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TPP top of mind for ASA in 2016

ASA president Richard Wilkins spoke at the Iowa Soybean Association's annual meeting. (photo courtesy ISA)

The president of the American Soybean Association (ASA) says the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is top of mind heading into the 2016 Congressional Session.

Richard Wilkins of Greenwood, Delaware tells Brownfield ASA put a lot of energy and effort into getting Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for the president last year.

“And a matching amount of energy working with the U.S. Trade Representatives Office to encourage them to craft the very best trade agreement with the other 11 Pacific Rim nations.”

Trade Promotion Authority allows the president to enter into and finalize free trade agreements, and proponents say TPA is necessary for U.S. negotiators to finalize the Trans Pacific Partnership.

Wilkins says the TPP will benefit U.S. agriculture.

“We’re convinced in our reading and analysis of the TPP that it’s a great agreement for the agriculture sector in the United States.”

Wilkins says the trade agreement is also good for the U.S. transportation and food processing sectors, but is concerned election-year politics could turn the TPP into a political football.

“We have to play the hand that we’re given, and it is unfortunate that we are in an election cycle at this time.  I just hope that they don’t use this (TPP) as a political issue in this presidential election.”

Other legislative priorities ASA has identified include a uniform GMO food labeling standard and converting the biodiesel tax credit into a producer’s credit after failing to do so in 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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