Bush Touts Trade As Central
To Strengthening Ag Economy

DES MOINES, Iowa —(AP)— Texas Gov. George W. Bush said Friday he will make expanding trade a central theme as he seeks to appeal to farm interests in Iowa's leadoff caucuses.

The GOP presidential front-runner telephoned Iowa reporters after delivering a foreign policy speech in California, a speech in which he lauded trade initiatives such as the move to admit China to the World Trade Organization.

``I do believe it is an important part of an agricultural policy that in the long term will help the Iowa farmers realize the benefits of their productivity,'' he said.

In addition, Bush said he would also focus on trade issues in seeking to open the European market to genetically modified commodities, a growing issue in the Farm Belt.

European Union nations have resisted genetically modified commodities, and that causes huge problems for farmers. They must store those grains and products apart from others, or risk having their products banned from Europe.

``I have spoken loudly and clearly that I believe at the upcoming trade talks, the U.S. and the president must take a firm stand encouraging Europe and other nations to open their markets,'' Bush said.

There's been resistance to those products because many claim they are leery of health consequences. Critics of the critics, however, contend those "health issues" are simply another of the EU's many thinly veiled trade barriers.

``I believe those discussions must be based on science, not hysteria,'' Bush said. ``The science says the food is safe.''

The issue of expanding trade is controversial, because many argue that trade deals clear the way for shipping jobs overseas.

``I know this is of some controversy,'' he said. ``It's a healthy debate.''

It is not a high-risk issue in Iowa. Politicians of both parties back trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement because they open foreign markets to selling farm commodities.