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John Bode |
Some American farmers and farm workers voted for President Donald Trump, and some didn't, but most are counting on support from the new administration.
In his opinion for AgriPulse, John Bode describes how agribusiness workers are "eager to pursue a more prosperous rural America." He outlines four "key steps" the new administration could draw upon, which he believes would support economic growth and development in many parts of rural America.
Removing limiting regulations is the first step. Bode explains, "Deregulation does not mean elimination of regulation. Regulations provide such essential assurances as product safety and environmental protection. But a stable, rational regulatory environment should also be friendly to economic growth."
Policy that supports U.S. electrical grid integrity and other energy needs is vital. "When Trump left office four years ago, the U.S. electric grid had an overall capacity that substantially exceeded peak demand," Bode adds. "The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission tripled its five-year forecast for peak electric demand. . . .Without bold policy action, America will likely experience rolling blackouts in the next five years. A reliable energy infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth."
Continuing tax cuts would help the American public, businesses and farmers. "Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law, the American economy has had access to robust pro-growth tax policy, " Bode writes. "But many of the provisions that have helped boost business and put more money in the pockets of American workers are set to expire at the end of 2025."
Advancing American trade policy is vital to rural growth. Bode explains, "I believe [the new administration] can achieve alignment with Canada and Mexico so the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement may be refreshed to form a powerful economic platform to compete with China and other non-market economies. We should look past the dramatic tactics and focus on a strategy that advances American competitiveness."
John Bode is president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, the trade association representing the corn milling industry, and he chairs the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, which advises the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy.
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