Conaway: We Need To Promote American Ag Overseas

Trade promotion is a key part of the Farm Bill en route to President Trump for his signature.  Even though there are signs U.S. trade tensions with China may be thawing, lawmakers took no changes on farm trade.  House Ag Chair Michael Conaway stressed the importance of promoting U.S. farm exports, especially in light of China’s recent actions.

“China recently over subsidized just three crops by more than $100 billion in a single year.  Put it in perspective, China spent more on excess illegal subsidies in a year, then the entire U.S. safety net covering all commodities will cost in roughly two Farm Bills.”

Conaway said there was a key reason that lawmakers fully funded trade promotion programs, at the request of producers.

“This concludes fully funding the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.  We also succeed in maintaining the vital link between America’s farmers and ranchers and U.S. food aid by preserving the in kind food assistance to our neighbors in need around the world.”

Trade talks continue with China, and President Trump recently brokered a ceasefire in the tariff war with Beijing.  A brewing spat over the arrest in Canada, and possible extradition to the US, of a Chinese tech executive for alleged Iran sanctions violations, could hurt progress. China so far, has kept the arrest and trade issues separate, with the rumored soybean buys and possible cut in auto tariffs as positive signs.

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