June exports of U.S. pork fell below year-ago levels for the first time this year, but exports remain on a record pace in 2020, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were down sharply from a year ago in June. This reflected a lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in …
Commissioner Fried Encourages Farmers to Comment, Testify on Unfair Trade Hearings
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried are encouraging producers to submit comments in the coming week to the upcoming U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) field hearings on unfair produce trade with Mexico. The USTR recently announced that field hearings scheduled in April will now take place on August 13 and …
USDA, USTR to Hold Hearings with Seasonal Growers Next Month
The Trump administration will hold two hearings next month with seasonal produce growers to discuss foreign trade policies that may be harming farmers. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office, along with the Department of Agriculture, recently announced the hearings planned for August 13 and August 20. At the hearings, officials from the federal agencies will hear from farmers on how the …
U.S., Japan Organic Trade Pact Now Includes Livestock
The USDA says livestock is now added to the list of products included in the organic trade arrangement between the U.S. and Japan. The Fence Post Dot Com says livestock can now be certified to either country’s organic standards for sale as organic in both markets. “Opening new markets for America’s organic farmers and ranchers continues to be a priority …
Peanut Exports Setting New Records
A new report shows record numbers for peanut exports. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, U.S. peanut exports are up over 40% in the past 10 months.
Trump: China Phase Two Agreement Unlikely
President Donald Trump recently told reporters a Phase Two agreement with China is not likely. The President said aboard Air Force One last week, “I don’t think about that,” adding, “The relationship with China has been severely damaged.” Bloomberg News reports the Trump administration continues to pressure China over the COVID-19 outbreak, alleging a cover-up by China, among other things. …
Collins, Scott Urge Trump Administration to Protect American Farmers From Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices
ATLANTA, Ga. – Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Austin Scott (R-Ga.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging the Administration to protect American farmers from Mexico’s unfair trade practices as it works to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). “As you may know, Mexico’s increased market share of produce and perishable goods at record-low prices in the …
Concerns With Canada’s Commitments Under USMCA
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force July 1, but many U.S. dairy farmers are concerned about possible bad-faith actions from Canada. During a recent RFD-TV interview, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Senior Vice President of Communications, Alan Bjerga, discussed how Canada’s Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) allocations are undermining the trade deal. In a recent release, NMPF noted it has …
Cotton Export Volume Up From Last Year, Value Down
The export situation for U.S. cotton is a mixed bag right now. Gary Crawford has the details.
Red Meat Exports Trend Lower in May
U.S. beef and pork exports trended lower in May, due in large part to temporary interruptions in slaughter and processing. Beef exports dropped well below year-ago levels, while pork exports remained higher than a year ago, but were the lowest since October 2019. Joe Schuele with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has the details. “As protective measures related to …