CPA supports reforming trade policy to enable the creation of an agro-industry strategy that increases the prosperity of those producing food and fiber across America.
Trade agreements and World Trade Organization rules have prevented the United States from adopting a domestic agro-industry strategy that helps increase prosperity and prices for farmers and ranchers. Excessive growth of imports in the produce, seafood and meat sectors have impoverished rural communities which rely heavily upon agricultural production. Pursuit of export market opportunities in row crops and grains has benefitted multinational traders but not increased prices or farm income.
CPA supports reforming trade policy to enable the creation of an agro-industry strategy that increases the prosperity of those producing food and fiber across America as well as their communities. Prices and net farm income should be the measures of success rather than volume of cross border trade.
This month’s tariff agreements with the United Kingdom and China might end up being the first deal of its kind, and the last. On Friday, President Trump reiterated that the administration could not possibly strike deals with every country, and that tariff announcements would be made over the next two to three weeks.
By maintaining the 10% baseline tariff and capping UK auto imports at 100,000 vehicles per year before higher tariffs apply, the administration is demonstrating that trade policy can and should be used to protect and rebuild domestic industry.
Feeding America with abundant, healthy, locally-produced food is as important as any trade or industrial goal. Reinforcing our capacity to feed ourselves makes the nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous, whole the Big Ag status quo blindly follows a globalized model that has left far too many American farms behind.
Imports did not vanish, but their growth rate was flat at zero percent in February compared to January after nearly two months of importers rushing in orders ahead of tariffs. February goods and services imports were $401 billion, a statistically insignificant change from January, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said.
Agriculture has long been a key part of Iowa’s economy. But the state is now facing escalating trouble, including the loss of more than 26,000 family farms since 1982.
Jamieson Greer seems certain to be approved as the next United States Trade Representative (USTR), but the Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee proved once again that they are anti-tariff—unless the target is China.
