Farmers for Free Trade held a virtual roundtable Thursday to focus on the current trade landscape, the Biden administration’s trade agenda, and how ag exports are critical to workers throughout America. On the panel was Dr. Joseph Glauber, currently Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute but well known as former chief economist at USDA from 2008-2014. …
Administration Plans to Press China on Trade Agreement
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai delivered remarks Monday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) “outlining the Biden-Harris Administration’s new approach to the U.S.-China bilateral trade relationship.” Ambassador Tai said they will begin by having discussions with China about its performance under the Phase One Agreement and commitments made “that benefit certain American industries, including agriculture, that …
NASDA Wraps With New President and New CEO
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture wrapped up its annual meeting Wednesday with the election of New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball as 2021-2022 President. Ball held a press conference at the conclusion of the annual meeting, along with retiring NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn and her successor Ted McKinney, and NASDA Senior Director of Public Policy RJ …
Vilsack Promises to Press China on Phase One
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack promises to press China to fulfill its Phase One trade agreement obligations, but admits it’s complicated. “We’re involved in a multiple level, complex relationship with China,” said Vilsack during a virtual appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday. “And it’s not a simple thing to put together …
Trade Ambassador Addresses NASDA
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai spoke to state agriculture officials across the country Tuesday during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Hybrid Annual Meeting. “Farmers are always planning for the future and that’s what we have to do together,” said Tai in a pre-recorded conversation with NASDA member Derek Sandison, Washington State Director of Agriculture. “I want …
China Starting to Buy U.S. Ethanol
Reports that China is buying U.S. ethanol again sent a positive message to the industry Tuesday that the Phase One trade agreement promises may yet be met. During an investor call, Archer Daniels Midland Co-Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said they believe China has already made commitments “in the first half of the year for U.S. ethanol equal to the …
Agricultural Leaders Release Roadmap for Trade
Farmers for Free Trade held a virtual press conference Tuesday to release a new report on the challenges and solutions for American agriculture on trade, supply chains and global competitiveness. The report is the culmination of a series of discussions across rural America with farmers, ag leaders and related industries including manufacturing and food producers and distributors. The report, organized …
Outlook for Beef in Trade Negotiations
U.S. cattle producers are poised to recover from challenges during the global pandemic more quickly than their competitors, said Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Sr. Director of International Trade and Market Access. “It’s important that we’re able to deliver the greatest profit margin possible to our producers, and any way that trade policy can help in that process …
Seed Industry Focused on Trade, Innovation and Regulations
Trade challenges, regulatory issues, and innovation top the list of seed industry concerns in 2020. Attendees at the virtual American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo this week have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions on domestic policy and phytosanitary issues as well as innovation and trade. ASTA Vice President of Scientific Affairs & Policy Fan-Li …
USDA Under Secretary McKinney Addresses Ag Retailers
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney addressed the 2020 Agricultural Retailers Association Conference & Expo Wednesday to update attendees on the U.S. trade situation at the end of 2020. In a quick spin around the world, McKinney touched on trade and COVID19 in different countries, including Mexico and Canada with USMCA, China and the Phase …