Michigan dry bean industry leaders Thursday applauded U.S. Senate approval of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a measure to hold ocean carrier companies accountable for unfair practices that have hampered U.S. agricultural exports.
“U.S. Senate approval of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act helps clear the way for exports of Michigan dry beans and many other food and agricultural products from our state,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Bean Shippers, which represents Michigan dry bean handlers and exporters. “Food and agricultural exports are a bright spot for Michigan’s economy, but our industry faces unprecedented delays and denied bookings on container ships that transport our products across the globe. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will hold big ocean carrier companies accountable for their practices and help ensure fair treatment for agricultural shippers across Michigan.”
“Michigan dry bean farmers are proud to see our products sent to customers across six continents, and the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act will help keep those exports flowing,” said Joe Cramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, representing Michigan dry bean farmers. “Michigan’s dry bean industry and our entire agriculture sector continue working hard every day to deliver a high-quality, sustainable product, but a lack of shipping containers and reliable ocean carrier services are barriers we need to overcome as soon as possible. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is a strong step forward for Michigan agriculture.”
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act addresses ocean container carrier practices that are injuring exporters in Michigan and across America. This strong bipartisan legislation:
- Will prohibit ocean carriers from unreasonably denying opportunities for U.S. exports to be shipped to other counties.
- Will require ocean carriers to report to the federal government on total import and/or export tonnage per vessel at U.S. ports, to provide better transparency in shipping.
- Will grow U.S. agricultural exports by getting shipping containers where they need to go, when they need to arrive.
The bill previously passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support from across the Michigan delegation, and both of Michigan’s U.S. Senators cosponsored it in the Senate.
Source: Michigan Bean Shippers news release
