Growing Nebraska Agriculture Through Trade

Nebraska’s Third District is now the number one agricultural district in the nation. This designation is no surprise to the hardworking Nebraska producers helping feed the world. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture reported this month the state’s beef exports reached a record high $1 billion in sales during the first 11 months of 2014. With growing demand from foreign markets, I believe we will see more agricultural trade opportunities in the coming years.

For our rural economy, international trade is a proven way to generate growth. Customers in 193 countries buy Nebraska-made products. In 2013, $4.2 billion of Nebraska’s goods went to U.S. trading partners. Overall, Nebraska’s exports to these countries have increased by 152 percent since 2003.

Opening new markets benefits all Nebraskans. Trade-related employment in the state grew nearly four times faster than total employment in the last 10 years, while small- and medium-sized businesses constituted 82 percent of Nebraska’s exporters.

In my role on the House Ways and Means Committee, I have the opportunity to help ensure trade initiatives keep Nebraska competitive in our global economy. Expanding American trade is a top priority for the Committee this year, and for good reason. Trade already supports one in five Nebraska jobs and more than 38 million American jobs. Growing our customer base around the world means creating more opportunity here at home.

On Tuesday, I participated in a Ways and Means Committee hearing on the U.S. trade policy agenda. During the hearing, I spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman about preventing the use of regulatory barriers to unduly restrict market access for U.S. products. Biotechnology and other advances in farming techniques have enabled American farmers to increase yields while using less soil and water. As world leaders in productivity, it is vital we ensure China and the European Union engage so consumers are not prevented access to Nebraska agriculture products.

While I have serious concerns about most of what President Obama proposed in his State of the Union address, he did express support for expanding trade opportunities. I am optimistic this is one area where we can find a solution. By passing Trade Promotion Authority, or TPA, we can ensure all parties are on the same page and help our nation secure the best possible outcome at the global negotiating table.

Directly negotiating objectives and requiring the administration consult with Congress provides necessary guideposts and gives Congress the final say. This process reflects the checks and balances our Founders intended.

Trade agreements are crucial to leveling the playing field for Nebraska’s producers, manufacturers and consumers. In upcoming TPA bill discussions, I will pursue solutions which benefit Nebraska exporters as demand continues to grow around the world.