Melvin Medeiros: Costa’s vote on trade negotiations was correct

Dairy products were one of California’s top agricultural export in 2013, valued at $1.3 billion. But that number needs to keep growing if dairy farmers like me are to survive and thrive. Why? Because milk production in this country is growing faster than milk consumption. And, without more exports there is no place for that extra milk to go.

For that reason, I appreciated Rep. Jim Costa’s vote earlier this month in favor of new Trade Promotion Authority legislation. TPA is critical to securing beneficial trade agreements that open markets for more American goods, including the milk I produce every day. It is particularly important in ensuring U.S. negotiators have what they need to secure a positive result for dairy farmers in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, though that Pacific Rim trade agreement will need to be judged later on its own merits.

Some 95 percent of the world’s population is overseas and that is where our excess milk must find a home. TPA is a key factor in that process and I appreciate Rep. Costa’s efforts to get this legislation to the president’s desk.

This story was originally published June 26, 2015 at 9:47 AM with the headline "Melvin Medeiros: Costa’s vote on trade negotiations was correct."