A resolution regarding agricultural trade policy has been introduced by a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives sponsored by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). Drawing on the value of agriculture’s $9.6 Trillion in economic output, the jobs created by agriculture and the value of commercial exports in feeding the world, the resolution calls for a renewed commitment to expand market access and maintain global competitiveness. The resolution also calls for strong domestic trade programs for agriculture, comprehensive trade agreements including lower tariffs on U.S. exports and the resolution of unwarranted trade barriers. The resolution further requests enforcement of market access commitments in trade agreements, eliminating nontariff trade barriers, and pursuing a global trading system in food and agriculture through sound science. A number of U.S. Representatives from across the country have signed on as sponsors or cosponsors, including Representative Sanford Bishop of Georgia and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi in the Southeast.
In a press release, Representative Adrian Smith was quoted as saying, “Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit. The U.S. must drive an aggressive agenda to level the playing field and ensure our hardworking producers, who have the capacity to meet demand, can sell their products globally. Through negotiation of USMCA and other advancements on trade in his first term, President Trump showed an ability to overcome trade barriers by working in consultation with Congress to increase market access. This resolution calls for similar efforts to ensure American agriculture has a place at the table as we craft trade policy.”
The resolution is also supported by many agricultural commodity groups and associations.