Farm Bureau Expresses Opposite Reaction to TPA Vote in the House

July 30, 2002

The American Farm Bureau Federation praised the House for passing the conference agreement containing trade promotion authority. Calling the vote a victory for U.S. agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation called on the Senate quickly to follow suit.

"This trade negotiation authority is needed now," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "With negotiations well under way in the World Trade Organization, the United States cannot afford to delay TPA any longer. The House vote is a victory for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Now we look to the Senate to pass the bill before adjourning for its August recess so it can be signed into law soon."

Farm Bureau believes TPA is the catalyst needed to advance the U.S. proposal to reduce tariffs and improve market access, reduce disparities in trade-distorting domestic farm subsidies and eliminate export subsidies-the United States' three main objectives in the WTO negotiations. Without TPA proponents argue, other countries are reluctant to negotiate with the United States for fear that any hard-won trade agreement could be undone through amendments in the U.S. Congress. If the United States is not a leader in the negotiations, it would have to take or leave whatever agreement other countries work out. With TPA, the United States will be able to play a leadership role in the negotiations and have more control over their outcome.

"The U.S. market is one of the most open in the world, yet our farmers and ranchers face high tariffs, unfair subsidies and other noncompetitive practices when they try to export their products," Stallman said. "For U.S. agriculture to survive, we have to correct these disparities and level the playing field. The current WTO negotiations are our best chance to do that, and only with TPA can we succeed in the negotiations."