As an Iowa Senator visits the state?s ninety-nine counties, he listens to farmers voice their concerns about agriculture policies such as trade, conservation, crop insurance and government regulation. On Saturday, the Senator plans to visit the Iowa Ag Summit in Des Moines to address agriculture policies specifically handled on a federal level.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley plans to attend the 2017 Ag Summit, August 5. The Summit highlights and promotes agriculture, and allows elected officials, public policy leaders, industry leaders and invited guests to hold a public discussion on issues vital to the Iowa and United States economy. Grassley says he plans to discuss two major items at the Summit: the 2018 Farm Bill and NAFTA renegotiations.
?The agriculture industry in the United States has prospered under NAFTA,? Grassley said. ?We must now ensure that the Trump Administration, as it must in consultation with Congress, maintain the market access gains that have provided so many opportunities for U.S. farmers through NAFTA. As the Administration begins renegotiations in about two weeks, they must not forget the pledge to ?Do No Harm.??
Senator Grassley will monitor the NAFTA process, and will do so closely, as Iowa has a lot at stake.
?Free trade agreements are very important to the farmer?s bottom line,? Grassley said. ?As evidence, look no further than Japan?s recent announcement ? that will be increasing tariffs on fresh, chilled beef from 38.5 percent to 50 percent for the remainder of the fiscal year. That change will make U.S. beef less economically attractive in China. A well-negotiated free trade agreement with Japan would not allow such a blatant economic barrier against U.S. beef or agricultural products.?
