“We must demand immediate sanctions if these countries do not lift their phony barriers on U.S. long grain rice,” said Congressman Berry. “Arkansas is the largest producer of rice in the country, accounting for more than 45% of all domestic production. We simply cannot afford to sit quiet while the international community threatens the economic security of our rice producers.”

Bayer CropScience notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently that it detected trace amounts of regulated genetically engineered rice, LLRICE 601, in samples taken from commercial long grain rice. After reviewing all available scientific data, both agencies concluded that the rice does not present any threat to human health, food safety, or the environment. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also conducted a risk assessment, indicating that LLRICE 601 is safe for the environment.

Despite these findings, Japan and South Korea have imposed a ban on all U.S. imports of long grain rice. The European Commission is also deciding what action to take against the United States.

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August 24, 2006

Ambassador Susan C. Schwab

United States Trade Representative

600 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20508

Dear Ambassador Schwab:

The First Congressional district in Arkansas is one of the top farming districts in the entire country, ranking number one in rice production, number four in cotton, and among the top ten for soybeans.  We are proud of our strong farm economy, and our long-standing tradition of providing a safe, and secure food and fiber supply for America's consumers.

As you are aware, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration were notified by Bayer CropScience that the company has detected trace amounts of regulated genetically engineered rice, LLRICE 601, in samples taken from commercial long grain rice.  Both have reviewed the available scientific data and concluded that there are no human health, food safety, or environmental concerns associated with this GE rice.  According to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, the presence of LLRICE 601 in the food and feed supply poses no safety concerns.  Furthermore, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also conducted a risk assessment, which indicates LLRICE 601 is safe in the environment.

I am very concerned with recent statements from some of our international trading partners about their positions on American rice.  Japan and South Korea have recently suspended imports of long-grain rice from the United States, and the European Commission remains undecided on what action to take on long grain rice from the United States.  As you know, we export approximately fifty percent of our rice crop, and these flagrant statements pose a significant threat to our domestic producers.  This phony barrier put in place by these countries should not be tolerated and sanctions should be requested if the trade barrier is not immediately lifted. 

Thank you for your consideration.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        MARION BERRY