WHY TPP IS SIGNIFICANT IN AN INCREASINGLY GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

Lindsay Mitchell

Oct 22, 2015  |  Today's News

***click to listen to IL Corn Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl discuss the TPP***

Audio provided by the Stocks and Jocks program available in an online podcast from 6-8am, M-F at www.stocksandjocks.net

The United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries finally negotiated a trade deal this month called the Trans-Pacific Partnership – but why does that matter to Illinois corn farmers?

“This agreement would put the 12 Pacific Rim countries on an even playing field and would allow for greater transparency in trade,” Sleight said. “Anything that makes trade easier helps trade grow.”

Increased trade means more immediate markets for Illinois corn.  Remember, nearly half of Illinois corn leaves the state destined for export to other states or other countries.  Our position on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers makes trade a very important market for Illinois farmers.

Sleight urged the entire U.S. agricultural industry to engage in the coming TPP debate.

“It’s very important for agriculture to be heard on issues affecting trade, especially the potential TPP agreement that has been negotiated,” Sleight said.

“Agriculture is probably going to be one of the key beneficiaries of TPP, so the entire value-chain, including U.S. grain farmers, needs to be engaged. After all, if you are a producer of food and agricultural products, the world truly is your market.”

Click here to hear the full interview with Sleight.