Smith, Fellow Ag Trade Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Producer Interests in Trade Negotiations

Washington, DC - Today, in recognition of National Agriculture Trade Day, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined fellow Agricultural Trade Caucus co-chairs Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to announce introduction of a resolution expressing a renewed commitment to supporting market access, robust trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, trade promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, and the pursuit of science-based standards in U.S. trade engagements.

"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 Rep. 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."

"Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy," said Rep. 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."

"This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the vital role of ag trade, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, where agriculture is at the heart of our economy. We must ensure that farmers have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, while also building a sustainable food supply chain that will continue to feed future generations," said Rep. Costa.

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

Read the full resolution here.

The Resolution is supported by: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Soybean Association, Corn Refiners Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council, 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, Independent Bakers Association, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, North American Export Grain Association, California League of Food Producers

###