The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has praised Congress for its efforts on the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA 2015) bill as it it moves to President Barack Obama for signature.

The bill is a key legal piece for the government to push ahead to secure trade agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

PMA vice president of global business development Richard Owen said the group was pleased a bipartisan Congress had shown strong resolve to pass the "transformative bill" to the president's desk.

"The buying and selling of fresh produce occurs in a global environment, and that’s becoming more evident each day. Our ability as an industry to compete in the international market is tied to the ability of the United States to eliminate barriers to facilitate free and fair trade," Owen said in a release.

"TPA provides a framework that builds confidence with our international partners and foreign governments that a deal negotiated will make it through the political process for approval.

"The expectation of U.S. consumers for year-round fresh produce means the produce industry, buyers and sellers alike, depend heavily on continued strong growth of international trade. "

He said the PMA's members cared about trade no matter what side of the world they called home.

"That’s why we’re focusing on global trade as a top priority through our Issues Leadership work.

"The U.S. also depends on international supply partners: it’s the largest importer of fresh produce globally, importing 17.2 million tons in 2014 totaling $18 billion. Additionally, 70 to 80 percent of cut flowers come from outside of the U.S."

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