JEFFERSON CITY – Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson has commended President Donald Trump for a new agreement to allow beef producers in the United States to export their products to China, ending a nearly 14 year ban on beef exports. The United States Department of Agriculture detailed that cattle producers can begin shipping certain products to China. Both national and state leaders have welcomed the new agreement, as China imports $2.5 billion in international beef every year.
“President Trump is determined to get a better deal for farmers and ranchers across the United States, and this agreement will be tremendous for Missouri agriculture,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson. “Missouri ranks in the top three states nationally for cattle production, with one in ten Missouri jobs being agriculture related and an $88 billion economic impact. This agreement with China will only add to Missouri’s number one industry,” Lieutenant Governor Parson said. “As the only active farmer in statewide office, I have a responsibility to ensure the next generation of farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to be successful. This new agreement with China is just one of the great things happening for Missouri agriculture, and I look forward to meeting with the Chinese delegation in Washington, D.C. with Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn in the very near future,” said Lieutenant Governor Parson.
Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn also voiced her support for the agreement. “I have the opportunity to talk with the farmers and ranchers in our state, as well as consumers, about the importance of trade,” said Director Chinn. “In Missouri, our agriculture products are not only high quality, but also extremely diverse. Whether they grow row crops or raise livestock, our producers need markets in which they can sell their goods. I am an advocate for any and all new market opportunities for agriculture and believe China will be a great one for Missouri,” Director Chinn said.
