American Soybean Association (ASA) President Tony Anderson is meeting with President George W. Bush this afternoon in Washington, D.C. to discuss soybean growers’ support for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) that would strengthen the ability of the United States to negotiate positive trade agreements. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Commerce Secretary Don Evans and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick as well as other agriculture organizations will also participate in the White House event.

TPA allows the Administration to negotiate trade agreements and then present them to Congress for an up-or-down vote. In the absence of TPA, other countries are refusing to negotiate final agreements because they would be subject to further change.

“The U.S. must no longer hamstring its own negotiating power,” said Anderson, a soybean grower from Mount Sterling, Ohio. “Other oilseed exporting countries are actively negotiating trade agreements with many of our key customers. The European Union, Canada, Brazil and Argentina do not allow amendment of these agreements by their legislatures, and we need to operate on the same basis.”

“World economic growth and increased soy export opportunities brought about by reduced trade barriers is important to soybean farmers. With 96 percent of the world’s population living outside our borders, growth in export demand must be part of our long term strategy,” Anderson said. “TPA is essential if U.S. soybean farmers are going to remain competitive in the world market. Otherwise, we will be left behind as global trade continues to expand.”

Agriculture makes one of the largest contributions to the U.S. trade balance, and soybeans are the largest farm export. Exports of soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil totaled more than $7 billion last year. U.S. soybean farmers are dependent on export demand for half of each year’s crop. With production increasing, TPA would increase access to foreign markets and help raise soybean prices—which are currently at 27-year lows.

“TPA would still give Congress and the public the opportunity to help shape U.S. policy before our officials are sent to the negotiating table,” Anderson said. “This authority would strengthen the U.S. voice at key upcoming negotiations, including the World Trade Organization Ministerial meeting in November.”