WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) helped introduce legislation to protect the rice industry against dumping of cheap produce into U.S. markets from India and China.
The Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act would establish a joint task force on agricultural trade enforcement led by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The task force will more proactively monitor upcoming Indian and Chinese industrial subsidies, rather than waiting to react after subsidies are in place. The bill will also require the task force to report recommendations to Congress to deal with unfair subsidies they identify.
The bill is spearheaded by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and cosponsored by Boozman and Agriculture Committee members Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
“American rice and wheat farmers continue to be targeted by India’s egregious over-subsidization, and there are countless other examples. This legislation will give us the tools needed to address unfair practices and market manipulation by our trading partners to level the playing field and maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace,” Boozman said.
“Louisianans want to eat rice grown in their backyard, not from the other side of the world,” Cassidy said. “The rice industry is critical to Louisiana’s economy. We must level the playing field for our rice farmers.”
“As a strong advocate for our agriculture industry and the ability of American producers to compete fairly on the global stage, I will remain steadfast in fighting those nations that undermine our farmers. When countries blatantly violate their WTO commitments, they must be held accountable. Giving the USDA a bigger role in trade disputes is a crucial step to safeguard a key sector of Mississippi’s and our nation’s economy. I am proud to once again support it,” said Hyde-Smith.
“In Iowa, trade directly impacts the everyday lives of our hardworking farmers and is critical to the success of our entire state. Breaking down the bureaucratic barriers between the USDA and USTR will help ensure Iowa farmers are on a level playing field when engaging with global markets,” said Ernst.