers early in the crop year, today we are announcing
additional advance deficiency payments for farmers who sign up
for the 1989 wheat, feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs.
This will mean an additional 10 percent of projected deficiency
5
payments -- or a total of about $800 million for American
farmers.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans.
3
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
- 6 -
WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR RURAL ECONOMIES AND CREATE
MORE JOBS IN RURAL AREAS. IN RESPONSE, WE ARE
ESTABLISHING A NEW WORKING GROUP ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
CHAIRED BY SECRETARY YEUTTER HERE, IT WILL HAVE SENIOR
LEADERS FROM EVERY ARM OF GOVERNMENT WITH OUTREACH TO
RURAL AMERICA. AND WE WELCOME YOUR IDEAS.
ECONOMIC STRESS IN RURAL AREAS IS NOT JUST NUMBERS
AND STATISTICS AND BUSHELS OF WHEAT. IT IS PEOPLE AND
PRIDE AND SWEAT AND FAMILIES THAT NEED HELP NOW.
- 7 -
To PROVIDE SOME EXTRA MONEY TO FARMERS EARLY IN THE
CROP YEAR, TODAY WE ARE ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL ADVANCE
DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR FARMERS WHO SIGN UP FOR THE
1989 WHEAT, FEED GRAIN, RICE AND UPLAND COTTON
PROGRAMS. THIS WILL MEAN AN ADDITIONAL 10 PERCENT OF
PROJECTED DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS -- OR A TOTAL OF ABOUT
$850 MILLION FOR AMERICAN FARMERS.
ONE LAST THOUGHT BEFORE WE TAKE SOME QUESTIONS FROM
FARM BROADCASTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
1:15 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM DELIGHTED TO BE TALKING WITH
YOU -- LIVE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN
WASHINGTON -- HERE WITH SECRETARY CLAYTON YEUTTER.
- 2 -
[[You KNOW, SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE THE UNITED
STATES FARMER IS LIKE THE GOODHEARTED GUY AT THE
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WHO BUYS EVERYBODY A BEER AND NEVER
GETS A ROUND IN RETURN. ]]
WELL, AMERICAN FARMERS GOT GOOD NEWS AT THE GATT
AGRICULTURAL TALKS IN GENEVA TWO WEEKS AGO. G-A-T-T --
KNOWN AS "GATT" -- WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL
RULES OF TRADE.
- 3 -
AND THERE WAS A RENEWED COMMITMENT BY THE 96
PARTICIPATING NATIONS TO LONG-TERM AGRICULTURAL
REFORM -- BENEFITTING FARMERS, CONSUMERS AND TAXPAYERS
AROUND THE WORLD. AND THERE WAS A NEW "ROADMAP" FOR
THE FINAL TWO YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS.
AMERICA'S GOALS FOR THIS TRADE ROUND HAVE NOT
CHANGED. THE BOTTOM LINE IS FAIRNESS FOR THE AMERICAN
FARMER.
- 4 -
WE SEEK A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR OUR FARMERS -- THE
EVENTUAL ELIMINATION OF EXPORT SUBSIDIES, IMPORT
BARRIERS, AND OTHER DEVICES THAT DISTORT TRADE AND
CREATE BOGUS INCENTIVES TO GROW PRODUCTS FOR WHICH NO
MARKETS EXIST. ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD -- WHERE
NEITHER SIDE HAS THE HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE -- AMERICAN
FARMERS CAN COMPETE WITH ANYBODY. AND WE'D HAVE AN
EXPORT BOOM.
- 5 -
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE BEHIND YOU IN THESE
NEGOTIATIONS. WE WILL NOT TAKE ACTIONS -- SHORT-TERM
OR LONG-TERM -- THAT AREN'T MATCHED BY THE EUROPEAN
COMMUNITY AND OTHER DEVELOPED NATIONS. WE'RE NOT ABOUT
TO DISARM UNILATERALLY IN AGRICULTURE. AND WE WANT TO
GET RID OF THE IMPEDIMENTS THAT KEEP US FROM EXPORTING.
THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS ALSO DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES.
- 6 -
WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR RURAL ECONOMIES AND CREATE
MORE JOBS IN RURAL AREAS. IN RESPONSE, WE RECENTLY
ESTABLISHED A NEW WORKING GROUP ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
CHAIRED BY SECRETARY YEUTTER HERE, IT WILL HAVE SENIOR
LEADERS FROM EVERY ARM OF GOVERNMENT WITH OUTREACH TO
RURAL AMERICA. AND WE WELCOME YOUR IDEAS.
ECONOMIC STRESS IN RURAL AREAS IS NOT JUST NUMBERS
AND STATISTICS AND BUSHELS OF WHEAT. IT IS PEOPLE AND
PRIDE AND SWEAT AND FAMILIES THAT NEED HELP NOW.
- 7 -
To PROVIDE SOME EXTRA MONEY TO FARMERS EARLY IN THE
CROP YEAR, TODAY WE ARE ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL ADVANCE
DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR FARMERS WHO SIGN UP FOR THE
1989 WHEAT, FEED GRAIN, RICE AND UPLAND COTTON
PROGRAMS. THIS WILL MEAN AN ADDITIONAL 10 PERCENT OF
PROJECTED DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS -- OR A TOTAL OF ABOUT
$800 MILLION FOR AMERICAN FARMERS.
ONE LAST THOUGHT BEFORE WE TAKE SOME QUESTIONS FROM
FARM BROADCASTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
- 8 -
A BREAKTHROUGH BUDGET COMPROMISE WAS REACHED WITH
CONGRESS ON FRIDAY. IT CAME EARLY, AND THAT'S GOOD
NEWS FOR ALL AMERICANS.
WE ARE LISTENING. WE ARE WITH THE AMERICAN FARMER
IN THESE TOUGH TIMES. AND WE ARE HERE TODAY TO TAKE
YOUR QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.
#
#
#
REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
1:15 P.M.
GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM DELIGHTED TO BE TALKING WITH
YOU -- LIVE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN
WASHINGTON -- HERE WITH SECRETARY CLAYTON YEUTTER.
- 2 -
[[You KNOW, SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE THE UNITED
STATES FARMER IS LIKE THE GOODHEARTED GUY AT THE
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR WHO BUYS EVERYBODY A BEER AND NEVER
GETS A ROUND IN RETURN. 1]
WELL, AMERICAN FARMERS GOT GOOD NEWS AT THE GATT
AGRICULTURAL TALKS IN GENEVA TWO WEEKS AGO. G-A-T-T --
KNOWN AS "GATT" -- WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL
RULES OF TRADE.
- 3 -
AND THERE WAS A RENEWED COMMITMENT BY THE 96
PARTICIPATING NATIONS TO LONG-TERM AGRICULTURAL
REFORM -- BENEFITTING FARMERS, CONSUMERS AND TAXPAYERS
AROUND THE WORLD. AND THERE WAS A NEW "ROADMAP" FOR
THE FINAL TWO YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS.
AMERICA'S GOALS FOR THIS TRADE ROUND HAVE NOT
CHANGED. THE BOTTOM LINE IS FAIRNESS FOR THE AMERICAN
FARMER.
- 4 -
WE SEEK A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR OUR FARMERS -- THE
EVENTUAL ELIMINATION OF EXPORT SUBSIDIES, IMPORT
BARRIERS, AND OTHER DEVICES THAT DISTORT TRADE AND
CREATE BOGUS INCENTIVES TO GROW PRODUCTS FOR WHICH NO
MARKETS EXIST. ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD -- WHERE
NEITHER SIDE HAS THE HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE -- AMERICAN
FARMERS CAN COMPETE WITH ANYBODY. AND WE'D HAVE AN
EXPORT BOOM.
- 5 -
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE BEHIND YOU IN THESE
NEGOTIATIONS. WE WILL NOT TAKE ACTIONS -- SHORT-TERM
OR LONG-TERM -- THAT AREN'T MATCHED BY THE EUROPEAN
COMMUNITY AND OTHER DEVELOPED NATIONS. WE'RE NOT ABOUT
TO DISARM UNILATERALLY IN AGRICULTURE. AND WE WANT TO
GET RID OF THE IMPEDIMENTS THAT KEEP US FROM EXPORTING.
THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS ALSO DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES.
- 6 -
WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR RURAL ECONOMIES AND CREATE
MORE JOBS IN RURAL AREAS. IN RESPONSE, WE RECENTLY
ESTABLISHED A NEW WORKING GROUP ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
CHAIRED BY SECRETARY YEUTTER HERE, IT WILL HAVE SENIOR
LEADERS FROM EVERY ARM OF GOVERNMENT WITH OUTREACH TO
RURAL AMERICA. AND WE WELCOME YOUR IDEAS.
ECONOMIC STRESS IN RURAL AREAS IS NOT JUST NUMBERS
AND STATISTICS AND BUSHELS OF WHEAT. IT IS PEOPLE AND
PRIDE AND SWEAT AND FAMILIES THAT NEED HELP NOW.
- 7 -
To PROVIDE SOME EXTRA MONEY TO FARMERS EARLY IN THE
CROP YEAR, TODAY WE ARE ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL ADVANCE
DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR FARMERS WHO SIGN UP FOR THE
1989 WHEAT, FEED GRAIN, RICE AND UPLAND COTTON
PROGRAMS. THIS WILL MEAN AN ADDITIONAL 10 PERCENT OF
PROJECTED DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS -- OR A TOTAL OF ABOUT
$800 MILLION FOR AMERICAN FARMERS.
ONE LAST THOUGHT BEFORE WE TAKE SOME QUESTIONS FROM
FARM BROADCASTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
- 8 -
A BREAKTHROUGH BUDGET COMPROMISE WAS REACHED WITH
CONGRESS ON FRIDAY. IT CAME EARLY, AND THAT'S GOOD
NEWS FOR ALL AMERICANS.
WE ARE LISTENING. WE ARE WITH THE AMERICAN FARMER
IN THESE TOUGH TIMES. AND WE ARE HERE TODAY TO TAKE
YOUR QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1979
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
EDWARD E. McNALLY OWN
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
SUBJECT:
DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE RADIO NEWS CONFERENCE
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for your opening statement for tomorrow afternoon's radio news
conference at the Department of Agriculture.
II. DISCUSSION
On at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 1989 you are scheduled
to join Secretary Clayton Yeutter at the Department of
Agriculture radio studio. Your news conference will be broadcast
live via more than 700 rural radio stations.
After a brief opening statement by you (see attached), both
you and the Secretary of Agriculture will field questions on farm
issues from approximately eleven farm broadcasters.
(McNally)
April 17, 1989, 5:30 p.m.
Draft three
(Radio.Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good afternoon. I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
[[You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return. ]]
Well, American farmers got good news at the GATT
agricultural talks in Geneva two weeks ago. G-A-T-T -- known as
"GATT" -- was set up to provide international rules of trade.
And there was a renewed commitment by the 96 participating
nations to long-term agricultural reform -- benefitting farmers,
consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was a new
"roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for this trade round have not changed. The
bottom line is fairness for the American farmer. We seek a level
playing field for our farmers -- the eventual elimination of
export subsidies, import barriers, and other devices that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist. On a level playing field -- where neither side
has the home team advantage -- American farmers can compete with
anybody. And we'd have an export boom.
2
The American people are behind you in these negotiations.
We will not take actions -- short-term or long-term -- that
aren't matched by the European Community and other developed
nations. We're not about to disarm unilaterally in agriculture.
And we want to get rid of the impediments that keep us from
exporting.
The American public is also deeply concerned about economic
conditions in our rural communities. We need to diversify our
rural economies and create more jobs in rural areas. In
response, we recently established a new Working Group on Rural
Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here, it will have
senior leaders from every arm of government with outreach to
rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Economic stress in rural areas is not just numbers and
statistics and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and
sweat and families that need help now. To provide some extra
money to farmers early in the crop year, today we are announcing
additional advance deficiency payments for farmers who sign up
for the 1989 wheat, feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs.
This will mean an additional 10 percent of projected deficiency
payments -- or a total of about $800 million for American
farmers.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans.
3
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
027002SS
and
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE don't
have
SUNUNU
the
NEWMAN
the
SCOWCROFT
Pres.
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
no comment vialphone
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio. Aq)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
7069 APR 15 03
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
(at the agrentual Whbin ago
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
96
to the benefitter
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
IS trade
America's goals for the next round in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers
the eventual
A
elimination of
export
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks devices that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist. (mont A.)
The
American is behind you \m these on this. mystrations We will not take any actions
peopleare
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture. We want to getrid of the
impediments that keep us from expor ting.
2
Now, all American, is deeply concerned about economic conditions in our
The
public valso)
(Yeutter)
the meed to diversify our rural economics and create more Johsin rural areas)
rural communities, And today we are recently establishing a new Working
In response,
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
youth)
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
your
Economic stress in rural areas just
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide Vext extra money to growers
cash flow for
I
sumers
early in the crop year
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
This will mean
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
an additional
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
your)
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments. or
a total of about soo million for american formers.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
027002SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
SEa Commiders
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio. Aq)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you --
3089 APR 15 FM 03 here
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
its Easu for some to forget that
(Grady)
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is the most productive in the world. Letmejust Say that
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
were aware of - and grateful or America's bread basket
everybody a beer and never gets round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
4840)
if were going to reduce our own
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions subsidies,
We fully expect that our Efforts will be
-- short-term or long-term that aren t matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
04. 17. 89 10:27 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P O 2
YeuTTER COMMENTS
4/17/89
11:30 a.m.
Draft Four
Retyped
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you -- live from the Department
of Agriculture in Washington -- here with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer is like the goodhearted
guy at the neighborhood bar who buys everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers received good news at the agricultural talks in Geneva two
weeks ago. There was a renewed commitment by the 96 GATT nations to long-term
agricultural reform -- to the benefit of farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world.
And there was a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for this trade round have not changed. The bottom line is fairness
for the American farmer. We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- the eventual
elimination of export subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort trade and create
rewrite
bogus incentives to grow products for which no markets exist.
With a level playing field I
west
yout
believe American farmers can compete with anybody, and I further believe we'd have an
export boom.
insert
The American people are fully supportive of our farmers in this negotiation. We
will not take any actions -- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm unilaterally in
04. 17. 89 10:27 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P03
agriculture. We want to get rid of the impediments that keep us from exporting.
insub
The American public is also deeply concerned about the need to diversify our rural stat
economics and create more jobs in rural areas. In response we have recently established
a Working Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter, it will have senior
leaders from every arm of the Executive Branch with outreach to rural America. And we
welcome your ideas.
Economic stress in rural areas is not just numbers and statistics and bushels of wheat.
It is people and pride and sweat and families that need help now. To provide some extra
cash flow for farmers early in this crop year, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments in the form of certificates for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. This will be an additional 10 percent of
projected deficiency payments, or about $850 million in total for American farmers.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm broadcasters throughout
the country. A breakthrough budget compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It
came early, and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for farmers is it
leave
L
leaves average spending on farm price and income support programs at a level three or four
in
times higher than the average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these tough times. And we
are here today to take your questions. Thank you.
#
#
#
The pay
into
04. 17. 89 10:27 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P 0 4
the lakens
Document 410.
02700288
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
From Secretary Yeutter
- see retyped version
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
04. 17. 89 10:27 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P05
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio. Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you
AFR 15 CI 03
:
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
to The Denefit of
ment by the GATT pations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpavers around the world. And there was
D new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
This tride
America's goals for the next round in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
She eventual
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
export 1 subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
The people the
Americante behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
04.
17.
89
10:27
AM
*USDA PRESS SECRETARY P06
The need to diversist our rurds
economies and create. more jobs in
runal dreds.
The
public is 3150
economic
rural communities. In And today. we are establishing a new Working
New, all American deeply concerned necently about conditions in our
response
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
the executive branch
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a reality check' for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
Economic strest in
federal resources.
rundl lareds
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors.
The farm crisis is not just numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide some extra money to growers
cash flow for
formers early in The enox Tuer
burt by the drought today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And This Secretary will be
Mentter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
about $800 million total for American Farmors.
advance 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments, or
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
04. 17. 89 10:27 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P07
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price and income
3
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio.Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
027002SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST see comments
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
SANS
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio. Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
RS9 APR 15 E: 03
Good (afternoon). I. am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpavers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take anv actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
Fav mers do not use acromyus Suchas this.
Use alternative Phrase to explain.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
Document No.
027002SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
Comments
RESPONSE:
All DP
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio.Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
7989 APR 15 FM 29,03
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
foreign
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
w
the
Auber to delit fine
&
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM
COOPER EVANS CE
SUBJECT
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
I suggest that the text of the address be modified slightly
to more fully recognize the fact that the drought continues
in much of rural America.
At the end of paragraph 3 on page 2, consider adding the
following:
" Also, I am asking Secretary Yeutter to reconvene
the Interagency Drought Task Force which was so
effective in 1988. The weather continues to be
extremely dry in parts of the country. I want
the Task Force to closely monitor the situation
and, in the unlikely event the drought continues,
to make appropriate recommendations. "
(See attached.)
CC: James Cicconi
David Bates
Michael Jackson
Lehmann Li
A serious lack of rain continues in major producing areas in
spite of official projections that the odds for a second year
of drought are less than one percent. Drought persists in
much of the best corn and soybean areas in Nebraska, Iowa,
and Illinois. Both south and west Texas are extremely dry.
The winter wheat crop has suffered serious damage in the
High Plains. Livestock feed is critically short in many areas.
Members of Congress are asking for immeidate action on a number
of specific relief measures and are planning to introduce
legislation.
Farm broadcasters are keenly aware of this and will quickly
recognize that paying more advance deficiency payments now
is largely a move to help the 1990 budget.
The text of the address could be made far more responsive by
including a brief announcement that the President is
reactivating the 1988 interagency drought task force to follow
the situation closely and recommend appropriate action.
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio.Aq)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
7089 APR 15 FM 03
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you --
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
will
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments. ^ See a Hached,
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
(L.t.
Document No.
027002SS
Pavid Bath
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/15/89
4/17/89 NOON
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
EVANS
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than NOON, Monday, April 17, 1989, with an info copy
to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio.) Ag)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
1069 APR 15 Fill
Good (afternoon). I am delighted to be talking with you 28,03 --
03
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
the executure Ganeh
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
and
3
?
(2 defferent programs)
( USDA should fine not which )
one
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
COOPER EVANS CE
FROM
SUBJECT
AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
I suggest that the text of the address be modified slightly
to more fully recognize the fact that the drought continues
in much of rural America.
At the end of paragraph 3 on page 2, consider adding the
following:
" Also, I am asking Secretary Yeutter to reconvene
the Interagency Drought Task Force which was so
effective in 1988. The weather continues to be
extremely dry in parts of the country. I want
the Task Force to closely monitor the situation
and, in the unlikely event the drought continues,
to make appropriate recommendations."
(See attached.)
CC: James Cicconi
David Bates
He said Yeuther is breifing the
Michael Jackson
Lehmann Li
President this morning on
the drought Situation. After
atnpu Dole & Kassebaum
tokansas to review the
situation first hand, he does
not think that the above
paragraph there hondwan Fore need sto 12:30 KG the AS
A serious lack of rain continues in major producing areas in
spite of official projections that the odds for a second year
of drought are less than one percent. Drought persists in
much of the best corn and soybean areas in Nebraska, Iowa,
and Illinois. Both south and west Texas are extremely dry.
The winter wheat crop has suffered serious damage in the
High Plains. Livestock feed is critically short in many areas.
Members of Congress are asking for immeidate action on a number
of specific relief measures and are planning to introduce
legislation.
Farm broadcasters are keenly aware of this and will quickly
recognize that paying more advance deficiency payments now
is largely a move to help the 1990 budget.
The text of the address could be made far more responsive by
including a brief announcement that the President is
reactivating the 1988 interagency drought task force to follow
the situation closely and recommend appropriate action.
(McNally)
April 15, 1989
1:30 p.m.
Draft two
(Radio. Aq)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: AGRICULTURE RADIO ADDRESS
U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Good (afternoon). I. am delighted to be talking with you --
15 03
live from the Department of Agriculture in Washington -- here
with Secretary Clayton Yeutter.
You know, sometimes it seems like the United States farmer
is like the goodhearted guy at the neighborhood bar who buys
everybody a beer and never gets a round in return.
Well, American farmers got good news last week when the
agricultural talks in Geneva ended. There was a renewed commit-
ment by the GATT nations to long-term agricultural reform -- for
farmers, consumers and taxpayers around the world. And there was
a new "roadmap" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for the next round, in Uruguay, have not
changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American farmer.
We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of
all subsidies, import barriers, and other tricks that distort
trade and create bogus incentives to grow products for which no
markets exist.
America is behind you on this. We will not take any actions
-- short-term or long-term -- that aren't matched by the European
Community and other developed nations. We're not about to disarm
unilaterally in agriculture.
2
Now, all America is deeply concerned about conditions in our
rural communities. And today we are establishing a new Working
Group on Rural Development. Chaired by Secretary Yeutter here,
it will have senior leaders from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America. And we welcome your ideas.
Last year's drought was a "reality check" for just about
every American. The rains wouldn't come. And no Act of Congress
was going to repeal the laws of nature. We saw that our farmers
and our farmland can't be taken for granted -- won't be taken for
granted -- and that our rural economies must be developed and
diversified. And this means more efficient use of existing
federal resources.
But look, we know that no Washington broadcast about
improved efficiency is going to get anybody rushing off to start
their tractors. The farm crisis is not numbers and statistics
and bushels of wheat. It is people and pride and sweat and
families that need help now. To provide extra money to growers
hurt by the drought, today we are announcing additional advance
deficiency payments for farmers who sign up for the 1989 wheat,
feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. And Secretary
will
Yeutter is authorizing eligible farmers to get an additional
advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments. ^ See a Hached.
One last thought before we take some questions from farm
broadcasters throughout the country. A breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early,
and that's good news for all Americans. And the good news for
3
farmers is it leaves average spending on farm price income
support programs at a level three to four times higher than the
average during the last decade.
We are listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we are here today to take your questions.
Thank you.
#
#
#
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS
FOR
PRESIDENT BUSH'S OPENING REMARKS
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Live Radio Conference
Good afternoon. talking w/you line from the DOA -
I am delighted to be here today with Secretary of Agriculture
Clayton Yeutter in the Department of Agriculture's radio
studio. Rural radio stations are still a prime means of
reaching into America's heartland, and USDA under Clayton's
leadership does a fine job of keeping America's farmers up to
the minute on news from the Department.
guy at for the
U.S. agriculture got good news last week as the GATT
agricultural negotiations ended in Geneva with the GATT
nations reconfirming that long-term agricultural reform is in
the best interest of farmers, consumers and taxpayers
throughout the world. In Geneva, we laid the groundwork to
continue to negotiate new rules to govern agricultural trade.
With this agreement, we now have a "roadmap" on how we will
conduct the final two years of the negotiations.
Bestin the world.
-- Our goals for the outcome of the Uruguay Round have not
The bottom line is fairness for the over. form. Mark I wain
changed, be assured. We seek a level playing field for our
other
farmers -- elimination of all subsidies, import barriers, and
other practices that distort trade and create incentives to
our C
grow products for which there are no markets. While we will
2
remain flexible in our discussions throughout the final 20
months, we will not take any actions -- either short or
long-term -- which are not matched by the European Community
and other developed countries. In other words, we will not
disarm unilaterally in agriculture.
-- In addition to the all-important impact of trade negotiations
on American agriculture, I am deeply concerned about overall
conditions in our rural communities. Because of this concern,
today I am establishing a Working Group on Rural Development
which will report to my Economic Policy Council. Secretary
Yeutter will chair the working group which will have
representation at the senior policy level from every arm of
government with outreach to rural America.
[Included in the task force are: Vice President Quayle's
office, and the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Labor,
Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development,
Transportation, and Education; the Office of Management and
Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Small Business
Administration and the White House Office of Policy
Development.]
3
-- Events such as last year's drought reinforce the need to
develop and diversify the rural economy in the year's ahead.
The working group will ensure that the needs of rural America
are met by better use and more efficient coordination of
existing federal resources. With the drought still in mind,
many of you know Secretary Yeutter, Senators Dole and
Kassebaum, and Congressman Roberts joined with Kansas Governor
Hayden and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Sam Brownback last
Friday to tour drought-stricken areas of that state. We have
reason for concern, not only in Kansas but in other growing
areas as well where sufficient rain just has not come.
-- To provide extra operating capital to producers whose incomes
were reduced due to last year's drought, today we are
announcing that additional advance deficiency payments will be
available to producers who sign up for the 1989 wheat, feed
with
grain, rice and upland cotton programs. Secretary Yeutter is
authorizing eligible producers of these crops to receive an
additional advance of 10 percent of their projected deficiency
payments.
mature
One last thought before I take some questions from farm
broadcasters around the country -- and that concerns budgetary
concerns. (A budget compromise was reached Friday between the
Administration and Congress.) Even with cuts in the budget
for agriculture, average spending on farm price income support
I
4
programs is still three to four times higher than the average
during the last decade. My Presidency supports American
agriculture 100 percent -- today, tomorrow and throughout my
Administration.
###
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS
FOR
PRESIDENT BUSH'S OPENING REMARKS
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Live Radio Conference
I am delighted to be here today with Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter
in the Department of Agriculture's radio studio. Rural radio stations are still
a prime means of reaching into America's heartland, and USDA under
Clayton's leadership does a fine job of keeping America's farmers up to the
minute on news from the Department.
U.S. agriculture got good news last week as the GATT agricultural
negotiations ended in Geneva with the GATT nations reconfirming that long-
term agricultural reform is in the best interest of farmers, consumers and
taxpayers throughout the world. In Geneva, we laid the groundwork to
continue to negotiate new rules to govern agricultural trade. With this
agreement, we now have a "roadmap" on how we will conduct the final two
years of the negotiations.
Our goals for the outcome of the Uruguay Round have not changed, be
assured. We seek a level playing field for our farmers -- elimination of all
subsidies, import barriers, and other practices that distort trade and create
incentives to grow products for which there are no markets. While we will
remain flexible in our discussions throughout the final 20 months, we will not
take any actions -- either short or long-term -- which are not matched by
the European Community and other developed countries. In other words, we
will not disarm unilaterally in agriculture.
In addition to the all-important impact of trade negotiations on American
agriculture, I am deeply concerned about overall conditions in our rural
communities. Because of this concern, today I am establishing a Working
Group on Rural Development which will report to my Economic Policy
Council. Secretary Yeutter will chair the working group which will have
representation at the senior policy level from every arm of government with
outreach to rural America.
[Included in the task force are: Vice President Quayle's office, and the
Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services,
04. 14. 89 10:40 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P 0 3
Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education; the Office
of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Small
Business Administration, and the White House Office of Policy Development.]
Events such as last year's drought reinforce the need to develop and diversify
the rural economy in the year's ahead. The working group will ensure that
the needs of rural America are met by better use and more efficient
coordination of existing federal resources. With the drought still in mind,
many of you know Secretary Yeutter, Senators Dole and Kassebaum, and
Congressman Roberts joined with Kansas Governor Hayden and Kansas
Secretary of Agriculture Sam Brownback last Friday to tour drought-stricken
areas of that state. We have reason for concern, not only in Kansas but in
other growing areas as well where sufficient rain just has not come.
To provide extra operating capital to producers whose incomes were reduced
due to last year's drought, today we are announcing that additional advance
deficiency payments will be available to producers who sign up for the 1989
wheat, feed grain, rice and upland cotton programs. Secretary Yeutter is
authorizing eligible producers of these crops to receive an additional advance
of 10 percent of their projected deficiency payments.
One last thought before I take some questions from farm broadcasters around
the country -- and that concerns budgetary concerns. (A budget compromise
was reached between the Administration and Congress.) Even with cuts
in the budget for agriculture, average spending on farm price income support
programs is still three to four times higher than the average during the last
decade. My Presidency supports American agriculture 100 percent - today,
tomorrow and throughout my Administration.
04. 14. 89 10:46 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P 0 4
QUESTIONS TO BE PLANTED
FOR THE PRESIDENT TO ANSWER
ä
In your opening statement, Mr. President, you mentioned that the recent talks
in Geneva will move agricultural global reform forward. Are you pleased with
the outcome of those negotiations?
A:
I am very pleased with the work that Ambassador Carla Hills, U.S.
Trade Representative, and Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter
did in those negotiations that took place in Geneva about 10 days ago.
As I said in my opening comments, we have the nations of the GATT
committed, for the first time ever, to put all of their agricultural
policies that are harmful to farmers, taxpayers and consumers on the
table to eventually negotiate away. This is a laudable achievement.
The final 20 months of the Uruguay Round talks will be an arduous
exercise. Carla and Clayton will spend a great deal of time on these
negotiations to make sure that we have a sound package that will lead
to expanded global trade in agriculture and a more level playing field
for American farmers.
Q:
Mr. President, many people in the Congress feel that these talks could
postpone the legislative process for the 1990 Farm Bill. Do you think that
there will or should be a delay?
A:
No, I don't think there should be a delay. Since the 1985 Farm Bill
expires at the end of calendar year 1990, Clayton has already been
working with both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees on
the new 1990 Farm Bill.
I know he is scheduled to testify tomorrow before the Senate
Agriculture Committee on this very issue. Clayton I hope that you can
work with the Congress to make sure that the next Farm Bill provides
more flexibility for farmers. So we don't have the government being
so involved in their decisionmaking process. Farmers are some of the
wisest businessmen in the United States, and if we untie their hands
of so many government regulations, they will be able to better compete
with our foreign counterparts.
In addition, Clayton, we should try to get a bill that gives us a great
04. 14. 89 10:46 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY PO5
deal of leverage for the final Uruguay Round negotiations.
ä
Many farmers feel that agriculture is taking a large cut in the 1990 budget.
You pledged during your campaign that you wouldn't balance the budget on
the back of the farmer. So, why did you call for these cuts?
A:
You are right, I did make that pledge and I am living up to it. The
budget deficit is serious business that affects every American --
including farmers. If we fail to address the deficit problem, we can
look for rising interest rates among other things.
High interest rates in the 1970's, as you all well remember, were the
underlying cause of the farm economic crisis early in this decade. We
simply cannot permit the economy to swing that far again. Thus, the
need for budget cuts.
Far from balancing the budget on the back of the farmer, I believe the
cuts are about as fair and equitable as any citizen could ask for. No
one likes belt-tightening, but all of us can appreciate the need for
increased fiscal responsibility.
[Note: If, as anticipated, the budget compromise cuts $500-600 million
from the agricultural budget instead of the earlier expect $1.1 billion,
these figures can be used to demonstrate further compassion for the
farm sector.]
Q:
You are known as the "Education President." Not much is being heard about
agricultural education these days; will you comment?
A:
Education is the foundation of America's future; I couldn't be more
bullish on any subject. And I am committed to agricultural education
as a major part of this foundation.
Farming and agri-business need young men and women schooled in
agricultural economics and related subjects. But even further down the
road, we can see our overall competitiveness as a by-product of
agricultural education.
The research of tomorrow will be done by the students of today; the
future of agriculture's competitive playing field -- the trade and
technology of the 21st century -- begins in ag classrooms around the
country.
Q:
What about research, Mr. President? What future uses are in store for
American agricultural products?
A:
I wish I had a crystal ball for this one! I am not an expert on new
product uses for America's crops -- I have one here beside me,
however, and I'll give the mike to him in a minute. But before I do,
04. 14. 89 10:46 AM *USDA PRESS SECRETARY P07
PROPOSED LIST OF FARM BROADCASTER QUESTIONERS
The following farm broadcasters have been chosen for geographical reasons as well as they
are extremely cooperative. These eleven questioners alone cover 718 radio stations!
1.
Orion Samuelson
Chicago, Illinois
Tribune Radio Net 45 stations
2.
Mark Vail (Current President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)
Topeka, Kansas
Kansas Agricultural Network -- 32 stations
3.
Dix Harper
Raleigh, North Carolina
Tobacco Radio New -- 250 stations
4.
Gary Digiuseppe
Centertown, Missouri
Brownfield Net - 130 stations
5.
Roddy Peeples
San Angelo, Texas
Voice of Southwest Agriculture -- 60 stations
6.
Gary Stewart
Seattle, Washington
Northwest Ag News Net -- 30 stations
7.
George Gatley
Yuma, Arizona
Western Ag-Radio Net -- 28 stations
8.
Ed Slusarczyk
Utica, New York
Ag Radio Net - 56 stations
9.
Cindy Zimmerman
Ocala, Florida
Independent Florida Agrinet 33 stations
10.
David Kranz
Sacramento, CA
California Farm Bureau " 45 stations
11.
Lynn Ketelsen
Willmar, MN
Linder Farm Network " 9 stations
Extended Page
6.1
Utica, New York
Ag Radio Net - 56 stations
9.
Cindy Zimmerman
Ocala, Florida
Independent Florida Agrinet -- 33 stations
10.
David Kranz
Sacramento, CA
California Farm Bureau - 45 stations
11.
Lynn Ketelsen
Willmar, MN
Linder Farm Network -- 9 stations
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 16, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
RBP
byll
From:
Roger B. Porter
Jim Pinkerton
Re:
Comments on Central America, USDA, and Tennessee
drafts
We have no comments on the Central America draft.
Our comments on the USDA draft are as follows:
First, will everyone in the audience know what "GATT" is?
There might be some benefit to providing more of a transition
from the 2nd and 3rd grafs on the first page.
Second, in the 4th graf on p.1, we suggest replacing
"tricks" with "devices. On the first line of the next graf down,
we would delete "any." We don't need to gratuitously tie our
hands on these sensitive policy questions.
Third, we would delete the graf that starts on the bottom of
p. 2 on the budget. The fact is that agriculture programs will
get less as a result of the budget agreement. Most farmers will
know this, and therefore our point about "three to four times
higher" is nothing to brag about. The budget will probably come
up in the Q and A session. That's the right time to use these
statistics. As a substitute for this graf, we would restate the
good news that we have to announce: the opening up of foreign
markets, the new rural task force, and the advance deficiency
payments.
We are very impressed with the Tennessee draft. The
richness of detail will impress the audience, not to mention the
team. The penultimate graf generates real emotion. Our only
comment: the President may need help on the pronunciation of the
surname "Hawhee" at the top of pg. 3.
#
CC: Bill Roper
John Gardner
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 18, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FARM RADIO BROADCAST
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
1:18 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Clayton Yeutter -- our
distinguished Secretary of Agriculture. And, Gary, thank you for
monitoring us here and, Brenda, thank you for that -- those words of
welcome.
You know, American farmers got good news at the GATT
agricultural talks in Geneva a couple of weeks ago. G-A-T-T -- known
as "GATT" -- was set up to provide these international rules of
trade. And there was a renewed commitment by the 96 participating
nations to long-term agricultural reform -- benefitting farmers,
consumers and taxpayers all around the world. And there was a new
"road map" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for this trade round have not changed.
Clayt, you fought for this when you were the U.S. Trade
Representative and now as Secretary of Agriculture. The goals
haven't changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American
farmer. And we seek a level playing field for our farmers -- the
eventual elimination of export subsidies, import barriers, and other
devices that distort trade and create bogus incentives to grow
products for which no markets exist. On a level playing field --
where neither side has the home team advantage -- American farmers
can compete with anybody in the world. And we'd have an export boom
if we had that kind of international market.
The American people are behind you in these negotiations.
We will not take actions -- short-term or long-term -- that aren't
matched by the European Community and the other developed nations.
We're not about to disarm unilaterally in agriculture. And we want
to get ride of the impediments that keep us from exporting.
American public is also deeply concerned about economic
conditions in our rural communities. And that means need to
diversify in our rural economies, creating more jobs in these rural
areas. In a response, we're developing a new Working Group on Rural
Development. It's chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, and I
know he'll be glad to talk about that. It will have senior leaders
from every arm of government with outreach to rural America. And to
the listeners today, we would welcome your ideas.
- 2 -
to the questions from the farm broadcasters -- a breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early, and
that's good news for all Americans.
Were listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we're here today to take some questions. And thank
you very much.
Q
Mr. President, I'd like to pursue the area of
agricultural trade. Until this morning, we had been using our
agricultural trade through the Export Enhancement Program to maintain
and perhaps to gain some new markets. There are those who say that
we should use our food exports as a foreign policy tool as well. Do
you and your administration see using the food that we can produce
for other countries as a foreign policy tool?
THE PRESIDENT: No, sir, not if I'm interpreting your
question correctly, because when I think of foreign policy tool, my
mind goes back to singling out agriculture in a trade embargo against
the Soviet Union. And I will not do that as President of the United
States. I know our able Secretary of Agriculture is on the same side
of this one. We will not use food as a diplomatic tool. We are
rebuilding confidence in American agriculture in terms of reliability
in foreign markets and we're going to have to continue to do that.
And one way to reverse that out and set back exports would be to use
food as a diplomatic tool. And I'm not going to do that.
Q
Mr. President, we appreciate -- all the farm
broadcasters appreciate your openness and Secretary Yeutter's
openness to American agriculture. You mentioned the advanced
dificiency payment increases, and being the fact that Kansas crop,
especially wheat, so devastated by the drought conditions, will this
be the sum total of federal action for producers who've lost crops to
drought increase in deficiency payments?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I wouldn't say the sum total, and
I'd let Secretary Yeutter share with you, as he did with me in the
Oval Office, his views on his recent trip to Kansas where he saw
firsthand the suffering and the concern of American farmers. So I
wouldn't say this will be all that can be done. I do think that
because farmers are still experiencing these dry conditions in the
Midwest and in other parts of the nation, that this program will
help, advancing the payments.
But, on the other hand, I'd leave to Clayton what steps
further we might take, but I can tell you this: because of his
standing in the agricultural community and his day-to-day contact
with farmers, I will be very open-minded over in the White House if
he comes over with additional suggestions or recommendations. So
this should not be viewed as the definitive answer. We hope it is
something that will help the farm family.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: I'll do just a quick supplement to
that so that we don't cut into the valuable time of the President of
the United States, but just to say, as you know, Mark, I visited
Kansas, along with Senators Dole and Kassebaum and Congressman
- 3 -
Committee that agriculture is being asked to take more than its fair
share of cuts in spending. Now, in your campaign, you assured
farmers that the budget would not be balanced on their backs, and I
just wonder, how do you react to these concerns?
/
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Roddy, first, greetings to Tom
Green County out there, and I'm delighted to be talking to you.
Secondly, my view is this: we are in perilous budget deficit times.
We have got to get the deficit down, and the best thing -- the best
thing we can do to help the American farmer is to get these interest
rates down. And the best way to do that is to make the tough
decision on the spending side of our budget. Now, having said that,
I feel that farmers are fair play. I mentioned earlier the grain
embargo. One of the things that irks the farmers properly is that
they were asked to carry the whole burden. And here we're not. Yes,
Ag has taken a hit, but so is a wide array of programs across the
board. And I think what we've done here is fair. The program is
still there and vigorous and high levels of spending -- $11 billion I
think is the figure. And so I hope that nobody feels that this is an
unfair approach to getting the deficit down.
But I can guarantee you that if we are successful -- and
I've done this, incidentally, this first step, without raising taxes
on the American farmer if we are successful here, then you're
going to have the biggest benefit to the farmers at all. You're
going to have a lower interest rate, a continued growing economy.
And then if we succeed overseas, you're going to have a vigorous new
market for ag products. So please -- I can understand Chairman de la
Garza, my friend from South Texas -- and who was it? -- Charlie
Stenholm, who is out there from east and north of you -- but I'll
tell you, I think in the final analysis, we'll convince them that
this is an equitable approach to our budget.
Q
Mr. President, it's a real privilege to have this
opportunity to visit with you today. And I'd like to return to what
you opened with, and that's the good news of the GATT talks and the
effect that might be soon on the new farm bill. I know that
Secretary Yeutter has referred to that; he said he may want to alter
the content, have more leverage in the GATT-negotiations. Would you
comment on that, please?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Dick, first, thank you, sir, for
the greeting, and I'll let Clayton in a minute go into a little more
detail. But what happened over there was that an international
community reluctant to discuss agriculture has finally understood
that we've got to go forward. Now, we have agricultural -- Export
Enhancement Program. Others have had that for a long time. Others
gripe when the United States farmer gets the same incentive built
into the system that they themselves have enjoyed for a long time.
We understand that; we understand the screams coming from them.
But the good news is we've got this on the agenda, we
will be able to move forward now to freer markets and to less
protection. And so the upcoming farm bill can indeed be used as
leverage, you might say, because we are not going to unilaterally
disarm, if you will. We're not going to take cuts unilaterally based
on some verbal assurance from that have excluded our products
- 4 -
But, as President Bush said, we certainly want to do the
right things in next year's farm bill to contribute to that
negotiating environment. In other words, we sure don't want to give
away any negotiating leverage, and, if possible, we've got to try to
enhance it. In that regard, by the way, I'm going to be testifying
to the Senate Ag Committee tomorrow morning in the first hearing
that'll be held on the farm bill. You may want to take a look at my
testimony when it's available tomorrow because it'll have some
statements on this subject that'll be quite definitive and specific.
Q
Mr. President, you frequently linked Ag and exports
in public comments and once suggested that Secretary Yeutter was
hardly changing his job in moving from USTR to Agriculture. With the
steep debt we've got and with the favorable import balance
agriculture brings, should U.S. producers be worried the government's
use for them now is strictly as earners of currency to stanch the
flow of assets out of this country?
THE PRESIDENT: No, they shouldn't have any concern on
that because we are -- let me just repeat, using this phrase
"unilateral disarmament." We are not going to unilaterally disarm.
And I still feel deep in my heart that if we can get fewer barriers,
the American farmer can compete in all kinds of areas -- and I'm
including dairy in this, where we haven't competed much before. And
so, we're not going to take unilateral hits in agriculture because
agriculture in many areas is benefitting our whole international
trade position.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: And we do want to be big export
earners, as a matter of fact. Gary, as you well know, the more
markets we can open up overseas, the more exports we'll have. And
agriculture will continue to make a very positive contribution to the
trade balance. And that'll be good because that'll also result in
higher farm incomes and that's what all of us want and the
President's strongly supportive of that.
THE PRESIDENT: Gary, there was one person that wasn't
sure that Secretary Yeutter was doing exactly the same thing, and
that was Mrs. Yeutter. Because I think they had had plans to go back
to the private sector.
And I got with Clayton and I said, look, it
is absolutely essential to our country that you agree to serve as
Secretary of Agriculture. And it was one of best decisions, I think,
that I've made. And, of course, I was grateful that he set aside his
private sector plan and his wife very graciously understood this, so
he once again could serve, and did it in a portfolio here that is
just vital -- and not just in your area of question, international
trade, but to our whole economy. So, I'm grateful the Secretary did
differentiate here.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: Thank you, Mr. President. That's a
very gracious and generous comment and a true story. Your time with
us, is up, I'm sorry to say, Mr. President. But, on behalf of
everybody in American Agriculture, I want to thank you for coming and
then I'll stay on and answer a few more questions.
THE PRESIDENT: Well -- and I would apologize to those
whose questions I didn't get to take. And I was talking to Clayt --
- 5 -
agriculture in America.
So, thanks for your hospitality. And, as Douglas
MacArthur said, I shall return. Thank you very much.
END
1:34 P.M. EDT
manally
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 18, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FARM RADIO BROADCAST
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
1:18 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Clayton Yeutter -- our
distinguished Secretary of Agriculture. And, Gary, thank you for
monitoring us here and, Brenda, thank you for that -- those words of
welcome.
You know, American farmers got good news at the GATT
agricultural talks in Geneva a couple of weeks ago. G-A-T-T -- known
as "GATT" -- was set up to provide these international rules of
trade. And there was a renewed commitment by the 96 participating
nations to long-term agricultural reform -- benefitting farmers,
consumers and taxpayers all around the world. And there was a new
"road map" for the final two years of negotiations.
America's goals for this trade round have not changed.
Clayt, you fought for this when you were the U.S. Trade
Representative and now as Secretary of Agriculture. The goals
haven't changed. The bottom line is fairness for the American
farmer. And we seek a level playing field for our farmers -- the
eventual elimination of export subsidies, import barriers, and other
devices that distort trade and create bogus incentives to grow
products for which no markets exist. On a level playing field --
where neither side has the home team advantage -- American farmers
can compete with anybody in the world. And we'd have an export boom
if we had that kind of international market.
The American people are behind you in these negotiations.
We will not take actions -- short-term or long-term -- that aren't
matched by the European Community and the other developed nations.
We're not about to disarm unilaterally in agriculture. And we want
to get ride of the impediments that keep us from exporting.
American public is also deeply concerned about economic
conditions in our rural communities. And that means need to
diversify in our rural economies, creating more jobs in these rural
areas. In a response, we're developing a new Working Group on Rural
Development. It's chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, and I
know he'll be glad to talk about that. It will have senior leaders
from every arm of government with outreach to rural America. And to
the listeners today, we would welcome your ideas.
- 2 -
to the questions from the farm broadcasters -- a breakthrough budget
compromise was reached with Congress on Friday. It came early, and
that's good news for all Americans.
Were listening. We are with the American farmer in these
tough times. And we're here today to take some questions. And thank
you very much.
Q
Mr. President, I'd like to pursue the area of
agricultural trade. Until this morning, we had been using our
agricultural trade through the Export Enhancement Program to maintain
and perhaps to gain some new markets. There are those who say that
we should use our food exports as a foreign policy tool as well. Do
you and your administration see using the food that we can produce
for other countries as a foreign policy tool?
THE PRESIDENT: No, sir, not if I'm interpreting your
question correctly, because when I think of foreign policy tool, my
mind goes back to singling out agriculture in a trade embargo against
the Soviet Union. And I will not do that as President of the United
States. I know our able Secretary of Agriculture is on the same side
of this one. We will not use food as a diplomatic tool. We are
rebuilding confidence in American agriculture in terms of reliability
in foreign markets and we're going to have to continue to do that.
And one way to reverse that out and set back exports would be to use
food as a diplomatic tool. And I'm not going to do that.
Q
Mr. President, we appreciate -- all the farm
broadcasters appreciate your openness and Secretary Yeutter's
openness to American agriculture. You mentioned the advanced
dificiency payment increases, and being the fact that Kansas crop,
especially wheat, so devastated by the drought conditions, will this
be the sum total of federal action for producers who've lost crops to
drought increase in deficiency payments?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I wouldn't say the sum total, and
I'd let Secretary Yeutter share with you, as he did with me in the
Oval Office, his views on his recent trip to Kansas where he saw
firsthand the suffering and the concern of American farmers. So I
wouldn't say this will be all that can be done. I do think that
because farmers are still experiencing these dry conditions in the
Midwest and in other parts of the nation, that this program will
help, advancing the payments.
But, on the other hand, I'd leave to Clayton what steps
further we might take, but I can tell you this: because of his
standing in the agricultural community and his day-to-day contact
with farmers, I will be very open-minded over in the White House if
he comes over with additional suggestions or recommendations. So
this should not be viewed as the definitive answer. We hope it is
something that will help the farm family.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: I'll do just a quick supplement to
that so that we don't cut into the valuable time of the President of
the United States, but just to say, as you know, Mark, I visited
Kansas, along with Senators Dole and Kassebaum and Congressman
- 3 -
Committee that agriculture is being asked to take more than its fair
share of cuts in spending. Now, in your campaign, you assured
farmers that the budget would not be balanced on their backs, and I
just wonder, how do you react to these concerns?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Roddy, first, greetings to Tom
Green County out there, and I'm delighted to be talking to you.
Secondly, my view is this: we are in perilous budget deficit times.
We have got to get the deficit down, and the best thing -- the best
thing we can do to help the American farmer is to get these interest
rates down. And the best way to do that is to make the tough
decision on the spending side of our budget. Now, having said that,
I feel that farmers are fair play. I mentioned earlier the grain
embargo. One of the things that irks the farmers properly is that
they were asked to carry the whole burden. And here we're not. Yes,
Ag has taken a hit, but so is a wide array of programs across the
board. And I think what we've done here is fair. The program is
still there and vigorous and high levels of spending -- $11 billion I
think is the figure. And so I hope that nobody feels that this is an
unfair approach to getting the deficit down.
But I can guarantee you that if we are successful -- and
I've done this, incidentally, this first step, without raising taxes
on the American farmer -- if we are successful here, then you're
going to have the biggest benefit to the farmers at all. You're
going to have a lower interest rate, a continued growing economy.
And then if we succeed overseas, you're going to have a vigorous new
market for ag products. So please -- I can understand Chairman de la
Garza, my friend from South Texas -- and who was it? -- Charlie
Stenholm, who is out there from east and north of you -- but I'll
tell you, I think in the final analysis, we'll convince them that
this is an equitable approach to our budget.
Q
Mr. President, it's a real privilege to have this
opportunity to visit with you today. And I'd like to return to what
you opened with, and that's the good news of the GATT talks and the
effect that might be soon on the new farm bill. I know that
Secretary Yeutter has referred to that; he said he may want to alter
the content, have more leverage in the GATT negotiations. Would you
comment on that, please?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Dick, first, thank you, sir, for
the greeting, and I'll let Clayton in a minute go into a little more
detail. But what happened over there was that an international
community reluctant to discuss agriculture has finally understood
that we've got to go forward. Now, we have agricultural -- Export
Enhancement Program. Others have had that for a long time. Others
gripe when the United States farmer gets the same incentive built
into the system that they themselves have enjoyed for a long time.
We understand that; we understand the screams coming from them.
But the good news is we've got this on the agenda, we
will be able to move forward now to freer markets and to less
protection. And so the upcoming farm bill can indeed be used as
leverage, you might say, because we are not going to unilaterally
disarm, if you will. We're not going to take cuts unilaterally based
on some verbal assurance from people that have excluded our products
- 4 -
But, as President Bush said, we certainly want to do the
right things in next year's farm bill to contribute to that
negotiating environment. In other words, we sure don't want to give
away any negotiating leverage, and, if possible, we've got to try to
enhance it. In that regard, by the way, I'm going to be testifying
to the Senate Ag Committee tomorrow morning in the first hearing
that'll be held on the farm bill. You may want to take a look at my
testimony when it's available tomorrow because it'll have some
statements on this subject that'll be quite definitive and specific.
Q
Mr. President, you frequently linked Ag and exports
in public comments and once suggested that Secretary Yeutter was
hardly changing his job in moving from USTR to Agriculture. With the
steep debt we've got and with the favorable import balance
agriculture brings, should U.S. producers be worried the government's
use for them now is strictly as earners of currency to stanch the
flow of assets out of this country?
THE PRESIDENT: No, they shouldn't have any concern on
that because we are let me just repeat, using this phrase
"unilateral disarmament." We are not going to unilaterally disarm.
And I still feel deep in my heart that if we can get fewer barriers,
the American farmer can compete in all kinds of areas -- and I'm
including dairy in this, where we haven't competed much before. And
so, we're not going to take unilateral hits in agriculture because
agriculture in many areas is benefitting our whole international
trade position.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: And we do want to be big export
earners, as a matter of fact. Gary, as you well know, the more
markets we can open up overseas, the more exports we'll have. And
agriculture will continue to make a very positive contribution to the
trade balance. And that'll be good because that'll also result in
higher farm incomes and that's what all of us want and the
President's strongly supportive of that.
THE PRESIDENT: Gary, there was one person that wasn't
sure that Secretary Yeutter was doing exactly the same thing, and
that was Mrs. Yeutter.
Because I think they had had plans to go back
to the private sector.
And I got with Clayton and I said, look, it
is absolutely essential
to our country that you agree to serve as
Secretary of Agriculture. And it was one of best decisions, I think,
that I've made. And, of course, I was grateful that he set aside his
private sector plan and his wife very graciously understood this, so
he once again could serve, and did it in a portfolio here that is
just vital -- and not just in your area of question, international
trade, but to our whole economy. So, I'm grateful the Secretary did
differentiate here.
SECRETARY YEUTTER: Thank you, Mr. President. That's a
very gracious and generous comment and a true story. Your time with
us, is up, I'm sorry to say, Mr. President. But, on behalf of
everybody in American Agriculture, I want to thank you for coming and
then I'll stay on and answer a few more questions.
THE PRESIDENT: Well -- and I would apologize to those
whose questions I didn't get to take. And I was talking to Clayt --
- 5 -
agriculture in America.
So, thanks for your hospitality. And, as Douglas
MacArthur said, I shall return. Thank you very much.
END
1:34 P.M. EDT