When American farmers are allowed to compete in international markets, they can win. We already export to China, Japan, Mexico and Europe, and now need to knock down barriers to our exports in other countries.
The pending Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama would allow Ohio farmers to compete on a level playing field in these important markets, and I urge the U.S. Congress to immediately approve and implement these agreements.
How will U.S. and Ohio citizens benefit? U.S. farmers are not only growing food for this country, but they also are growing enough to export internationally. U.S. agricultural exports generate a huge surplus, offsetting some of the overall trade deficit our country faces. This positive impact on our economy will only be enhanced by the free-trade agreements currently under consideration. In our current economic situation, can we ignore this opportunity for additional exports, economic development and jobs?
According to a recent economic-impact study, Ohio soybean farmers contribute more than $5 billion in annual economic activity in the state and account for nearly 30,000 Ohio jobs. More than half of our soybean production is exported, so thousands of Ohio jobs depend on our ability to compete in international markets. The pending agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama will result in increased exports and opportunity for additional revenue and jobs.
How will Ohio soybean farmers benefit? All three countries will eliminate tariffs on U.S. soybean imports, and South Korea will allow purchases outside its government grain import monopoly for the first time. All three countries also will phase out tariffs on imports of value-added soybean oil.
Ohio farmers face significant competition in global markets, and our competitors are not sitting idly by. Every day, competitors are pursuing new agreements that can enhance their access and erode our market share. We are not asking for special treatment. We ask only for a level playing field and the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace.
Once these markets are open, Ohio will reap the benefits of increased exports, creating and maintaining revenue and thousands of Ohio jobs that depend on agriculture. Overall, the agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama are projected to drive several billion dollars in additional U.S. agricultural exports, not only for soybeans but also for corn, wheat, livestock and poultry.
We simply cannot ignore the significant opportunity for economic development and new jobs that would result from these agreements. It is imperative for our economy and the continued viability of our agricultural exports that this become a top priority for our lawmakers. I ask readers to contact their federal elected officials to request the immediate passage of these agreements.
JEFF WUEBKER
President, Ohio Soybean Association
Versailles
