Gordon Heinrich: Allowing trade treaty to be negotiated helps family farmers

I am an almond grower in Modesto. My almonds are sold in the U.S. and overseas. They are exported to many countries around the world. This means that trade is important to my livelihood and the success of our small family farm.

I support Trade Promotion Authority, as it is necessary to complete trade negotiations with other countries. Trade negotiations are important to open markets for U.S. products, including almonds. Many countries maintain barriers to trade. These take the form of high tariffs, such as exist in India. Also, there are non-tariff barriers that are used to block trade. These often take the form of health issues that are not supported by sound science. There are many other types, as well.

In order to reduce these tariffs and non-tariff barriers, trade negotiations are necessary. For them to be completed, foreign countries have to have the confidence the U.S. will do what it agrees to do. That is why Trade Negotiating Authority is necessary and should be passed.

This story was originally published June 11, 2015 at 4:49 PM with the headline "Gordon Heinrich: Allowing trade treaty to be negotiated helps family farmers."