For the Week Ending March 15, 2019

REPRESENTATIVES PRIORITIZE AGRICULTURE IN U.S., EU TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) this week led 114 house members in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in support of agricultural products being a key negotiating objective in any trade talks with the European Union (EU). NPPC previously spearheaded an agriculture letter on the matter signed by more than 50 organizations. The Trump administration has been strong and consistent in demanding that agriculture be included in a trade negotiation with the EU. As evidenced by this letter, the Hill also strongly supports including agriculture in any trade negotiation. Unfortunately, the European Commission has consistently stated that it will not include agriculture in the negotiation process. NPPC will only support negotiations that include agriculture and which eliminate all EU tariff and non-tariff barriers.

AGRICULTURE GROUPS OPPOSE BUDGET CUTS

NPPC this week was one of nearly 200 signatories on a letter to House and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee leadership opposing proposed cuts to programs under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Funding of the 2018 Farm Bill would be reduced under the President’s proposed budget cuts. With U.S. agriculture suffering from current trade disputes, full funding of the 2018 Farm Bill is vital to America’s farmers and ranchers, including pork producers.

WHAT’S AHEAD

NPPC TO HOLD CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFINGS

NPPC on March 19 will hold two Congressional briefings to update members of Congress on the state of U.S. pork and the policies affecting America’s 60,000 U.S. pork producers. The House briefing will be held at 10:00 AM in 1300 Longworth, while the Senate briefing will be held at 2:00 PM in 328A Russell.