Korean embassy rep urges support of FTA at area farms

June 2, 2011

The Romeo Observer

LORI PHILLIPS

The sky was gray and the rain fell incessantly last Thursday, but that didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of anyone in attendance as Jong-hyun Choi, minister of economic affairs for the embassy of the Republic of Korea, met with local farmers to discuss the benefits of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Korea and the U.S., known as KORUS.
      
His first stop was to the Ingleside Farm in Bruce Township, where he met with father-and-son team, Rick and Bret Schapman. They walked Choi and his associates through the cattle and machinery barns and explained some of the day-to-day operations and procedures.
       
As he viewed the towering tractors and massive pull-behind equipment, Choi commented, "I can see that farming in the U.S. is, to a large extent, mechanized." 
      
Bret agreed but emphasized their family's commitment to healthy, sustainable choices to protect the environment for the future.
      
"We try to protect everything here. I hope that my children will come back to farming," said Rick. "Most farms that produce on our scale don't do what we do. But we think it's the best way."
      
At Westview Orchard in Washington, Choi was impressed by the diversity of product and service offered by one farm. The minister applauded the achievements of owners Abby Jacobson and her sister, Katrina Schumacher, calling them pioneers by creating a niche market.
      
"That is something our farmers in Korea need to benchmark<to produce something of quality at a competitive price," said Choi.
      
"We have an opportunity to educate, to let people know where their food comes from," said Jacobson. "It benefits all the businesses in the area<the whole community."
      
Choi explained how the FTA would eliminate Korean import tariffs on U.S. products, allowing U.S. businesses to become more competitive in the growing Korean market. While some tariffs would be reduced over time, most would immediately go down to zero.
      
This agreement was created in June of 2007, but has been stalled in Congress. Opponents, including U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, have argued against the FTA, claiming losses for displaced workers.
      
In response, Chris Garza, senior director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation stated, "For every billion dollars in exports, about 9,000 jobs will be supported in the U.S. It takes a lot of people to move that much product."
      
Priscilla Baek, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, "We hope to pass this legislation as soon as possible; at least before Congress has their recess in August. The European Union is working with Korea on an FTA scheduled to go into effect July 1. If they make their agreements first, it will put the U.S. at a great disadvantage."
      
Garza added, "Once you lose market share, it's very difficult to get back."
      
Australia seized the beef market share from the U.S. when an outbreak of mad cow disease forced U.S. beef exports to be shut down. According to supporters, the KORUS FTA would make the U.S. competitive once again, especially agriculturally.
      
Art Thomas, a blueberry farmer from Grand Junction, Michigan, drove three hours to listen to Choi.
      
"It's (Korea) a huge potential market for us," said Michigan Farm Bureau President Wayne Wood. "We see a market and an opportunity. The fact that you (Choi) are here trying to help pass this legislation is significant. They want our products. We are currently leaving money on the table by not passing this legislation."
      
"If you support this (FTA) agreement, then your congressman needs to hear about it right away," said Choi. "The pivotal vote is only weeks from now."
      
He concluded his visit by acknowledging the great sacrifices U.S. veterans and citizens made over the last 60 years and how those sacrifices have helped their economy grow.
     
"Korea would not be where they are today without the long-cherished alliance between our countries," he said.
      
To view a video of the tour, visit the Michigan Farm Bureau YouTube channel. To read more about the KORUS FTA, go to www.michfb.com.

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