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.