Source: US HOUSE AG COMMITTEE, 10/21/15

Today, the House Agriculture Committee held its second hearing to examine foreign agricultural subsidies. Members and witnesses discussed the trade-distorting effects of the ever increasing subsidies utilized by our foreign competitors, emphasized  the resulting injury to American producers, and reaffirmed the need for sound U.S. farm policy as a modest response.

“In 2014, U.S. agriculture exports reached a record-setting $152.5 billion, highlighting the importance of expanded trade and strong trade agreements to U.S. agriculture. However, as China, India, and other foreign countries continue to ignore their WTO commitments, America’s farmers and ranchers suffer real and significant consequences. We cannot allow these actions by our foreign competitors to undermine our trade agenda and destroy American jobs, businesses, and our economy. By pushing back on bad actors and maintaining strong U.S. farm policy, we can give our farmers and ranchers a fighting chance in the global marketplace. I appreciate the perspective of our witnesses today who clearly outlined the harm that foreign subsidies are causing to U.S. agriculture,” said Chairman K. Michael Conaway.

Written testimony provided by the witnesses below.
Witness List:

Panel I
Dr. Dermot Hayes, Professor and Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Dr. Gary Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Cotton Council, Cordova, TN

Mr. Jack Roney, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, American Sugar Alliance, Arlington, VA

Mr. Jaime Castaneda, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Trade Policy, National Milk Producers Federation, Arlington, VA


Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
Foreign Subsidies: Jeopardizing Free Trade and Harming American Farmers

--As Prepared for Delivery--


“Thank you Chairman Conaway.

“I'm pleased that we can follow up on what I thought was a good discussion in June. As I said then, I think we need to keep a close eye on how other countries subsidize agriculture. This is especially important to keep in mind during our debates on the farm safety net. We need a level playing field if we are going to be competitive in a global market.

“Today's hearing will cover a broad array of subsidies, ranging from dairy support programs in Canada and the EU; sugar subsidies in Brazil, Thailand, India, Mexico and the EU; and subsidies for wheat, corn, rice, and cotton in China, India and Turkey. I hope we can also continue the discussion that began at our last hearing on this issue, about the impact of advanced developing countries increasing their subsidies.

“Again, I don't think it's fair that developing countries, no matter how advanced, can designate themselves for special treatment. I also think it's time for the United States to start challenging those countries that fail to meet their WTO commitments.

“I look forward to the testimony and I yield back.”