Stallman, continued
Japan’s high tariffs have, for too long, limited
American agricultural products like beef,
pork, rice and dairy. Japan’s outrageous 770
percent tariff on rice has effectively shut out all
competitors. Much closer to home, Canada’s high
tariffs on poultry and dairy are keeping those
markets closed. Canada’s 200 percent tariff on
dairy is not in line with the goodwill and good
trade relations we have long enjoyed with our close
neighbors. It’s time to open up those markets and
give farmers, ranchers and consumers flexibility in
buying and selling quality, healthful food.
Science-Based Rules
U.S. agriculture is also ready for serious
growth in markets on the other side of the
Atlantic. For too long, the European Union
has let politics rather than science set trade
standards. U.S. farmers and ranchers grow safe,
high-quality food. But the EU has decided it can
reject our products—products that have already
met both U.S. and World Trade Organization
safety standards—based on the EU’s so-called
“precautionary principle.” Any animal treated
with antibiotics for its health or fed biotech grain
cannot become part of a meal in Europe, despite
the proven safety of those methods—and the
complete lack of proof to the contrary. Europe’s
habit of ignoring science needs to stop. Last year,
U.S. farmers and ranchers exported $12.7 billion
in products to the EU, while the EU exported
$18.7 billion worth of agricultural products to the
U.S. It’s time to even out that trade balance with
scientific standards and fair labeling guidelines.
America’s farmers and ranchers are ready to
get to work in new markets across the globe. But
Congress and the administration must continue to
work together to complete agreements that will
keep U.S. agriculture moving forward. The tools
are in place, the roadmap is clear and it’s time to
get the engine running.
20 West Virginia Farm Bureau News
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