Local rep champions legislation designed to strengthen agricultural trade programs

Jackson County Pilot 

Local U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, chairman of the nutrition, foreign agriculture and horticulture subcommittee, has introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023, along with Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington.

This legislation would double funding to the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, which Finstad said would equip American farmers and ranchers with the tools to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

“As a farmer, I know firsthand the value of the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, both of which are essential tools for Minnesota’s agricultural economy,” said Finstad, who represents Jackson County in Congress. “Strong trade promotion policies are critical for farm country, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Targeted investments in these programs will strengthen our farm, food and national security by establishing new markets and opening opportunities for our producers to compete on a global stage.”

Representatives of several Minnesota ag organizations agreed.

“Minnesota farmers know the importance of trade for the products we grow,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing. “We applaud Congressman Finstad and the authors of the Ag Export Promotion Act for their work to strengthen programs that help market U.S. agricultural products to the world.”

“Exports of corn, ethanol and ethanol co-products are critical to Minnesota’s farming families and the entire state economy, accounting for thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in gross state product each year,” said Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Richard Syverson. “To facilitate the development of export markets, it’s vital that steady funding is available for the organizations that do this critical work. We thank Congressman Brad Finstad for introducing the Ag Export Promotion Act, which would secure this funding, and look forward to continuing our work with him to develop export markets for Minnesota farmers.”

“Minnesota Soybean Growers Association applauds Rep. Finstad’s attention to these critical programs,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth. “MAP and FMD have huge returns on investment and have been chronically underfunded. Ag exports are a vital piece of Minnesota’s rural economy.”

“Exports remain a great opportunity for U.S. dairy,” said Minnesota Milk Producers Association President Shelly DePestel. “Dairy farm families in Minnesota and beyond are ready to feed a growing global population. The Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program get our country’s foot in the door to many of these markets. These programs have proven time and again their impact, and we appreciate Rep. Finstad’s work to expand funding for these critical tools.”

“Minnesota’s pig farmers are excited to see this proposed extension and increased funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program in the Ag Export Promotion Act,” said Minnesota Pork Producers Association President John Anderson. “The United States is a premier supplier of pork to export markets across the globe providing one of the safest, most high-quality proteins while bringing significant value back to each pig we raise. We’re pleased to see additional financial support that compliments farmers’ own investments in countries and programs that expand markets for agricultural goods, diversify market opportunities and look to overcome tariff and non-tariff barriers. We appreciate Rep. Finstad’s leadership and support for these programs that have direct benefits for Minnesota farmers and our rural communities.”

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Local congressman ‘honored’ to head agriculture subcommittee

Local U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad will serve as chairman of the subcommittee on nutrition, foreign agriculture and horticulture for the 118th Congress.

“As one of very few active farmers currently serving in Congress, I am humbled and honored to be appointed chairman of the subcommittee on nutrition, foreign agriculture and horticulture,” Finstad said last week. “Our work on the nutrition, foreign agriculture and horticulture subcommittee on behalf of farmers, ranchers, processors and American taxpayers will be essential as we continue the process of successful reauthorization of the upcoming farm bill. Since my first day in Congress, it has been my top priority to make sure our rural and agriculture communities have a seat at the table in Washington, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for the world-class agriculture we have in the United States.”

Finstad, who represents Jackson County in Congress, has also been tabbed to serve on the subcommittees on military personnel and readiness.

“I am honored to serve on two respected subcommittees that oversee many important aspects of our nation’s defense,” Finstad said. “Each of these subcommittees focus on critical issues that will be essential to strengthening America’s national security, both at home and abroad.”