The advocacy group Farmers for Free Trade took a contingent of American farmers and agricultural officials to Montreal, where the sixth round of NAFTA negotiations are ongoing. The goal was to speak out about the importance of the NAFTA and the need for some certainty as farmers make choices for the upcoming growing season. Terry Nelson is a diversified cattle …
AFBF Trade Adviser: TPP Deal Finalized Without the U.S.
The American Farm Bureau’s (AFBF) trade adviser says now that a TPP deal has been finalized without the U.S., Washington has little choice but to look for other trade deal partners in the Asia-Pacific, which is not the ideal situation. Canada’s Prime Minister announced last week that his country had finalized its own TPP with 10-nations in the Asia-Pacific region, …
Dairy Industry Emphasizing Unity
International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes gave his annual state-of-the-industry speech to the Dairy Forum in California. One of his highlights focused on the unity between dairy producers and processors. The Hagstrom Report says that unity that has led to joint positions on the upcoming farm bill, as well as the Trump Administration’s strong advocacy for dairy …
U.S. Food Exports to Cuba Rising
The hard-line rhetoric against Cuba in Washington, D.C., has led to a chink in the diplomatic ties formed in the Obama-era. However, the amount of food exports going from the U.S. to Cuba paints a very different picture. The U.S-Cuba Trade Economic Council released numbers showing that agricultural exports to Cuba totaled up over $250 million in 2017. Those numbers …
No NAFTA, No Trump Re-election
Trade was a big topic at the Agri-Talk Farmers Forum on Wednesday. Farmers at the show were of the opinion that if President Trump pulls out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), he may not see another term in office. One day earlier, Trump said the negotiations were moving along well. He added, “I happen to be of …
Some Sections of NAFTA Negotiations Closer to Completion
While the U.S. is still unhappy with the slow pace in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, there are some sections that are close to completed. Canada’s chief NAFTA negotiator says that the sixth round of talks could lead to a revamped sanitary and phytosanitary chapter of the pact. Politico says that chapter covers rules on food safety …
Not All Canada Ag Happy with TPP 11
Not all ag sectors in Canada are thrilled with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP 11. Canada’s dairy and chicken producer groups claim the deal will “chip away” at their markets. Chicken Farmers of Canada says the agreement still includes concessions on market access for chicken products in response to U.S. demands. …
NAFTA Wheat Groups Call for Successful Agreement
Wheat organizations from The U.S., Canada and Mexico are urging negotiators to reach a successful North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In a letter addressed to negotiators and President Donald Trump, several wheat-based groups from the three nations detailed the importance of the trade agreement to wheat growers and their associated industries. National Association of Wheat Growers President Gordon Stoner …
New York Times: How NAFTA Shapes Beer, Bacon and Blue Jeans Trade
The New York Times recently outlined what the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) means for three items notorious for their association with American culture. Combined, what should be considered for a country song title, the article details the cross-border trade of beer, bacon and blue jeans. The article notes that a change in trade policy could change the future …
Reports Shows States with Most to Lose in NAFTA
A new report shows which states stand to lose the most when it comes to withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Farmers for Free Trade, a self-described bipartisan, grassroots campaign working to rebuild support for trade, says the report outlines the specific threats the states most dependent on NAFTA ag trade with Mexico would face if America …