CHS Board and New Leaders visit Capitol Hill
Several CHS Directors and young leaders represented CHS owners with state and federal lawmakers in late June, including, front row from left, Directors David Beckman and Scott Cordes; back row, from left, Director David Johnsrud; James Giese, Alma Center, Wis.; Richard and Brittany Larsen, Wannaska, Minn.; Tanya and Ryan Mackenthun, Brownton, Minn.; and Directors Randy Knecht, Jon Erickson and C.J. Blew.
CHS Directors were joined by five young leaders in visits to lawmakers and regulators on Capitol Hill June 24-26, 2019. The meetings, organized by CHS Government Affairs, were held in conjunction with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Washington Conference, an annual event that highlights the value of cooperatives in rural America.
Free trade agreements, tax policy and the value of cooperatives were key topics as the leaders helped lawmakers understand the effect these issues are having on farm families and cooperatives.
- Conversations on trade reinforced the need to maintain and increase market opportunities for U.S. ag products. The U.S., Mexico and Canada Agreement (USMCA) requires passage by legislatures in all three countries. U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in early 2017 has put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage, especially in wheat exports to Japan. CHS also sent a strong message urging the U.S. to move swiftly in resolving the current trade dispute with China.
- Congress is considering extending tax credits that support the biodiesel and propane supply chain.
The group also met with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to express appreciation for his support of U.S. farmers and to offer assistance in advancing trade negotiations and identifying areas for regulatory reform.