Agricultural News
Increased Trade With Russia Will Benefit U.S. Farmers, AFBF Says
Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:07:48 CDT
Timely congressional approval of permanent normal trade relations status for Russia will benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers, the American Farm Bureau Federation told a House Committee.
Wayne Wood, president of Michigan Farm Bureau, testified on behalf of AFBF before the House Committee on Ways and Means.
"PNTR makes permanent the trade status the U.S. has extended to Russia on an annual basis since 1992," Wood said. "It recognizes Russia's joining the World Trade Organization, which will provide our farmers and ranchers with more certain and predictable market access."
Russia's commitment to adhering to WTO provisions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures in particular will benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers because this will limit the country's ability to impose arbitrary measures that have impeded trade in the past.
In his testimony, Wood explained that exports of U.S. farm goods to Russia are likely to increase substantially following congressional approval of PNTR and the country's accession to the WTO. U.S. sales of beef, poultry, pork, apples, cheeses, soybeans and soybean products are all expected to grow due to improved market access.
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