The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced details for their tariff mitigation plan to help farmers and ranchers in response to the retaliatory tariffs other countries have put in place against U.S. agricultural exports. Reece Langley, Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council (NCC), has more information on how the program will work for U.S. cotton growers. …
Producers Welcome Help But Want End To Trade Disputes
The National Pork Producers Council commended the Trump administration for providing assistance to America’s farmers suffering from the ongoing trade disputes with China, Mexico and other nations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced details of a $12 billion aid package for U.S. agriculture, including a nearly $559 million purchase of pork for federal nutrition assistance and child nutrition programs, …
Canada Returns to NAFTA Talks
Negotiators from Canada rushed to Washington, D.C. this week to resume talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The U.S. is pushing to get a so-called handshake agreement with Canada, following a framework agreement with Mexico. The U.S. seeks to announce a deal by the end of this week, placing a deadline of Friday. However, …
Canadian Business Council Says NAFTA Agreement Possible this Week
Business groups in Canada say it is possible that Canada could agree to a framework deal on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) this week, in line with a Trump administration goal. Talks are underway between the U.S. and Canada in hopes an updated handshake agreement can be reached, after the U.S. announced an agreement with Mexico. The CEO …
Trade Relief Package Favors Soybeans
The Department of Agriculture’s trade relief package is drawing criticisms that it favors soybean production over corn. Soybeans, no doubt a hotter commodity for China, which is targeting U.S. ag as part of the trade war with the U.S., have a much larger payout than corn. The payments are based on 2018 production levels that must be certified and provided …
Rubio, Nelson Raise Concerns About Mexico Trade Deal
While President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a tentative trade deal with Mexico, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., raised concerns about whether the deal would adequately protect Florida farmers. Rubio and Nelson sent a joint letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer requesting that he work “diligently to ensure Florida’s agriculture community is fairly …
Agriculture Welcomes USDA Help, Urges End to Trade Disputes
Agriculture groups welcomed the aid offered by a Department of Agriculture relief package announced Monday, but urged the administration to end trade disputes. Pork exports are one of the hardest-hit export categories, as U.S. pork exports to China are down significantly for the year, with the value falling nine percent through June. The drop has come mostly because of the …
NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won’t Make Up for Lost Markets
In response to the Department of Agriculture’s tariff mitigation package, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the plan “won’t make up for lost markets.” The organization reiterated its call for the Administration to rescind tariffs, secure trade agreements and allow for year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol; “no-cost actions that would allow for the marketplace to drive demand.” …
Trump Terminating Current NAFTA
The United States and Mexico have agreed to a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) framework, prompting President Trump to announce his intent to terminate the current agreement. That means Trump is seeking to replace NAFTA with an agreement that for now does not include Canada. The expected agreement paves the way for the United States to shift its …
Farm Groups Respond to NAFTA Announcement
Farm country overall shows reserved optimism regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) announcement Monday. The announcement marks a step forward, as Mexico and the U.S. have a basic agreement in place. However, with Canada yet to be included, many questions remain. Farmers for Free Trade director Brian Kuehl says there is “significant work that remains” in delivering on …