Iowa Gov. Branstad: Beef, Corn Traits Key Trade Focuses in China

Getting China to allow in U.S. beef and breaking down barriers to U.S. genetically modified corn traits approved in China will be among issues that Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said he will focus on in his coming role as the U.S. ambassador to China.Since bovine spongiform encephalopathy has not been present in the U.S. for years, Branstad, a Republican, said in remarks at the USDA Outlook Forum near Washington that there is "no reason China should restrict U.S. beef." He wants to "serve U.S. beef" at the U.S. embassy in China and to serve it to Chinese officials. "They already buy a lot of pork, I just want to add beef," he added.China's restrictions on distillers' dried grains (DDGs) are another area Branstad will work on. "I would like to see them eliminated," Branstad said, adding that ethanol production is a key for his state and he also added a push for expanded use of ethanol in the U.S.On China's failure to approve certain U.S. GMO corn traits, Branstad noted he will focus on food safety said "I intend to do what I can." Branstad will meet with China's ambassador to the U.S. while in Washington, an official he said he has a "personal relationship" with. Those personal relationships are highly valued by the Chinese, Branstad added, something which can "help break down some of the barriers."Getting a level playing field for U.S. agriculture is another key, Branstad observed, noting he was on a trade mission to Japan and China immediately after the election. "I tried to tell them there is no question that President Trump wants to improved agreements we have in terms of trade. He feels the trade imbalance is too great," he said. Ideally, Branstad said he is hopeful Trump will work to "improve bilateral agreements and enhance our opportunity to export."