Ag Headlines, Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Thailand Interested in Joining TPP

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister says the country is interested in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal but needs to study the terms and conditions first. A Singapore newspaper reported this week Thailand is “very interested” but must weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. The US-ASEAN Business Council president and chief executive Alexander Feldman said during a visit to Bangkok in Thailand’s consent to the TPP would increase American investment in Thailand. He said “Thailand has globally competitive industries in cars, electronics, agriculture, healthcare services and tourism.” However, the current TPP negotiations must be finalized before the current members could consider letting additional nations join the trade deal. Further, all 12 countries must agree on additions.

Senate Ag Committee Postpones Child Nutrition Bill Markup

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts announced this week the markup of the child nutrition reauthorization bill would have to be rescheduled. Markup of the bill was initially planned for this Thursday. The announcement is a signal that Republicans and Democrats have not been able to come to an agreement on how to handle the future of the healthier school meal rules, according to the Hagstrom Report. The rules are part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act passed in 2010. Roberts said “I am continuing negotiations with ranking member [Debbie] Stabenow to get a bipartisan, budget-neutral agreement to move forward with child nutrition reauthorization.” Roberts added the negotiations are near the finish line.

EPA to Stick to Schedule on RFS Proposal

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy said Tuesday the EPA will stick to its promise to issue the volumetric requirements of the Renewable Fuels Standard. McCarthy did not provide any details of the proposal, however, according to the Hagstrom Report. McCarthy spoke to Growth Energy members during the organization’s annual Washington D.C fly-in. McCarthy said she wants to “make sure that the rules get done by November 30th.”McCarthy repeatedly reassured the audience that the Obama administration is committed to renewable fuels and views them as a way to address climate change. However, McCarthy also said that writing the rule is difficult and must be done in a way to pass muster with the courts. McCarthy told Growth Energy members the federal agency is currently going through 650,000 comments before finalizing the rule.

NAFB News