The American Soybean Association and 15 other farmer organizations joined together last week to make sure President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence understand the importance of agricultural trade to rural America.  The groups sent a letter asking the administration to protect and enhance trade, specifically in regard to China, Canada and Mexico.

“We know that securing positive benefits for American farmers, ranchers, and workers in trade will be a priority in your Administration,” the letter states.  “This includes enforcing existing agreements so that other countries abide by their commitments, as well as expanding market access for U.S. producers through new agreements. As the Trump Administration assembles its team and policies, U.S. agricultural trade interests must be maintained, not only in existing markets but by expanding access to new markets.  Existing markets include China, Canada, and Mexico— U.S. farmers’ first, second, and third largest foreign customers. U.S. agricultural exports in FY-2016 were nearly $27 billion to China, over $24 billion to Canada, and nearly $19 billion to Mexico. Disrupting U.S. agricultural exports to these nations would have devastating consequences for our farmers and the many American processing and transportation industries and workers supported by these exports.”