WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2015 – Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sector have continued to express their optimism and confidence in the newly reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Yesterday, trade ministers from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam concluded negotiations for the TPP-one of the largest trade deals in recent history. For America's food and agriculture sector, which has remained a bright spot in the country's economy for the past seven years, TPP would create more American jobs and drive the nation's rural economy. U.S. agricultural trade with the 11 TPP countries accounted for 42 percent of U.S. agricultural exports in 2014, contributing $63 billion to the U.S. economy.
U.S. agriculture supports about 1 in 11 American jobs, while agricultural trade supports more than 1 million U.S. jobs and contributes a trade surplus to the nation's economy benefitting rural communities and keeping U.S.-grown products in the highest-demand around the world. TPP will remove unfair trade barriers and help further the global expansion of American agricultural exports, particularly exports of meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, cotton and processed products.
As food and agriculture groups continue to review the final agreement, they expressed their support in the following statements:
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (American Farm Bureau)
"The Trans-Pacific Partnership has promised to open restricted markets for American business around the Pacific Rim. The American Farm Bureau Federation looks forward to reviewing the details of the agreement reached today to guarantee it fulfills that promise for the nation's farmers and ranchers." 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. The agreement covers markets that are expected to grow rapidly for decades to come. We expect to see increased access for our agricultural products, particularly some meats. "We commend U.S. Trade Representative Froman and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Vetter for their longstanding support and determination to reach an agreement. Now it is up to us to figure out exactly what we have and how we should work with Congress to improve international market opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers through the Trans-Pacific Partnership." Link
American Feed Industry Association: AFIA Applauds Completion of TPP Negotiations (American Feed Industry Association)
The American Feed Industry Association today thanks the United States Trade Representative Michael Froman for his leadership and dedication throughout the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, a process that took more than half of a decade. "Trade agreements, which eliminate trade barriers overseas, play a critical role in the future of the feed industry as it opens doors to new markets globally. This is particularly important as the future growth of the U.S. animal agriculture industry depends on international consumers, particularly, the growing population and middle class," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman. "TPP has the ability to ensure and create U.S. jobs, along with economically stronger rural communities." Newman said the next step for AFIA is to review the final TPP text when it is released. AFIA has been active in TPP and other trade agreement negotiations, including standing behind Trade Promotion Authority--signed into law in June--to make TPP and potentially the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership possible. The trade association is also a member of the Trade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 275 associations, businesses and agricultural groups. Link
American Soybean Association Welcomes Finalization of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (American Soybean Association)
Following news out of Atlanta that negotiators from the 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations have reached a final agreement, the American Soybean Association (ASA), which represents growers of the nation's top agricultural export commodity, applauded the achievement and promised a careful review of the agreement's specifics over the coming days. ASA President Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas, issued the following statement: "ASA applauds trade ministers from the 12 nations that make up the Trans-Pacific Partnership for concluding an agreement that is intended to create more opportunities, economic growth, and jobs. Over half of the soybeans produced by American farmers are exported overseas, and export markets are extremely important to our domestic livestock customers as well. This trade agreement has the potential to increase agricultural exports to new markets and to allow U.S. farmers to better compete in existing markets. Link
U.S. Sugar Producers Comment on TPP Deal (American Sugar Alliance)
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today's announcement that an agreement was reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal: "The American Sugar Alliance still needs to review the final language and verify details in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but we are cautiously optimistic about what we've learned from U.S. trade negotiators. "It is important to farmers and taxpayers alike that TPP not threaten America's no-cost sugar policy. And, it appears that United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and his team have achieved that goal with their skillful negotiation of provisions appropriate to such a complex market in this 21st Century trade agreement. "U.S. sugar producers applaud the USTR's office for its tireless work, its diligent communications with our industry throughout the process, and its understanding of the sensitivities surrounding a global sugar market that has been grossly distorted by foreign subsidies." Link
Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement has potential to create more prosperous, food-secure world (Cargill)
The conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in Atlanta take the world a step closer to becoming more prosperous and more food-secure. Negotiators from 12 Pacific Rim nations including the U.S., Canada and Japan that together make up 40 percent of the world economy reached an accord over what would be the largest trade pact in history. TPP has the potential to set the standard for 21st century international trade, promoting the movement of goods, capital and ideas that spur economic growth, help combat world hunger, and raise labor and environmental standards. "In many parts of the world, food and agricultural products still face the legacy of high import barriers," said David MacLennan, Cargill's chairman and chief executive officer. "We believe the Trans-Pacific Partnership will allow food to move more freely across borders from places of plenty to places of need, which benefits farmers and consumers around the world." Cargill encourages the governments of the TPP countries to follow through on the progress made by the negotiators, as TPP would benefit many sectors of the world economy, including food and agricultural production. Farmers in producing countries could potentially reach nearly 500 million new customers in Asia, who would in turn gain access to more affordable, higher quality products. Trade agreements have historically boosted export and import flows between participating nations, leading to higher-paying jobs and improved living standards. "Over time, the most successful countries have been those that embraced international trade," MacLennan said. "Modern trade agreements like the TPP will continue that trend, while also setting high standards for labor, human rights and sustainability." Link
Dow Welcomes Announcement of Conclusion of TPP Negotiations (Dow Chemical Company)
The Dow Chemical Company welcomes today's announcement on the completion of the comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. The countries involved in TPP represent 40 percent of the global economy and are critical markets for American exporters and investors. "On behalf of Dow, I commend Ambassador Mike Froman and his entire team for their leadership in concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations," said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow's chairman and chief executive officer. "TPP is a critical trade agreement for U.S. exporters like Dow. This landmark agreement will eliminate unnecessary trade barriers, strengthen America's manufacturing base and further open important markets." The conclusion of the TPP negotiations is a tangible example of America's leadership in the global rules-based trading system. Dow looks forward to the public review of the wide-ranging commitments in TPP. This will demonstrate the opportunities for American exporters and investors to develop new commercial opportunities in these fast growing markets. Link
Dairy Processors Thank U.S. Trade Officials for Efforts on TPP (International Dairy Foods Association)
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today released the following statement upon the announced conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
"IDFA thanks U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Darci Vetter and the entire U.S. interagency negotiating team for their hard work in bringing the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations to a close," said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president. "We look forward to reviewing the agreement's dairy provisions as they become available." The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies within a $125-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's nearly 200 dairy processing members run nearly 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. Visit IDFA at www.idfa.org. Link
NCBA Applauds Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations (National Cattlemen's Beef Association)
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has learned that the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations have successfully concluded today in Atlanta. NCBA President and Chugwater, Wyo., cattleman, Philip Ellis said this agreement will boost U.S. exports and eliminate trade barriers. "While the full details of the partnership will not be released until the President presents it to Congress, cattle producers are assured this is a true 21st century agreement," said Ellis. "The TPP will immediately reduce tariffs and level the playing field for U.S. beef exports to these growing markets. TPP is a major win not only for the beef industry, but for all U.S. export products, growing the economy while supporting jobs and investments in agriculture and technology." Beef exports currently add over $350 to each head of cattle sold in the U.S. With the completion of this work, NCBA looks forward to increased demand and growth for beef exports across the Pacific Rim. Through the partnership process with these 11 other nations, beef producers were able to secure the best deal possible to address tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to beef exports, surpassing individual country arrangements. Link
NCC Statement on Conclusion of TPP Negotiations (National Chicken Council)
National Chicken Council (NCC) President Mike Brown released the following statement about the conclusion today of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in Atlanta: "NCC applauds U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and his team of negotiators for their years of work on the TPP. The TPP represents a significant opportunity to expand U.S. chicken exports and bring increased economic benefits to chicken farmers and companies across the country. "Our major goals in this deal are to get a strong commitment on enforcement, in particular in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Second, we hope to see that the long-protected Canadian market is finally opened to free trade for poultry. "We look forward to reviewing what we hope will be a commercially meaningful and high standard agreement that will open markets and increase U.S. chicken exports." Link
NOPA APPLAUDS Completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations (National Oilseed Processors Association)
The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) applauds the successful conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement (TPP) negotiations. "We now look forward to reviewing the details of yesterday's agreement and stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration during the all-important Congressional consideration of this historic Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement." said Tom Hammer, NOPA President. This landmark 21st-century agreement, if enacted and signed into law, will unite an economically diverse and dynamic group of countries, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam in a manner that will provide exciting new market access opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers, processors, and exporters. After more than five years of intense negotiations, the TPP promises to establish a new standard for global trade while incorporating "next-generation" trade rules for nearly 40 percent of the global economy. The Asia-Pacific region is the world's largest market for U.S food and feed exports and will continue to grow rapidly in the years to come. Hammer stated that "TPP has the potential to provide the opportunity for U.S. processors of oilseed products, as well as our domestic poultry and livestock customers, to expand export sales to some of the fastest growing protein markets in the world."
NPPC Confident TPP Deal Good For U.S. Pork (National Pork Producers Council)
The National Pork Producers Council expressed confidence that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement negotiators concluded in Atlanta will benefit all sectors of the U.S. economy and will provide enormous new market opportunities for high-quality American pork products. The TPP, initiated in late 2008, is a regional trade deal that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, which account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP. "NPPC played an active role throughout the five-plus years of negotiations," said association President Dr. Ron Prestage, "providing U.S. negotiators with key information on barriers we face in the 11 other TPP countries and offering guidance on outcomes that would ensure substantial new market access benefits for U.S. pork in those markets." Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, who said a final TPP agreement could be "the most important commercial opportunity ever for U.S. pork producers," estimated that a good outcome for pork in the trade pact could increase U.S. pork exports over time exponentially and help create more than 10,000 U.S. jobs tied to those exports. Last year, the U.S. pork industry shipped about $4.5 billion of products to the 11 TPP nations. Link
North American Meat Institute Applauds Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations (North American Meat Institute)
The North American Meat Institute strongly supports the landmark Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement reached today in Atlanta, Georgia. "TPP will cut trade barriers and set common standards for more than 40 percent of the global economy. It is essential to the stability and long-term viability of our industry by expanding U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry exports," said NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter. "The agreement holds enormous potential for American meat exports, and levels the playing field for American workers and business in the world's fastest growing economic region." "TPP will strengthen our strategic relationships with trade partners in the critical Asia-Pacific region, enhance our competitiveness and support high-paying American jobs, while promoting transparency, driving innovation and supporting robust labor standards," Carpenter added. "The Meat Institute looks forward to reviewing the final text and to working with Congress to ensure its full approval and implementation." Link
U.S. Dry Bean Council Welcomes Transpacific Partnership Deal (U.S. Dry Bean Council)
The US Dry Bean Council (USDBC) welcomes the news of a final agreement on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Trade agreements are critical to our industry to; level the competitive playing field, open new market access opportunities, ensure reliance on a science based regulatory system, and eliminate unfair trade practices. In the absence of an agreement in the Doha Round of trade talks in the World Trade Organization, "the TPP takes on additional importance in enforcing the message that successful trade partnerships rely on a rules based system," according to Rebecca Bratter, Executive Director. We recognize and thank the tireless work of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the engagement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure a deal that presents the best possible value for U.S. agriculture. We know that in the coming weeks, we need to continue to push for Congressional ratification of TPP and emphasize the importance of this deal as the new benchmark for trade agreements and an unprecedented opportunity for new export channels. Bill Thoreson, President of the U.S. Dry Bean Council emphasized that "We will be working with our members and constituents to continue to ensure a unified voice of support for this deal as we believe it represents a new era in global trade." For More Information please contact the US Dry Bean Council at info@usdrybeans.com. Link
USGC Applauds Completion of TPP Negotiations (U.S. Grains Council)
A statement from U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight on completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, announced Monday: "We are very pleased to hear of the overall agreement coming out of the TPP negotiations in Atlanta and appreciate the negotiators' continued work to strike a deal. "Open, liberalized trade of goods and services is vital to the prosperity of the United States, including U.S. agriculture, and our trading partners around the world. We fundamentally believe that reducing the range of barriers to open trade will benefit not just the grain industry that we represent but also the overseas customers that we have sought to serve for more than 50 years. "Our priorities in these talks have been focused on the broad goal of securing increased market access for U.S. grains and ethanol and ensuring that existing access remains open. That means lasting tariff relief, sanitary and phytosanitary provisions that will reduce the impact of non-tariff barriers, and meaningful global progress on the synchronous approval of biotech events. "In 2014, the United States exported more than $6 billion in corn and corn co-products to the TPP region out of a world total of $11.4 billion. A TPP agreement is expected to increase the output of all grain exports from the United States by 11 percent. "With these facts in mind, we look forward to working with our partners to evaluate the agreement produced by the negotiators, provide our best judgment on its merits and explain its benefits to our members that will inspire their support for the ratification process. As we dig into the details of the agreement for grains and ethanol, we do so with expectation about the huge potential of markets that offer 800 million customers with a combined GDP of $28 trillion." Link
USHSLA Supports Landmark Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal (United States Hide, Skin & Leather Association)
Following the announcement on 5 October that trade ministers from the U.S. and 11 other Pacific Rim nations reached an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, Stephen Sothmann, President of the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) issued the following statement: "USHSLA has long been a supporter of the TPP and the opportunities it presents for U.S. hides and skins producers, processors, traders and exporters. The agreement will reduce or eliminate import tariffs on U.S. products in key leather and footwear producing countries, such as Vietnam and Japan, enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. firms in these markets. Furthermore, new rules governing animal health regulations and customs and border protocols stand to enhance the international trading regime to the benefit of all companies in the leather supply chain." The TPP partner countries include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Trade ministers announced the deal in Atlanta on Monday after over five years of negotiations. The agreement would phase out thousands of import tariffs and other barriers to international trade, while also establishing minimum labor and environmental standards.
U.S. Wheat Industry Comments on Conclusion of TPP Negotiations (U.S. Wheat Associates/National Association of Wheat Growers)
Following is a joint statement from U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). U. S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are pleased that negotiators have reached an agreement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). "Asia is a growing regional market and this agreement has the potential to increase economic opportunity and wheat demand even in countries where we already have duty free access," said USW President Alan Tracy. "That is critically important because our competitors like Australia are moving ahead with bilateral agreements that eliminate tariffs on wheat imports with countries like Vietnam. The high standards in the TPP agreement should help us be more competitive and hopefully lead to even more opportunity for our wheat as new countries join TPP in the future." "Trade agreements are essential for U.S. wheat farmers with more than 50 percent of our crop heading overseas. Concluding TPP negotiations is a step in the right direction. My fellow farmer-leaders and I look forward to reviewing the final text and working with Congress to determine how this will impact U.S. wheat farmers," commented NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash. USW and NAWG thank Ambassador Froman and the entire U.S. team focused on agricultural issues for their leadership and hard work in concluding these important TPP negotiations. Link
Washington Council on International Trade Celebrates Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations (Washington Council on International Trade)
The Washington Council on International Trade and it members – manufacturers, retailers, farmers and service providers from across Washington state - celebrated today's news that trade negotiators have finalized negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership regional free trade agreement. "After five years of negotiations on this groundbreaking trade deal that holds so much promise for Washington state, we are thrilled that a high-standard agreement has finally been concluded," said Eric Schinfeld, President of WCIT. "For too long Washington businesses and workers have faced numerous hurdles that prevent them from competing on a level playing field with their foreign competitors. The TPP can topple those barriers and address the issues our businesses and workers face in the 21st century – such as restrictions on cross-border data flows, state-owned enterprises that distort the market, the use of high tariffs and quotas, poor IP protections, and lax labor and environmental standards. The TPP is our chance to resolve many of these challenges and shape global trade rules that work in our favor. We thank our U.S. trade negotiators for their tireless efforts during the countless rounds of negotiations and for their commitment to finalizing the best possible deal for U.S. businesses and workers. We must seize this opportunity to improve the way the world trades and to incorporate U.S. interests and values into Asia-Pacific trade rules. We now look to Congress to vote to pass and implement this historic trade agreement without delay." Link
Western Growers Statement on TPP Deal Announcement (Western Growers)
Today, President and CEO of Western Growers Tom Nassif issued a statement following the announcement of a deal between trade ministers of the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations on the Trans Pacific Partnership: "Western Growers would like to congratulate U.S. negotiators and their TPP counterparts on their tireless efforts in reaching a deal that promotes enhanced trade between the Pacific Rim nations. We look forward to reviewing the final text of the recently completed agreement, which is critical for the U.S. fresh produce industry as the TPP countries represent more than 46 percent of our fruit, vegetable and tree nut exports. Additionally, this agreement provides a framework for additional countries in the Pacific Rim to join in the future, which will create further opportunity for our commodities. Western Growers has emphasized throughout the negotiations the need for a TPP agreement to provide significant market access opportunities and strong Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) enforcement provisions that guarantee real access to these critical markets. We hope to find these objectives have been accomplished."
Wine Institute Supports Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement (Wine Institute)
Wine Institute applauds the governments of United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations for successfully completing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations to eliminate tariffs faced by California wineries abroad, remove non-tariff barriers and set enforceable rules for trade. "Strong and market-opening trade agreements grow the U.S. economy and create and support well-paying U.S. jobs. We believe that TPP will deliver these results," said Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch. "We congratulate the Administration for its hard work and look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and continuing to work with Congress and the Administration on the TPP." As a result of free trade agreements implemented since 1989, U.S. agricultural exports have nearly quadrupled in value and now stand at a record $152.5 billion for fiscal year 2014. For wine, the percentage growth is even more dramatic. "Trade agreements have helped level the playing field and grow U.S. wine exports by 1,420 percent from $98 million in 1989 to nearly $1.5 billion last year," Koch added. The 12 TPP countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam. Link
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