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To view past Capitol Updates go to nppc.org
CAPITAL UPDATE SCHEDULE
Because Congress has adjourned until after the elections, Capital Update will not be published on a weekly basis. It will be distributed as needed.
FOR THE WEEK ENDING October 17, 2008
EXTENSION OF ANDEAN TRADE PREFERENCE ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
President Bush yesterday signed into law an extension of the Andean Trade Preferences Act, which allows most products from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to enter the United States duty free. Earlier this year, Congress approved a one-year extension of the trade program, which was set to expire Dec. 31. NPPC has pointed to the program as one of the reasons Congress should approve a pending free trade agreement with Colombia, arguing that lawmakers should give the same free trade benefits to U.S. food and agriculture producers that they repeatedly have given Colombian food and agriculture producers. NPPC is leading a coalition of agricultural organizations in support of the Colombia trade agreement, which would open to U.S. pork producers a market of 43 million consumers and, when fully implemented, add $1.63 to the price producers receive for each hog marketed, according to Iowa State University economists. During Thursday’s White House signing ceremony, President Bush urged congressional lawmakers – when they return to Washington next month – to approve the Colombia FTA as well as pending trade pacts with Panama and South Korea. “These free trade agreements will strengthen our relationships with key allies. They will create new opportunities for our consumers and businesses. They will reassure our trading partners that America will not give in to pessimism or protectionism. They will show that we honor our commitments,” the president said.
GIPSA TO HOLD MEETING ON FARM BILL
The Grain, Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) will hold a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. EST Oct. 22 in Gainesville, Ga., on the 2008 Farm Bill and its likely effects on the swine and poultry industries. The meeting will be held in the Hall County FSA Building at 734 East Crescent Drive. The public may comment on and recommend actions related to swine and poultry production and processing. Those who cannot attend a meeting can participate by calling 870-950-5739 and entering the pass code 6969173, or by sending questions or comments by e-mail to Jeana.M.Harbison@usda.gov. For more information about the meeting, click here. GIPSA will use the comments and recommendations from the meeting and ones already held in Arkansas and Iowa to help write the regulations needed to implement the Farm Bill’s sections on livestock production contracts and on issues related to poultry.