April 16, 2015

Congress Introduces Trade Promotion Legislation; Western Growers Urges Swift Action

IRVINE, Calif. (April 6, 2015) — Today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. This agreement is a critical first step to concluding trade negotiations and further expanding export opportunities.

In response to the introduction of the legislation, Western Growers President and CEO, Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“The fresh produce industry applauds the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. While the produce sector experiences an overall trade deficit, $15 billion in U.S. exports of fresh produce commodities compared to nearly $19 billion in imports, the expansion of foreign markets is critical to opening and expanding markets for the healthy products we grow. TPA is critical for allowing our U.S. negotiators to get the best deal possible with our trading partners. 

Trade Promotion Authority establishes trade-negotiating objectives that reflect today’s economic challenges and create a robust framework for Congressional and stakeholder input, before sending trade agreements to Congress for an up or down vote.

Western Growers urges the Senate to quickly consider and pass this legislation and help create future market opportunities for the U.S. produce industry.”