A bipartisan group of former U.S. Agriculture Secretaries, representing all past administrations since President Jimmy Carter, issued an open letter on Friday urging Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The former secretaries note that TPA has been given to all previous presidents since Gerald Ford and is critical for successfully negotiating new trade partnerships that boost exports and create …
Sec. Vilsack Addresses 2015 Commodity Classic
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to over 7000 agricultural producers and industry members during his 6th appearance at Commodity Classic on Friday. Sec. Vilsack began by stating that he “was in the presence of greatness” and went on to thank farmers for all that they do on a daily basis. He also thanked farmers for their work on the …
Former USTR Talks Trade at Ethanol Conference
Former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk was the keynote speaker at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) National Ethanol Conference this week where the theme was “Going Global” with an emphasis on exports. “I want to thank you for your very strong and vocal support for a very smart trade policy for our country over the years,” said Kirk, who served …
Under Sec Scuse Visits Missouri State University
The Missouri State University William H. Darr School of Agriculture proudly hosted the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Michael Scuse. A luncheon was held where Under Secretary Scuse addressed a room full of leaders in Missouri agriculture. He also met with Missouri State agricultural students for a roundtable discussion and question and answer period. Most producers across …
Groups Urge Quick Passage Of TPA
A diverse group of agriculture and food organizations sent a letter to Congress this week urging swift passage of legislation renewing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The 70 groups, ranging from general farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau, to specialized commodity groups like the Wine Institute, say TPA is necessary so that major trade deals can be finalized and implemented …
Poultry Industry Urges Congress to Grant TPA
As U-S trade representative Michael Froman appeared before congressional committees this week to stress the need for the president to be granted Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), poultry producers were talking trade issues in Atlanta at the IPPE. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) President Jim Sumner says TPA is critical to getting major trade agreements with Asia and Europe …
USTR Ag Negotiator Visits AFBF Convention
Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the US Trade Representative Darci Vetter made an informal appearance at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in San Diego Sunday and stopped to answer a few trade related questions from the media. First, Ambassador Vetter was asked about the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations and Japan’s desire to exempt a variety of agricultural products from the …
Lawmakers Back Cuba Ag Trade Coalition
Lawmakers of both parties from across the country lined up to back the launch of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) on Thursday. Democrat Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri made a special point to be in Washington for the event to represent all agriculture states. “This is an extremely bi-partisan issue,” said Nixon. “We have been presented with an …
Ag Coalition for Cuba Launched
More than 25 companies and organizations launched the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) in Washington Thursday to liberalize trade and re-establish Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports. Among the speakers who introduced the new coalition were a list of lawmakers from a variety of states, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and representatives …
Agriculture May Benefit From Cuba Relations
The White House announcement Wednesday that the United States will begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba brought positive responses from the agriculture industry. “Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “I have no doubt that agriculture will continue …