WAWG Discuss Trade In DC

Fresh off of a trade trip to Japan and the Philippines, several members of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, took a trip to D.C., to discuss trade, and educate lawmakers of the issues facing farmers.  Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of WAWG told the Washington Ag Network many don’t appreciate that not being a part of TPP will be a direct hit to wheat growers.

“U.S. wheat will be put at a $65 per metric ton disadvantage, and then that allows both Canada and Australia, two of our closest competitors will see the lower tariffs making their wheat much more attractive than U.S. wheat.”

That is why wheat and other commodities continue to push for the U.S. to reenter TPP and other bilateral trade deals.  Hennings added regardless of what American politicians may what, Japan is not interested in a bilateral trade deal with the U.S.

“Agriculture is one of the few sectors that routinely has a trade surplus.  Having TPP go on without us threatens not only the surplus but the U.S.’ agriculture industry stability as a whole.  Farmers are already struggling as you know with low commodity prices as well as attacks on the farm safety net.”

Hennings called on President Trump to do what he can to reenter the U.S. in TPP.

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