AFBF, NCBA, other ag groups support trade deal

The American Farm Bureau said, “We hope the agreement will bring a more level playing field for farmers and ranchers by reducing tariffs and removing non-science based barriers to trade. We expect to see increased access for our agricultural products, particularly some meats.” While he reserved final judgment on the agreement until he is able to read it, Wade Cowan, president of the American Soybean Association, said, “The agreement will eliminate tariffs and other market access barriers in most markets and substantially increase access in remaining markets. We are optimistic that soybeans, soybean products and the livestock products produced by our customers all will fare well in the TPP agreement when specific details are revealed.” And by the way, soybeans are the top U.S. farm export when measured by value. Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers, said, "We are hopeful that this agreement continues the tradition of past free trade agreements, which have had a positive impact for America's farmers and ranchers. In the coming weeks, we will carefully examine the agreement to determine whether it is in the best interests of America's corn farmers." U.S. Grains Council CEO Tom Sleight said the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement is expected to increase the output of all U.S. grain exports by 11 percent. The National Cattlemen’s’ Beef Association said, “Congress should ratify the TPP, we can’t afford to pass this off to other countries. We’re the biggest economy in this agreement and it’s time for the U.S. to really take the lead.” The National Pork Producers Council said, “The Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement will help ensure that exports of U.S. pork products remain competitive in Asian markets. There’s nothing at this point that gives us any pause.”...more