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Farmer says unclear trade enforcement could hurt ag exports

A farmer says the lack of details and enforcement mechanisms in last year’s trade frameworks could derail any progress that’s been made.

Jan TenBensel says it’s a major concern. “These agreements can take years to unfold and we just need to have a steady hand. We have to be able to make sure that all the relevant agencies keep an eye on these and make sure that for instance, as China is sticking to their agreements.”

He tells Brownfield, “More often than not, I’m afraid that the ag portion of some of these agreements goes by the wayside, based on trying to get other things like cheaper televisions or whatever the case might be.”

TenBensel says the frameworks have been encouraging but is still waiting to see an increase in export sales.

TenBensel is the president of the Nebraska Ethanol Board and a director with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.