As expected, the World Trade Organization today issued a final ruling against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for livestock and meat products. The final ruling maintained previous conclusions that “the amended COOL measure increases the record-keeping burden for imported livestock entailed by the original COOL measure.” The Appellate Body rejected U.S. arguments that the conclusions were … Read More
Senators and Ag Interests Promote TPA
Senate Republicans and agriculture industry leaders held a press conference in Washington today to discuss the ways new trade deals could benefit the agriculture community and urge passage of the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. Senators speaking on behalf of TPA included Republican Conference Chairman John Thune (R-SD), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) … Read More
International Group of Beef Producers Back TPP
An international alliance of beef producers is pressing for substantial trade liberalization via the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The Five Nations Beef Alliance, which includes cattle producers from Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States, is urging TPP negotiating teams to hold firm and deliver an agreement that will make it easier to do business, establish … Read More
TPA on the Move in Congress
bipartisan, bicameral Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation has been introduced in Congress that would put negotiations for new trade agreements that could benefit agriculture on the fast track. The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan … Read More
USDA Expands Beef, Pork Trade with Mexico, Peru
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently reached agreements allowing U.S. beef and pork producers greater access to consumers in Mexico and Peru. The two agreements announced Friday will allow U.S. producers to export slaughter cattle to Mexico and expand access to consumer markets in Peru for U.S. fresh and chilled pork. The … Read More
Congress Seeks Positive Market-Access for U.S. Dairy
The dairy industry praised the more than 75 House members who have urged the Obama Administration to negotiate a strong market-access outcome for the U.S. dairy industry in the Pacific Rim trade agreement. Led by the co-chairs of the Congressional Dairy Farmer Caucus, the House members sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Agriculture Secretary Tom … Read More
Coalition Urges Administration to Stand Strong on COOL
Members of a diverse coalition representing family farmers and ranchers and consumer and trade groups met with officials of the White House and the U.S. Trade Representative to urge the administration to stand strong to protect Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). “As we await the World Trade Organization (WTO) process, which can be lengthy, we urge the White House to remain committed … Read More
NFU Pleased with COOL Lawsuit Dismissal
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson was pleased to see the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) dismissed on Monday. “This is a clear and indisputable win for American consumers and producers, and it’s a huge relief to know that common-sense labeling laws, like COOL, can prevail in court despite the deep pockets of the multinationals,” said … Read More
Animal Ag Groups Urge Quick Passage Of TPA
A diverse group of agriculture and food organizations sent a letter to Congress this week urging swift passage of legislation renewing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The 70 groups, including poultry and livestock organizations, say TPA is necessary so that major trade deals can be finalized and implemented to help the U.S. economy. “Their ability to compete in global markets is … Read More
Poultry Industry Supports TPA
As U-S trade representative Michael Froman appeared before congressional committees this week to stress the need for the president to be granted Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), poultry producers were talking trade issues in Atlanta at the IPPE. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) President Jim Sumner says TPA is critical to getting major trade agreements with Asia and Europe … Read More