The Organization for Competitive Markets expressed concern about an announced bipartisan deal to continue pursuing trade agreements that have significantly harmed U.S. farmers, ranchers, labor, and producers of U.S. goods and services.  Yesterday, the Bush Administration, House Speaker Pelosi (C-CA), and other congressional leadership announced a deal to include labor and environmental standards in future trade agreements, and provide worker assistance for U.S. jobs lost.

“The U.S. logged an $800 billion trade deficit last year, or over $2 billion per day.  Every farmer knows you cannot spend more money than you receive in sales,” said Keith Mudd, OCM president.  “True free trade does not exist because of currency manipulation by other countries, foreign value added taxes that have replaced tariffs, and suspected transportation subsidies by foreign governments.  There is no level international playing field today.  Congress must focus upon leveling that field so competition can occur.”

“After NAFTA, the U.S. food trade surplus has been eliminated, as has the U.S. status as the world’s breadbasket,” continued Mudd.  “We are now a net food importer, with six thousand mile long food ingredient supply chains originating in countries without food safety systems or enforcement.  Our risk from global terrorist events, energy shocks, climate events, and other disruptions has never been greater.  The trade agreements sacrifice U.S. sovereignty, jobs and food security to the profits of a few global bankers and multinational companies.”