Jun 16, 2023

Specialty crop groups sign on to UK trade act

Specialty crop groups are part of a coalition urging Congress to support the Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism (UNITED) Act.

The UNITED Act is designed to grant the president, in consultation with Congress, the power to seek a comprehensive trade agreement between the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Up to 48 food and agriculture industry members wrote Congress in support of S. 629 and H.R. 3653.

The letter states, “As supporters of trade agreements that advance American strategic and economic interests, we see these bills as a tremendous opportunity. A comprehensive trade agreement with the U.K. would broaden the scope of exporting opportunities for American businesses, strengthen our supply chain resilience, and improve the well-being of our consumers.

“As organizations representing America’s agriculture industry, we further believe this legislation would bring economic opportunities to American farmers, ranchers, and food producers. In particular, we look forward to working closely with you to not only secure passage of the UNITED Act, but to also advance and promote transparent, predictable, and science- and risk-based trade policies that yield substance gains in U.S. agricultural market access to the UK in any ensuing negotiations resulting from this legislation.

“Overall, we find that agricultural stakeholders, rural communities, and the American people at large would benefit from enactment of the UNITED Act and use of the authority it would provide. We celebrate the bipartisan leadership in Congress to strengthen our already close relationship with the U.K. and increase the prosperity of Americans.

Signatories include:

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• American Fruit & Vegetable Processors and Growers Coalition
• American Seed Trade Association
• California Prune Board
• California Walnut Commission
• CropLife America
• Farmers for Free Trade
• FMI – the Food Industry Association
• Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
• International Fresh Produce Association
• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
• National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
• Northwest Horticultural Council
• U.S. Apple Association

The bills were Introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Jim Himes (D-Conn.).

The report follows USDA’s announcement of a lowered forecast for U.S. agricultural exports, according to a news release.