Most of the money allocated to the new USDA program to help farmers hurt by tariffs will go towards direct payments. But according to a story from Gary Crawford, there is a considerable amount of money that will be used for purchases of food products for feeding programs. USDA Trade Mitigation Plan Includes More Commodity Purchases-1 Greg Ibach, Undersecretary of …
Canada Ready to Make Concession on Dairy Trade
Despite posturing by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canada ‘won’t back down’ on dairy issues, Canada is ready to make concessions. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland rejoined the discussion in Washington this week. The Globe and Mail reports Canada is ready to make concessions to the Trump administration on Canada’s protected dairy market in a bid to save a …
R-CALF Looking for COOL in NAFTA
R-CALF is hopeful the details of the U.S.-Mexico announcement as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations will include country-of-origin meat labeling. R-CALF, a long-time supporter of COOL, in a statement by its CEO said: “We hope that a further release of details will show that COOL will be required for Mexican beef and beef from Mexican …
NCC on Support for Cotton Growers
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 …