Farm Groups Welcome Japan Agreement

Agriculture groups say the intent to sign a final agreement with Japan will increase market access for U.S. farmers. The U.S. Grains Council says the first phase of the agreement signed Wednesday show that the agreement would bring commodities the organization represents largely back in line with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp says, “with many farmers struggling amid challenging times in agriculture, this is very welcome news.” The U.S. Meat Export Federation called the announcement “excellent news for U.S. farmers and ranchers,” noting Japan is the largest value destination for U.S. pork and beef exports, estimated at $3.7 billion last year. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the announcement is “a positive step for America’s farmers and ranchers.” Duvall says AFBF is “thankful” for the agreement, and urges “trade negotiators to achieve many more like it.” Duvall added, “The time for trade wars has come and gone,” saying farmers and ranchers “need to get back to doing what they do best,” feeding the world.