COLOMBIA U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement:  The Northwest Horticultural Council supports passage of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. On February 27, 2006 the U.S. and Colombia announced the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement.  Officially entitled the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, this FTA must by enacted into law by the U.S. and Colombian governments before it will enter into effect. Colombia, a country of 41 million people, agreed to reduce its tariffs on apples, pears and cherries to zero immediately upon enactment of the agreement.  Currently tariffs are 15 percent.  Colombia does not pose an import threat to our industry and there are no current phytosanitary barriers preventing the export of our products to Colombia. During the 2004 season apple exports to Colombia increased 217% (to 359,313 cartons) from the previous season in large part due to Colombia raising its tariff on Chilean apples (and pears) from zero to 15%, where it currently remains.  More information on the agreement may be found on the web at  U.S. Colombia FTA. 5/25/07 Northwest Horticultural Council 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org