April 22, 1983
I am today announcing that we have proposed to the Soviet Union the negotiation of a new
long-term grain agreement (LTA). We are taking this step to reaffirm our reliability as a supplier
of grain. The present U.S.-Soviet long-term agreement, which originally covered the 1976 - 1981
period, was extended last September for a single year, through September 30, 1983. Negotiation
of a new long-term agreement is consistent with United States agricultural export policy and
reflects our commitment to reestablish the U.S. as a reliable supplier. Assuming the Soviets accept
this proposal, these negotiations will be conducted by the U.S. Trade Representative in close
coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of State.