Dusty Johnson: “I rise to discuss the Morocco-United States free-trade agreement, FTA, and the impact this bilateral free trade…”

“I rise to discuss the Morocco-United States free-trade agreement, FTA, and the impact this bilateral free trade agreement will have on agricultural producers in my State of South Dakota. While I retain concerns on a number of agreements negotiated under Trade Promotion Authority, TPA, as part of fast track trade negotiations navigated by the current administration, I see a potential positive impact on the South Dakota economy from a number of provisions in this agreement. I am pleased that the needs of many sectors in our agricultural community were accounted for while hammering out the terms included in this FTA. I am disappointed at the recent passage of the Australian free-trade agreement, AFTA, which seriously weakens our ability to foster growth in the agricultural sector. It is concerning that the adoption of the AFTA will hinder the retention of our agriculture producers, exacerbate supply, and consequently undermine our Federal price support programs. When dealing with sensitively priced commodities and a delicate supply and demand balance, I believe we must prudently evaluate the economic ramifications from any proposed trade agreement. I am concerned for the rural communities in my home state of South Dakota, and I will continue to evaluate trade agreements on a case by case basis to ascertain the potential benefits and negative impacts.”