By MIKE DEERING
Washington, D.C. Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address in January, he committed his administration to doubling U.S. exports in the next five years in an effort to stimulate economic growth and to create roughly 2 million jobs.
Many agricultural organizations foresee the goal as attainable only if pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea receive the go-ahead by Congress.

During a press conference on May 3 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman said U.S. agriculture faces serious consequences if Congress continues to ignore stalled trade agreements. He said Colombia is an example of what doing nothing looks like.

The United States was once the top agricultural exporter to Colombia.

Stallman said between 2008 and 2009, there was nearly a 50 percent drop in U.S. exports. He said there is no sign of recovery this year.

“For agriculture, Congress’ inaction on these agreements is no longer about the potential gains, but now about preventing losing what we already have. These losses are not just about dollar amounts, but the negative impact they will have on our farmers and rural communities,” said Stallman. “… this Alice in Wonderland logic happening in Congress is allowing our competitors to take over.”

During the press conference, representatives of the National Pork Producers Assoc.; National Assoc. of Wheat Growers; U.S. Wheat Associates; National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc.; and National Corn Growers Assoc. collectively called on Congress to prevent any further competitive disadvantage to U.S. farmers and ranchers in the international marketplace. The groups decided to join forces this week as May marks World Trade Month.

Because the FTAs have not been implemented, Colombia, Panama and South Korea are moving forward on trade deals with U.S. competitors.

Panama has just completed an agreement with Canada, and South Korea has completed negotiations with the European Union and is currently negotiating with Australia and Canada.

Don Butler, NPPC immediate past president and a pork producer from Clinton, N.C., said international trade competitors are working diligently as the United States “sits on the sidelines.”

“There is no such thing as a timeout in world trade. We are losing market share almost daily. These three FTAs represent nearly $2.5 billion left on the shelf,” said Butler. “I have no clue why (Congress is) dragging its feet. I wish they would just get off their duffs and get on with it. This makes no sense. We’ve got to get this country back on track and free trade is certainly one way of getting this accomplished. Jobs are on the line.”

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, jobs are supported by U.S. exports. On April 15, the Department provided a white paper titled Exports Support American Jobs. The paper concluded that exports supported 10.3 million U.S. jobs in 2008.

To achieve the President’s goal, exports will need to grow by 15 percent annually. That is an annual growth rate that has never been accomplished. The largest five-year growth in U.S. exports reportedly occurred from 1986 to 1991 when exports of goods and services increased 85 percent.

NCBA President and cattle grower from western Illinois Stave Foglesong said he’s heard the talk and wants to see the walk.
“Where I come from, your word is your bond. You never go back on your word. I have heard the President’s promise. I’ve heard (U.S. Trade Rep.) Ron Kirk express the immediate need to fix this trade situation. I expect them to keep their word,” said Foglesong. “American farmers will do their part.”