Columbian Timetable Draws Disappointment

WASHINGTON, D.C., US - Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation has announced his disappointment that the US congress Congress is planning to remove the Colombia Trade Promotion Agency timetable.

10 April 2008

1 minute read

North America

According to him; "the American Farm Bureau Federation is disappointed with the House Leadership's decision to remove the timetable for consideration of the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. This decision will not only place a vote on the agreement in limbo, but it is a direct strike at the United States' most important trade negotiating tool, Trade Promotion Authority."

The Colombia TPA was seen by many as a positive agreement for U.S. agriculture. AFBF estimates that the growth in U.S. agricultural exports could exceed $900 million per year. This growth has a larger reaching effect beyond the farm gate. Expanded exports provide an opportunity for additional American workers to move, store, process and transport U.S. farm products. Opening and expanding export markets has a positive effect on U.S. jobs and the economy.

"This Congress has had no issue unilaterally opening the U.S. market to Colombian products through trade preferences. Yet when it comes to an agreement that finally provides the same benefits to U.S. products entering the Colombian market, Congress hesitates." Says Bob Stallman.

"The Colombia trade agreement deserves a vote. Despite this procedural attempt to postpone action, Congress should not be let off the hook to vote on the agreement this year."