5-24 FB Free Trade

 Back in January the President set a goal of doubling our exports over the next five years, which he said would support two million new jobs.   Farmers and ranchers say a great place to start would be for congress to pass pending free trade agreements. May is world trade month. So what’s the hold up with three free trade agreements that could bring billions to the U.S. economy? 

At a press conference with other agricultural groups, American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said congress’s inaction means farmers and ranchers are losing out on export markets. “The U.S. is seeing all around us a proliferation of FTA’s being negotiated or already negotiated increasing our competitors export potential and putting U.S. agriculture at a disadvantage.  Our export situation with Colombia is a perfect example of what we will experience if we don’t pass these agreements.  Between 2008 and 2009 we have seen almost a 50 percent drop in our exports.  In 2008 they were $1.6 billion.  In 2009, $960 million.  This year hasn’t started off any better.  USDA export data shows that our exports for January and February compared to the same time period last year are running at a minus-eleven percent.  The U.S. has been the top agricultural exporter in Colombia.  We are seeing our market share being taken by our trading partners.  Why has this happened?  Well, it’s because our competitors are getting in with trade agreements before the U.S. does.”