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Farm Groups Consider Possible Impact Of Trans-Pacific Partnership

Farm Bureau Says Deal Could Open Up New Markets, Cause Volatility

By
Erik Anestad (CC-BY-NC-ND)

Agriculture advocacy groups are questioning how the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement may impact farmers in the state, even though a final agreement may be months away.

The U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim countries agreed to the largest regional trade deal in history. The deal promises a common set of rules for members, but details haven’t been made public.

Jim Holte of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation said more markets for Wisconsin dairy farmers is a good thing, but that they’re watching for details.

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“One of our highest priorities for the TPP has been significant access for markets for Wisconsin dairy products,” said Holte.

Zach Herrnstadt of the Wisconsin Farmers Union said opening up trade could cause volatility in the dairy industry: “That could mean less certainty for small and mid-sized dairy farms here in Wisconsin,” he said.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership deal must still be ratified by Congress.