By Jamie Martin
This week, 30 prominent agriculture and food organizations sent a letter to U.S. congressional leaders, advocating for continued U.S. membership and leadership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The letter emphasizes the importance of the WTO’s rules-based system for the future of U.S. agricultural exports and global food security.
The letter was directed to members of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, who are in charge of U.S. trade policies. The organizations stress that without the WTO, the U.S. risks losing essential market access for its agricultural products. They also warned that turning away from the WTO could hinder the creation of trade rules that benefit the U.S. economy and agricultural sector.
“U.S. global leadership is vital to ensuring the future of rules-based trade that benefits American agriculture,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “The WTO is not without its flaws, but it is foundational to our existing trading system and includes rules and principles that are critical to our industry. The WTO and the people working to uphold order in global trade deserve the strong support of the U.S. government.”
“Since the U.S. joined the WTO in 1995, American food and agriculture have benefited from a more stable and predictable global trading system, “said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M. “That foundation has allowed us to deliver safe, nutritious and high-quality products to customers around the world, supporting global food security and improved nutrition. Continued U.S. leadership at the WTO is essential to build on that progress and ensure we remain a trusted partner in meeting the needs of global customers.”
The coalition’s letter calls for continued strong support for the WTO, stressing that it is critical for U.S. prosperity and the future of global agricultural trade.
Photo Credit: stock-fangxianuo
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