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Net farm incomes would increase if U.S. rejoins TPP

 

The U.S. rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be supportive to farmers’ bottom line.

Ernie Birchmeier with Michigan Farm Bureau tells Brownfield increased exports of beef, pork, soybeans, dairy and other commodities under the agreement would cause net farm incomes across the country to rise.

“Some estimates are around $6 billion in additional trade upon full implementation.”

He says the U.S. produces more than it consumes which is why increasing exports is critical to agriculture.  “If we have a level and fair playing field between the United States and the rest of the world—we can compete, we can sell product, and we can make the American farmer more profitable.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation projects annual net farm income would have jumped by $4.4 billion if the U.S. was part of TPP.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTTP) is expected to be signed this spring and involves the other 11 original TPP countries. The U.S. would potentially be able to rejoin shortly after.

AUDIO: Interview with Ernie Birchmeier

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