Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford is asking the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to investigate foreign interference in the rice industry.
Crawford led 16 members of Congress who signed a letter requesting a rice-specific Section 301 investigation. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the investigation of unfair trade practices that burden or restrict U.S. interests.
The letter also thanks Greer for specifically mentioning rice as an area he expects to address under Section 301.
Crawford explained in the letter that rice imports into the U.S. have surged in the past two decades, displacing more than $1.5 billion in domestic sales. Unfair subsidies and trade-distorting practices by countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Brazil, and the European Union are eroding the U.S. market and threatening family farms and processing jobs across the country.
The letter also stated that the U.S. rice industry supports 125,000 American jobs and produces 20 billion pounds of rice annually.
“American rice farmers can compete with any farmer anywhere in the world, provided they are on a level playing field,” the letter states. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Ambassador Greer to protect our domestic industries from nefarious foreign practices.”
Trade association USA Rice Federation supported Crawford’s call for an investigation.
“On behalf of USA Rice, I commend Congressman Crawford for spearheading this effort to provide support in USTR’s efforts to push back on countries that are violating their international trade commitments and harming our domestic rice industry,” USA Rice Chair Keith Glover said. “The letter to Ambassador Greer is particularly timely as USTR continues to initiate Section 301 investigations, and we appreciate the board and bipartisan support from members of the U.S. House of Representatives.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Rice is one of the most consumed commodities in the world. The major producing countries outside the U.S. have long worked hard to keep U.S. rice out of their markets. Prior disputes have not removed the major barriers to our rice having equal access to overseas markets. Perhaps this investigation will yield better results. One factor that provides some hope is that Jamieson Greer is very familiar with this issue. He was previously the Agriculture Trade Representative.
But don’t wait for this issue to be settled before reaching out to rice farmers or other producers in your area. AgTruckTrader.com® is one mechanism you can use along with face-to-face visits, social media (especially to younger farmers) or fliers that tout your CAD status. Telling or reminding farmers/ranchers about what it means for you to be a CAD member is always a good thing to do!
