Nebraska Urges Congressional Action on Free Trade Agreements

(Lincoln, Neb. - Copy of Letter ) Gov. Dave Heineman and representatives of Nebraska’s agriculture industry sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi today urging the U.S. House of Representatives to act on two trade agreements awaiting Congressional approval.

 The letter was co-signed by Sen. Philip Erdman, Chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, and 11 of the state’s agriculture and commodity groups encouraging the U.S. House to vote on the Colombia and South Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the U.S.

 “These markets hold immense potential for our agriculture industry and our livestock producers in particular,” Gov. Heineman said. “With the approval of these agreements, a number of tariffs currently assessed on U.S. food imports to Colombia and South Korea will end. International trade plays an increasingly important role in our economic development efforts. Improved access to international markets is essential to expanding our state and national economy and these agreements have the potential to help states like Nebraska make dramatic gains.”

 Both FTAs have been signed by trade officials. To be enacted, they must be approved by the U.S. House and Senate.

 According to information compiled by the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, upon approval of the Colombian FTA 77 percent of U.S. agricultural exports would be imported to Colombia duty-free, including beef, pork and other commodities raised in Nebraska.

 Similarly, the Korea-U.S. FTA eliminates tariffs and other trade barriers on most agricultural products. It also creates new opportunities for the sale of processed foods, which is the largest export category for Nebraska goods into South Korea.

 In the letter, Gov. Heineman wrote, “Nebraska farmers and ranchers are negatively impacted when they are not allowed to offer their products competitively in the world’s grocery stores. Again, we respectfully request that you bring the Colombia and South Korea Free Trade Agreements before the House of Representatives for a vote.”