Why I support the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Iowa farmers know growth must be rooted in a solid foundation.

Land, healthy soil, equipment, and dedicated workers form the building blocks of local farms, and it is this common-sense mentality that has helped drive Iowa to the forefront of the global agricultural industry.

As a proud Iowa hog, corn, and soybean farmer, I actively support measures that help further Iowa's economic impact around the world.

One such opportunity to strengthen Iowa's agricultural base is the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The TPP will expand U.S. trade and investment ties with 11 countries that comprise about 40 percent of the global GDP.

It seeks to eliminate barriers in foreign markets, and promote global commerce by removing tariffs, streamlining regulatory issues, and protecting intellectual property rights. By providing access to valuable international markets, this partnership will continuing growing the export base for Iowa's farmers, business owners, and manufacturers.

The United States maintains strong trade and investment ties with TPP regions, but passage of this measure would further codify these relationships. One such relationship that will be made even stronger is between the U.S. and Japan, with the Japanese Prime Minister set to visit late next month to help solidify the TPP agreement.

The TPP builds upon an existing foundation to provide further support for U.S. jobs and made-in-America exports. Under the guidance of the Trade Promotion Authority, implementation of the TPP would enforce labor rights and boost economic development in Iowa and across the United States.

I support the TPP because its goals are attainable strategies that will guide our state, and its industries, into the future of international trade. As we face the realities of globalization, it is imperative we solidify our trade relationships.

Iowa exports around $8 billion annually in goods to all TPP markets, and these numbers are growing. From 2007 to 2012, Iowa saw a 19 percent increase in exports to Japan alone. These statistics represent more than just quantitative sums; they are the incomes and livelihoods of Iowa farmers and business owners.

With food and agricultural exports reaching an all-time high, it's time to cement our position in the global trade and investment industry. We have seen with Japan, a TPP country, that the demand for exports from Iowa - including soybeans, corn, and pork - is increasing with globalization. To continue this development, we must use the same logic and principles that we apply to farming.

Just as the proper foundation generates growth on our farms, a permanent network of international markets generates growth in our economy.

' Heather Hora raises corn, soybeans and hogs with her husband Kurt near Washington. Comments: hhora@live.com