President Trump now has a complete cabinet with Senate approval of Ambassador Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative, and USDA will soon have an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs to help with the administration’s international trade goals. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a reorganization of USDA yesterday that includes the creation of the new undersecretary, which was approved …
Branstad Wants “Fair and Open” Chinese Market
The longest serving governor in the country will be drawing on his agricultural trade experience and 30 year friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. During his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was asked by Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE) what he will do to get more …
Future of NAFTA to be Determined
President Trump agreed Wednesday evening to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, and “not to terminate NAFTA at this time” after a day of speculation that he might sign an executive order withdrawing from the 23-year-old agreement. “It is my privilege to bring NAFTA up to date through renegotiation,” said Trump in a statement. …
Farm Foundation Reschedules NAFTA Forum
A Farm Foundation Forum on the Future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that was postponed last month due to a snowstorm has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 26. Invited to present perspectives on the issue are former American Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman, Melissa San Miguel with the Grocery Manufacturers Association; and Linda Dempsey, Vice President of …
ASTA Pleased with New International Seed Standard
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased with the passage of a final International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) for Seed during the recent International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in Korea. American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle, who attended the IPPC, says ASTA has been advocating for a seed ISPM for …
Wisconsin Dairies Hit Hard By Canadian Trade Actions
Over 70 Wisconsin dairy operations are already feeling the blow from a protectionist Canadian trade policy that has slammed the door on American dairy exports, violated existing trade commitments, and left farmers across the state scrambling to find milk buyers. Grassland Dairy Products Inc. informed over 70 operations this week that their contracts with the company will end May 1st, …
ASA Supports National Biodiesel Board
The American Soybean Association (ASA) supports the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) in the filing of an anti-dumping and countervailing duty petition. The petition alleges Argentine and Indonesian companies are selling dumped biodiesel and subsidized biodiesel in violation of U.S. trade laws. ASA President Ron Moore made this statement in support of the petition: “Biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia have flooded the U.S. …
Passing of Clayton Yeutter
Tributes are pouring out in memory of Clayton Yeutter who passed away March 4 at the age of 86. Clayton Yeutter served as U.S. Trade Representative under President Ronald Reagan and as agriculture secretary under President George H.W. Bush. He was always a strong advocate for American agriculture and a friend to many of us in the industry who have …
Farm Bureau President Speaks at USDA Ag Outlook Forum
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s public policy agenda shares much in common with the Trump administration on issues like regulatory reform and tax reform. But even harder issues such as farm labor and trade should present opportunities to engage with Congress and the White House, alike, AFBF President Zippy Duvall told participants at the USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum. Duvall said …
Farm Groups Stress Importance of Trade in Asia-Pacific
The American Soybean Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Seed Trade Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Association, US Poultry & Egg Export Council and more than 80 other agriculture groups sent a letter to President Trump asking him to reduce and eliminate tarifs and other restrictions on trade in the Asia-Pacific region. “We hope your Administration will …