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Foreign subsidies are focus of House ag hearing

Subsidies that other countries provide to their agriculture sectors are jeopardizing free trade and harming American farmers.

That was the main message coming out of today’s House Agriculture Committee hearing on foreign subsidies.

In his opening remarks, Committee chairman Michael Conaway of Texas said the U.S. government must begin to take on those who are cheating on their trade commitments.

Ranking member Collin Peterson of Minnesota said the U.S. needs a level playing field if it is going to be competitive in the world market.

Witnesses at the hearing represented the cotton, sugar and dairy industries.

AUDIO: Excerpts from House Ag Committee hearing on foreign subsidies