WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House released the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement last Thursday, starting the public review period for what could become the world’s largest trade deal.

The release of the full text comes 90 days before President Barack Obama is expected to sign the TPP. That is 30 days longer than required under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, the trade bill passed earlier this year after contentious debate.

Agricultural groups, legislators and other interested parties will use the 90 days to pinpoint the specific impacts of TPP on different sectors. Alan Tiemann, chair of the U.S. Grains Council, said his initial reaction is that TPP would result in new demand for U.S. coarse grains because of lower tariffs, reduced trade barriers and improved ease of trade.

"In the weeks ahead we will continue to analyze the details of the agreement along with our overseas offices," he said.

The beginning of the review period shows the White House signaling a potential signing date of early February. At that time, the International Trade Commission will complete an economic impact analysis of the trade agreement, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The full-text release also brings closer the necessary approval process by Congress. Now the White House must draft legislation to enact the trade agreement, and that draft will be sent to Congress for consideration. It will have 90 legislative days after Obama signs the agreement to consider the implementing legislation.

"If both houses of Congress pass the TPP implementation bill, the President is then empowered to sign the implementing legislation into law," explained Tim Reif, USTR transparency officer.

Farm groups are expected to lobby heavily in support of TPP. "I assure you that pork producers across this great nation will do whatever it takes to get TPP passed by Congress and implemented," said Ron Prestage, National Pork Producers Council president.

The pork industry is seen as a potentially big winner under TPP, with reduced tariffs in Japan and South Asia, where the meat is a popular choice of the growing middle class. The TPP is also supported by the National Beef Cattlemen’s Assoc., the nation’s largest beef producer group. But National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson said the TPP would have an unfavorable outcome, in his view, for U.S. cattle ranchers. "The beef export opportunities are very modest," he said, citing concerns with the specific language on beef market access in Japan.

The TPP also includes language on labor, environment and technology, including biotechnology.

For USDA resources on the TPP, visit www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=marketing-trade