Indiana Farm Bureau

NEWS ADVISORY

November 15, 2012

For more information: Megan Ritter, 317-692-7833, mritter@infarmbureau.org

Andy Dietrick, 317-692-7818, adietrick@infarmbureau.org

Kathleen Dutro, 317-692-7824, kdutro@infarmbureau.org

Statement from Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock

on today’s Russia PNTR vote

“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a vote of 365 – 43 permanent normal trade relations to Russia. Indiana Farm Bureau appreciates the support of Reps. Bucshon, Burton, Carson, Donnelly, Rokita, Stutzman and Young in passage of H.R. 6156 in the House.

“It is great to see such convincing support by Indiana’s members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Trade is critically important to Indiana agriculture and passing PNTR allows for Indiana farmers, particularly pork, poultry and beef producers, to gain more competitive access to a significant market and economic opportunity.

“Russia joined the World Trade Organization on Aug. 22, 2012. If PNTR is not enacted U.S. farmers will continue to be disadvantaged in the Russian market. American agriculture exports over $1.4 billion to Russia annually, primarily poultry, pork and beef products.

“Now we urge action and support in the U.S. Senate.”