100+ food, ag organizations write President Trump about NAFTA

On the heels of comments from President Donald Trump that his administration may withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), 133 food and agricultural organizations have contacted the President to highlight the importance of the trade agreement to the industry and urge him to preserve and build upon that success. Cargill, Smithfield, Tyson, and many trade groups representing dairy farmers, pork producers, and corn growers were among the groups that signed the letter.

“Although some important gaps in U.S. export access still remain, increased market access under NAFTA has been a windfall for U.S. farmers, ranchers and food processors. U.S. food and agriculture exports to both countries have more than quadrupled, growing from $8.9 billion in 1993 to $38.6 billion in 2015,” the groups wrote in the letter sent to President Trump on January 24.

“With the productivity of U.S. agriculture growing faster than domestic demand, the U.S. food and agriculture industry—and the rural communities that depend on it—relies heavily on export markets to sustain prices and revenues,” wrote the groups. “Therefore, the U.S. food and agriculture industry looks forward to working with the new administration in preserving and expanding upon the gains our sector has achieved within the North American market and strengthening our competitiveness.”

Letter (pdf)