Did you know Congress could very easily contribute to rural economic development in the U.S. without spending our own tax dollars? The only thing our congressional members have to do is vote to support free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, Peru and South Korea. Some or all of these trade agreements may be considered this fall. We all
need to take the time to contact our legislators and tell them the importance of approving these trade agreements.

These bilateral trade agreements could result in an increase of $3 billion in annual sales to U.S. agriculture. Continuing to pass FTAs will also let the world know that we are serious about trade. U.S. farmers can compete with any farmers in the world as long as tariffs, or taxes imposed by other countries on our exported goods, are removed. As long as WTO negotiations continue to lag, FTAs are the next best thing for U.S. agriculture.

As a pork producer, I already know the importance of FTAs to my farming operation. According to Iowa State University, pork exports already add $33.60 to the price I receive for each pig I sell. The Columbia, Panama, Peru and South Korea FTA’s would add another $12.66 to the price I receive for each pig I sell.

As you can see, FTAs are important to agriculture. I would much rather be dependent on a fair and free global marketplace to the bottom line on my farm than on our government’s ability to fund the next farm bill.