Johnson, Ag Trade Caucus Express Commitment to U.S. Ag Trade

Washington, D.C. – In recognition of Agriculture Trade Day, House Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced a resolution expressing a renewed commitment to supporting market access, trade promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, robust trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, and the pursuit of science-based standards.

“Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy,” said Johnson. “South Dakota is no stranger to the agriculture way of life and the importance of ag trade. I'm proud to partner with the Ag Trade Caucus to highlight the value of ag trade for our country and our farming and ranching families and communities.”

"Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit,” said Smith. “The U.S. must drive an aggressive agenda to level the playing field and ensure our hardworking producers, who have the capacity to meet demand, can sell their products globally. Through negotiation of USMCA and other advancements on trade in his first term, President Trump showed an ability to overcome trade barriers by working in consultation with Congress to increase market access. This resolution calls for similar efforts to ensure American agriculture has a place at the table as we craft trade policy."

"Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country are facing growing trade barriers, declining exports, and the loss of hard-earned global market share,” said Panetta. “That’s why, as co-chair of the Ag Trade Caucus, my colleagues and I are introducing this bipartisan resolution to push Congress and the administration to urgently pursue policies that open markets and enforce trade commitments. By working together, we can protect our producers, support rural communities, and ensure the United States remains a global leader in feeding the world."

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Harder (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

Read the full resolution here.

The resolution is supported by: Strategic Digital Comms, California League of Food Producers, Meat Import Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Sweetener Users Association, USA Rice, American Feed Industry Association, Leather & Hide Council of America, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Soybean Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, Independent Bakers Association, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, North American Export Grain Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council