NASDA - National Association of State Department o : Obama Outlines Priorities in State of the Union Address

"We need to work together on tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our environment and open new markets to new goods stamped Made in the USA," the President said.

The Obama Administration recently called on Congress to pass trade promotion authority which would delegate authority to negotiate trade agreements with new countries to the Administration. These agreements would then go to the Senate for an up or down vote without changes.

Agriculture is one of the few industries with a trade surplus, making free trade and adequate infrastructure important. The President spoke of the need for updating infrastructure in his address.

"We can take the money we save from this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, unclogging our commutes," the President said.

President Obama urged Congress to raise the national minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Raising the national minimum wage will directly impact the agricultural industry, from product transportation to processing, the cost to get food from the field to the plate would likely increase.

The President stressed his desire to work with Congress to change policies, but he reiterated his willingness to take executive actions to accomplish his objectives.

The President briefly mentioned immigration reform and stressed the importance of passing legislation this year to allow more people to experience the American dream.

The last priority, which directly affects the agricultural industry, is the need for energy independence. The President mentioned his desire for more clean energies such as natural gas, solar, and cellulosic biofuels.

"Cellulosic biofuels have the potential to reduce petroleum consumption and carbon pollution while boosting rural economic development," the President said.

Many issues outlined by the President are important to the agricultural industry. NASDA looks forward to working with the administration and with State Departments of Agriculture to craft legislation and policies that are beneficial to the agricultural industry.