Pulaski Times

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman has introduced legislation aimed at protecting the rice industry from the influx of cheap produce from India and China. The Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act proposes a joint task force on agricultural trade enforcement led by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The proposed task force is designed to monitor industrial subsidies from India and China proactively, rather than reacting after these subsidies are established. It will also be responsible for reporting recommendations to Congress on addressing any unfair subsidies identified.

This legislative effort is led by Senator Bill Cassidy, with co-sponsorship from Boozman and other Agriculture Committee members including Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, Joni Ernst, and Tommy Tuberville.

Boozman emphasized the need for this legislation by stating, "American rice and wheat farmers continue to be targeted by India’s egregious over-subsidization, and there are countless other examples." He added that the bill aims to equip the U.S. with tools to address market manipulation by trading partners.

Cassidy highlighted the importance of local produce for Louisiana's economy: "Louisianans want to eat rice grown in their backyard, not from the other side of the world."

Hyde-Smith expressed her support for increasing USDA's role in trade disputes as essential for safeguarding Mississippi's agriculture sector: "When countries blatantly violate their WTO commitments, they must be held accountable."

Ernst pointed out how critical trade is for Iowa farmers: "Breaking down the bureaucratic barriers between the USDA and USTR will help ensure Iowa farmers are on a level playing field when engaging with global markets."