European Union Will Import More U.S. Beef

A Reuters report says the European Union has agreed to allow U.S. farmers a bigger share of the European beef market. EU sources and diplomats all tell Reuters that the move could help calm down some transatlantic trade tensions. The deal will give America a guaranteed share of a 45,000-ton EU quota for hormone-free beef. The quota was agreed to …

Farm Bureau Leader: UF/IFAS Analysis Shows the Destructive Effects of Mexican Farm Imports

Gainesville, Fla. (FFBF) – A new economic analysis conducted by a University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) team has confirmed that Mexican imports have significantly harmed fruit and vegetable producers in the Sunshine State.  A steadily increasing surge of Mexican products has entered the U.S. domestic market during Florida’s peak winter seasons since the North American Free Trade …

Trade Impacts on Beef Industry

Many of us remember all the discussions about Mandatory County of Origin Labeling (MCOOL). Over the years, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted various comments on the issue. But recently, NCBA Senior Director of International Trade, Kent Bacus, was asked about claims that beef imported into the U.S. from other countries could have the labels removed and replaced with …

MFP Plan Now at OMB for Review

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced three weeks ago they were taking several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. USDA will implement some $16 billion in programs, which includes the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Those payments will be delivered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). And according to a story …

Commissioner Black Issues Statement on Federal Disaster and Trade Assistance

“Our farmers are encouraged with the recently approved disaster and trade-related assistance packages. While we are working with USDA to determine implementation of the funds allotted to Georgia farmers and hope to have details out soon, USDA Secretary Perdue issued the following timely guidance.” “Whether it’s because of natural disasters or unfair retaliatory tariffs, farmers across the country are facing …

U.S. Pork Producers Seek Main Course, Not Crumbs

China Represents Single-Greatest Sales Opportunity in U.S. Pork History Expanding U.S. export markets is vital to the success of American pork producers, but trade disputes with some of our top markets, most notably China, are hampering growth and have caused severe financial harm to U.S. hog farmers, National Pork Producers Council Vice President and Counsel of Global Government Affairs Nick …

Secretary Perdue Statement on Disaster and Trade-Related Assistance

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on disaster and trade-related assistance: “Whether it’s because of natural disasters or unfair retaliatory tariffs, farmers across the country are facing significant challenges and tough decisions on their farms and ranches. Last month, immediately upon China reneging on commitments made during the trade talks, President Trump committed USDA (U.S. Department …