Two leading advocates for normalizing trade with Cuba announced the release of a new white paper, Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Cuba: A White Paper, that examines how 16 farm states could benefit if the U.S. repeals longstanding restrictions on food sales to the island nation. The paper was produced by Cuba Trade Magazine and the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for …
Ethanol Industry Asks USTR to Suspend Brazil GSP Status
The U.S. ethanol industry is asking U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to suspend Brazil’s designated country status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) due to “protectionist and market distorting actions in implementing a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) that affects imports of U.S. ethanol.” A letter was sent to Lighthizer this week, signed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Growth …
Secretary Perdue in Europe
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has been on a whirlwind trip around Europe for the past several days, starting with meetings in London before taking part in the G-7 ministerial, taking part in World Food Day in Rome and meeting Pope Francis yesterday, and concluding his trip today in Madrid. “It’s been a very productive trip,” said Perdue during …
AFBF Endorses Farmers for Free Trade
American Farm Bureau Federation Zippy Duvall took part in a press conference this week to support Farmers for Free Trade, a bipartisan campaign to rebuild support for trade at the grassroots level. Farmers for Free Trade, led by former Senators Max Baucus and Richard Lugar, is a bipartisan, non-profit organization that informs, mobilizes and amplifies the voice of U.S. farmers …
Agricultural Export Coalition Calls for Increased Federal Funding for Export Programs
More than 120 members of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports are urging leaders of the House Committee on Agriculture to increase funding for USDA export programs in the new farm bill to generate additional demand for U.S. farm products in an increasingly competitive global market. In a Sept. 19, 2017 letter to Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-TX), and …
Statement by Agricultural Export Coalitions in Support of the Cultivating Revitalization by Expanding American Agricultural Trade and Exports (CREAATE) Act in the U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports and the Agribusiness Coalition for Foreign Market Development welcome and strongly support passage of S. 1839, the Cultivating Revitalization by Expanding American Agricultural Trade and Exports (CREAATE) Act, introduced Tuesday by Sen. Angus King (I-ME), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). …
Historic Chinese Agreement to Help U.S. Rice
History was made this week when an agreement permitting US rice exports to China was signed during bi-lateral trade meetings held in Washington DC. An inspection of US rice mills and packaging facilities by the Chinese phytosanitary authorities is the next step to take place. The first exports to China will take several months but will provide a boost to …
Iowa Gov and Ag Groups Announce China Trip
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will lead an all-Iowa agriculture trade mission to China July 19-28 with representatives from the state’s corn, pork, soy, beef, egg, poultry, dairy and turkey industries. The trip marks the first time all of Iowa’s farm groups have come together for a trade mission which will be jointly funded by the participating organizations. Reynolds made the …
Nebraska Press Conference on Mexico Grain Trade
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts asked grain industry officials from Mexico and the United States join him Tuesday for a press conference to highlight the importance of Mexico to U.S. agriculture and how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has benefited both countries. Representatives from the Nebraska Corn Board, the U.S. Grains Council, and the National Corn Growers Association joined …
NCBA Reacts to Regained Access to China
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) held a media conference call and Q&A session to discuss the historic reopening of the Chinese market to American-produced beef this morning. Speaking on the call were Craig Uden, NCBA President, and Kent Bacus, NCBA Director of International Trade and Market Access. “We’re very excited about this development, it’s another step closer to restoring …
Branstad Draws on Ag Experience in Confirmation Hearing
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad drew on his agricultural trade and ethanol experience, as well as his 30 year friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. When asked by Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE) what he will do to get more U.S. chickens to China, Branstad agreed that China needs to have “a …
NAFTA’s Future Remains Uncertain
Following speculation that the U.S. might be preparing to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), President Trump agreed Wednesday evening to renegotiate the 23-year-old agreement with Canada and Mexico and “not to terminate NAFTA at this time.” As reports of a potential NAFTA withdrawal started to circulate on Wednesday, a Farm Foundation Forum was being held on …
Canadian Trade Policy Delivers Blow to Wisconsin Dairies
Over 70 Wisconsin dairy operations are already feeling the blow from a protectionist Canadian trade policy that has slammed the door on American dairy exports, violated existing trade commitments, and left farmers across the state scrambling to find milk buyers. Grassland Dairy Products Inc. informed over 70 operations this week that their contracts with the company will end May 1st, …
ZimmCast Delves Into the Cuban Gold Rush
Jamie Johansen recently had the opportunity to visit Cuba in her role as an agriculture journalist. While there, she learned about Cuban agriculture, tourism and the future role U.S. can play in each if the long-standing embargo is lifted. Chicago Foods International president Paul Johnson organized and led their delegation. Paul is no stranger to Cuba, making his first journey …
U.S. Trade Enforcement Action Against China
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers today announced the launch of trade enforcement action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The action challenges China’s use of “market price support” for three key crops (rice, wheat, and corn) in excess of China’s commitments under WTO rules. Congressional members …