Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressed the attendees of the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, bringing a message of greater trade opportunities for America’s farmers. “A substantial part of our farm income comes from foreign markets,” said Hafemeister. “So we at the department are always … Read More
Perdue Remarks on Bilateral Talks in Mexico
While meeting with Mexican Secretary of Agriculture José Calzada Rovirosa, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today held a teleconference for U.S. media. The two leaders engaged in bilateral talks, including a panel discussion with U.S. and Mexican producers, several agricultural site visits, and a joint press conference – seeking to build on the U.S. and Mexico’s well-developed track record … Read More
ASA Encourages Safe Use of Seed Treatment
It’s critical to keep treated seed from entering the supply of U.S. grains and oilseeds, reminds the American Soybean Association (ASA). Treated seeds are a problem that affects the entire supply chain, jeopardizing U.S. markets at home and abroad. Maintaining the stellar U.S. reputation for appropriately managing all pesticides is one key element of providing customer satisfaction and official acceptance … Read More
Nebraska Governor Highlights Importance of NAFTA
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts asked grain industry officials from Mexico and the United States join him Tuesday for a press conference to highlight the importance of Mexico to U.S. agriculture and how the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has benefited both countries. “Bilateral trade with Mexico has helped grow agriculture in our state over the years,” said Governor Ricketts. … Read More
Trade Gets A Boost
Senate approval of Ambassador Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative gives President Trump a full cabinet. Trade will be getting an additional boost, as Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced that the USDA will soon have an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs to help with the administration’s international trade goals. “Food is a noble thing to trade. This nation has a … Read More
DOC Announces Action Over Mexican Sugar
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced they will end the current antidumping and countervailing duty suspension agreements with Mexico and impose duties on imported sugar unless the two countries reach an agreement to end Mexico’s unfair trade practices by June 5. Previously the DOC and Mexico had negotiated agreements, but after two years the DOC recognizes the agreements are … Read More
ASTA Weighs in on New Phytosanitary Measures
Last week the seed industry announced good news in the form of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), a world wide attempt to put seed regulations on the same page. Ric Dunkle, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was at the International Plant Protection Convention in Korea when the standards were … Read More
ASTA Commends New Seed Standard
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) passed a final International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) for seed last week. This is a long awaited decision, says the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), one that has become necessary as import requirements for seed have become more restrictive and less science based. “The seed industry is truly global,” said ASTA President & … Read More
ASA Supports NBB Petition
The American Soybean Association (ASA) supports the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) in the filing of an anti-dumping and countervailing duty petition. The petition alleges Argentine and Indonesian companies are selling dumped biodiesel and subsidized biodiesel in violation of U.S. trade laws. ASA President Ron Moore made this statement in support of the petition: “Biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia have flooded the U.S. … Read More
Farm Groups Stress Trade to Trump
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 … Read More