IDFA concerned about congressional Democrats plan for Colombia FTA

Food & Drink Weekly, April 21, 2008

The body representing U.S. dairy processors is concerned that Congress plans to block a free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has expressed strong support for the pact, which is being promoted strongly by President George W. Bush. According to the pact, Colombia would immediately eliminate tariffs on nearly 52% of U.S. agriculture trade upon implementation and phase out the remaining tariffs within 15 years. U.S. dairy exporters would gain immediate duty-free, quota-free access for whey and lactose exports, as well as increased quotas for cheese, ice cream and processed dairy products.

However, most Democrats, backed by organized labor and some human-rights groups, are against the Colombia deal and plan to stall its progress through Congress. Opponents cite violence in Colombia against union organizers and say they will not consider further agreements until legislation is passed to expand current programs to help American workers displaced by foreign trade.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) has already announced new intention to change House rules for trade negotiating authority and indefinitely delay the vote.

IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton accused the Democrats of "playing political games". She added: "Changing the rules in midstream will only hinder our country's ability to broker fair and effective trade agreements with international partners in the future." Exports have become increasingly important to the U.S. dairy industry, she said, and IDFA strongly supports free trade agreements that will increase market access for dairy products.