Montana Ag Leaders Praise the US-Japan Trade Deal
Last week, Fred Wacker, President of the Montana Stockgrowers
Association, and I joined President Trump at the White House as he signed
a historic trade agreement between the United States and Japan. As
Montana’s lone voice on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee with
jurisdiction over trade, I have long urged the administration to reach the
US-Japan Trade Agreement for Montana’s farmers and ranchers.
Here’s what Montana Ag leaders and stakeholders are saying about
it:
- “The trade deal between the
United States and Japan is welcomed news by the farmers and ranchers
of Montana. The lower tariffs this agreement puts in place help level
the playing field for American agriculture products and we expect our
agricultural exports to Japan to grow. We are looking forward to
sending them more of our high quality beef and wheat and sincerely
appreciate all the work Senator Daines has done on this, and other important
trade agreements.” – Hans McPherson, President,
Montana Farm Bureau Federation
-
“The Montana Grain Growers Association thanks Senator
Daines for his hard work in bringing a trade agreement with Japan to
completion. This deal returns fairness and certainty to Montana's wheat
market, and it stabilizes our long term trade relationship with the #1
buyer of Montana wheat. Trade is vital for Montana which exports 80% of
its premium wheat each year.” – Lyle
Benjamin, President, Montana Grain Growers Association
- “As the Chair of the Montana Association of
Counties (MACo) Agriculture Committee, I am always encouraged by new trade
opportunities for the producers of Montana, and we extend our
gratitude to Senator Daines for his help.” – Larry Hendrickson, Chairman, MACO Agriculture Committee
- “The trade deal with Japan is great news just
in time for our producers and neighbors in Granite County. Land taxes
have gone up, equipment, fuel, power and labor have all gone up but
cattle prices have declined and wheat prices are at 1970s levels. Montana
Cattleman take great pride in producing a higher quality calf then
anywhere in the world, but are getting less and less per pound for their
efforts. We hope that with Japan interning the market, US packers
will have to complete and pay ranchers and farmers a larger share of the
profits! Fare prices for Ag. products translate into stronger
healthier small towns and small Counties. Thank you Senator Daines for
protecting our way of life!” – Bill Slaughter,
Commissioner, Granite County
-
“This is such good news, because Beef and Wheat states like
Montana have agonized about this for over 2 years, ever since the U.S.
pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Now tariffs to Japan, one
of our best markets, will begin to ratchet down until our products
face the same rates as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the other TPP
partners. Everyone hopes this success is a sign of things to
come, especially with China.”– Taylor Brown,
President, Northern Ag Network
- “President Trump and Senator Daines efforts to level the playing field
in our trade with Japan are to be applauded. Thank you” –
Miles G. Hutton, Commissioner and Rancher, Blaine
County
- “On behalf of the Montana
Agricultural Business Association we would like to congratulate the
efforts that went into the incredible win for Montana Agriculture with the
recent trade agreement between Japan and Montana’s farmers and
ranchers. MABA represents over 200 individuals and 260 locations that
provide supplies and inputs to Montana’s agriculture community. We
are an integral partner in the agricultural industry, supplying seed,
sale and application of farm protection products, fertilizer,
consulting, testing, transportation and much more. We applaud Senator Daines
efforts to enhance our critical agricultural communities. We are so
proud of the quality agricultural Montana produces and the tremendous
effort it takes to get those products to market. It is critical to
protect and nurture our trade partners, we encourage and will continue to
support efforts to get recognition for the wonderful products the State
of Montana produces. Best of luck as we continue negotiations with
our other valuable markets, and thank you Japan for recognizing we are a
great source for quality and consistent farm products.” –
Arleen Rice, President, Montana Agricultural
Business Association
- “We feel
that this trade deal is a blessing for producers in our area. The
ability to have another market for our cattle helps stabilize the cattle
market in a difficult time. We look forward to more of these
opportunities as our state’s representatives work diligently to secure
more opportunities. Agriculture is the foundation of our country and we
appreciate the continued support.” –Clayton
Gernaat, Director, Marias River Livestock Association
- “Farmers and Ranchers for Montana has long
advocated to bring water right certainty to Montana’s
agriculture community. We view the Japan trade deal as a positive step toward
ensuring more certainty and price stability for cattle producers across
our state. Once again Senator Daines has shown his commitment to
protecting Montana’s way of life and the future of agriculture in
our state.”– Shelby DeMars, Spokesperson,
Farmers and Ranchers for Montana
- “The Stillwater County Commissioner would like to thank
you for your efforts in the recent US-Japan Trade Agreement. Your voice
and representation of Montana farmers and ranchers is appreciated.
Agriculture is still one of our county’s great values. What this
deal will do for not only local cattle producers, but also the local
wheat farmers are beyond beneficial. Leadership and support like this
are tremendously refreshing and your time on this trade deal was well
spent. Thank you and good luck in your continued role as a voice for
Montana” – Support Letter from
Stillwater County Commissioners
-
“ The US-Japan Trade Agreement is a huge victory for
Northwest Montana farmers and ranchers. Anytime the first and third
largest economies in the world can come together to do away with tariffs
is a good day for the Montana economy. Many thanks to Sen. Daines for
pushing to get this agreement done.” - Joe Unterreiner,
President, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
For more information on the trade deal click
HERE
Best Wishes,
Steve Daines
United
States Senate
