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New trade caucus to focus on ‘common sense’ policy

A bipartisan group of US Representatives have formed a new caucus that focuses on increasing market access and leveling the playing field for ag trade.

Adrian Smith, a Republican from Nebraska, tells Brownfield the ag industry has fallen behind due to the lack of free trade deals. “We want to make sure we have the markets opening around the world. As a growing population that knows we need to eat, let’s feed the world in a better way that brings economic sustainability here to the Homefront as well.”

The Agriculture Trade Caucus, is in the process of being formally established, and consists of Reps. Smith, Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

Smith says the caucus will help create common sense trade policy. “Anything we do on trade in terms of new discussions and new conversations, needs to involve Congress, and needs to ultimately be an enforceable trade agreement that is robust.”

And, he says, he hopes it will help provide assistance with current trade disputes like the Mexican ban on biotech corn. “I’d like to hear the President say, publicly, what Mexico is doing with biotech corn is not right and it’s in direct violation of USMCA.”

The USDA is projecting the largest ag trade deficit in more than 20 years for fiscal year 2024, but export values are still above FY20.

The USDA recently announced it will lead the first-ever U.S. agribusiness trade mission to Angola in November, an effort to explore new business opportunities for American agriculture.

Adrian Smith: