Press Release: US Dry Bean Council Urges Passage of TPA

May 18, 2015
Miami, Florida

The US Dry Bean Council (USDBC) commends Senate approval of cloture on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), clearing the way for debate on the Trade Promotion Authority or “fast track” bill. TPA outlines Congressional guidance to the President on trade policy priorities and negotiating objectives. It is critical to the success of future U.S. trade agreements allowing Congress an up or down vote and preventing amendments. Lack of TPA is a deterrent to our global trade partners and will be a critical factor for the successful outcome of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).

The US Dry Bean Council represents all facets of the US dry bean productive chain and promotes increased consumption of US dry beans in the U.S. and abroad. U.S. dry bean growers and processors export about 20% of annual production and count on trade agreements for market access and a level trade playing field. “Trade agreements are critical to the success of our industry and help us maintain competitiveness in existing markets and expand into new markets, without them, we’d be at a tremendous disadvantage and this would have an impact on the local economy, ” according to Rebecca Bratter, Executive Director.

US Dry Bean President Bill Thoreson emphasized “we must have TPA for our future trade success and to secure a successful TPP agreement. This is a high priority for the US dry bean industry and we will continue to work vigorously with our stakeholders to do our part to make this happen.”

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The U.S. Dry Beans Council (USDBC) was formed in 1954 to represent farmers, dealers and corporate members who grow, handle, export and process dry beans grown in the United States. The purpose and mission of the USDBC is to provide a unified voice for the dry bean industry, and to promote the healthy attributes of our food to increase the consumption of beans grown in the United States. The USDBC strives to be successful in representing the diverse interests of the U.S. dry bean producers, handlers and processors, affecting the U.S. industry’s ability to compete both domestically and globally.