Look Ahead for Agriculture

In the hustle of a new year in Congress, agriculture interests will be at the front of several legislative and regulatory debates.  

One key item that must be taken care of as soon as possible is the extension of several key tax credit provisions (like the biodiesel tax credit and the estate tax).  We’re also likely to see climate change and food safety legislation on the horizon. 

I plan on keeping a close eye on the Environmental Protection Agency.  This agency may have a major (and potentially disastrous) impact on farmers’ efforts to feed and fuel the world.  I’ve been working to educate the agency leaders about the top-notch practices used by farmers across the country.  It’s important that this agency uses common sense and sound science when attempting to apply old and new rules and regulations to agriculture. 

Over the next year the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture will be holding agriculture competition workshops in locations across the country (including a March workshop in Ankeny, Iowa).  It’s my intention that we build on the feedback that they receive at these workshops to keep the pressure on the administration to enforce our laws already on the books. The agriculture industry has consolidated to the point where family farmers, independent producers and other smaller market participants do not have equal access to fair and competitive markets. And, I continue to be concerned that increased concentration in the industry will lead to fewer product choices and higher product prices for the American consumer.

I will also continue to push the Democratic leadership and the administration to pass pending free trade agreements.  Opening new markets and leveling the playing field for our agriculture products would be a tremendous boost across the economy. 

Market access for U.S. agriculture products provides economic opportunities for American farmers.  Right now, the Taiwan market for U.S. beef has been targeted by that country’s legislature which is relying on unscientific data to reject this safe product.  I’m concerned that Taiwan’s legislature has decided to ban imports of some U.S. beef and beef products.  U.S. beef is safe.  This ban is scientifically unfounded and unnecessary.  The World Organization for Animal Health and Taiwan’s own Department of Health have both recognized the safety of U.S. beef.

This ban is inconsistent with a beef trade protocol that the United States and Taiwan finished only two months ago. It calls into question Taiwan’s credibility as a reliable U.S. trading partner and a member of the World Trade Organization. 

While these issues may not be as high profile as a farm bill, they could have as big or bigger impact on a farmer’s bottom line.  Keep checking my website for the latest news on these and other issues important to agriculture.