TPP Statement by Grange President Betsy Huber

National Grange President Betsy E. Huber on Monday made the following statement after the announcement of President Trump’s first executive action, to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement:

With the Grange’s primary interest in agriculture, food production and the marketing of American products to all available markets, we understand the potential value of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) to the American producer and our rural economy.  The Grange also represents the interests of residents of rural areas and small communities, who produce other products and may not expect to fare as well in the TPP agreement as it was proposed.  Therefore, the National Grange supports the President’s decision to withdraw from TPP and to begin negotiations with each individual country in the pact.    Further, we urge the President to insist that all future trade deals require imported items to meet the same strict standards to which U.S.-produced goods are held.