Representative Terry Morrow is pleased by today’s announcement by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack that China has agreed to “quickly resume” U.S. pork imports. China/Hong Kong was the second largest export market for U.S. pork in 2008 before China instituted a ban on pork imports from the U.S. Representative Morrow has pressed the federal government for months to complete the trade negotiations as a major means of supporting Minnesota’s pork industry.

Minnesota’s pork producers will be breathing a bit easier with today’s news that China intends to start importing U.S. pork again. Trade with China has been a top priority as I work with the hog farmers in my district and throughout Southern Minnesota in 2009 to address the challenges they face. Because agriculture is a pillar of Minnesota’s economy, today’s news should be warmly greeted throughout our area.

Throughout the summer, Representative Morrow met with Minnesota’s pork producers to examine the causes surrounding the deep drop in pork prices and to identify solutions. On June 30, 2009, Representative Morrow met with area hog farmers, grain elevator operators, and the Minnesota Pork Producers to develop a plan that included Representative Morrow’s work with Minnesota’s Congressional delegation to resolve international trade issues. These efforts included meetings with Congressman Walz and Senator Al Franken and letters to Minnesota’s delegation in August focusing on the need to renew trade with China.

The June 30th meeting clearly established that access to the Chinese market was crucial for Minnesota’s pork economy. I immediately went to work with Congressman Walz, our pork producers, and others to move the trade negotiations along. Today’s announcement that our cooperative effort has been successful is wonderful for Southern Minnesota’s economy.

While renewed pork trade with China will help Minnesota’s pork producers and the state’s economy, other factors will continue to be examined. Representative Morrow has visited with local hog farmers in Nicollet County throughout the summer and fall to identify additional steps to be taken.

A major goal moving forward is to continue reminding the press and the public that eating pork is safe and does not lead to catching the H1N1 flu. It seems that every day we need to encourage media use of the H1N1 designation. We also need to examine production costs, ensure that Minnesota has enough farm mediators, address credit availability and cost. Our request that the USDA purchase pork for school and other food programs will also help.

China banned pork imports in early 2009, citing the H1N1 flu outbreak even though eating pork products does not expose humans to the flu. Exports of U.S. pork to China dropped 70% in the first eight months of 2009 compared to a year earlier. Minnesota’s pork industry includes 22,500 jobs and generates $4 billion for the state annually