Gov. Heineman Offers Comments to Improve Agricultural Trade with South Korea

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman forwarded comments this week to the federal government in support of a free trade agreement that will expand markets for the state’s livestock industry. In a letter addressed to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Governor expressed support for the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement. The document currently is awaiting Congressional consideration.

“The Nebraska agriculture industry operates in a global economy, and to continue to be successful, we need growth in overseas markets,” Gov. Heineman said. “This free trade agreement holds potential benefits for our beef and pork sectors, as well as other commodities. I am hopeful that the U.S. Trade Representative will work with the U.S. Congress to move this agreement forward.”

South Korea was Nebraska’s fifth-largest export market in 2008, with $149 million in goods shipped. Beef and pork products were among the top exports. Through the Free Trade Agreement, market access is expanded for beef and pork, and tariffs are dropped for wheat, corn and soybeans.

The U.S.-Korea FTA will enhance market building efforts already being conducted by industry groups and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in Asia. This week, NDA is coordinating a beef and pork promotion in Japan, and the visit includes meetings with two large Korean meat importers.

In addition, Gov. Heineman in 2008 hosted South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae Sik in Omaha. The two discussed improved beef access and other opportunities to expand Nebraska exports to the country.

“Long-term market growth is a critical component in our efforts to assist our ailing livestock sector,” Gov. Heineman said. “We will continue to develop relationships that translate into sales to positively impact our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.”