News

Farmer says TPP limits opportunities

A Minnesota farmer says he opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership because it would create more barriers for beginning farmers like him to overcome.

Eric Sannerud grows hops north of the Twin Cities near Ham Lake.

He tells Brownfield the TPP would put new farmers at a competitive disadvantage.

“I see aspects in this deal that force me and other new farmers like me to compete in markets that don’t have labor laws, minimal environmental protections.  (these markets) don’t have the same food safety regulations that we’re set up against.”

While his farm is not tied up in global trade, Sannerud says his concern has more to do with how the TPP might limit opportunities for others.

“I like to think about policies in a way that (takes into account) how does this policy contribute to the future number of farmers in America.  Does it lead to a future with more farmers or fewer farmers?  And for me, it’s really unfortunate to see the continuing decline in the number of farmers.”

Sannerud is part of a coalition that includes more than 160 organizations who recently sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to reject the trade pact.