As noted in the letter, “Agriculture and agriculture-related industries contributed $835 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2014, a 4.8 percent share.” By expanding markets, free trade agreements have the potential to greatly increase the economic contribution of agriculture. The groups urged the incoming administration to emphasize expanding markets as well to ensure existing agreements are enforced. “As the Trump Administration assembles its team and politics, U.S. agricultural trade interests must be maintained, not only in existing markets but by expanding access to new markets.”
In sending the letter, NAWG President Stoner noted that “NAWG not only looks forward to working with President-elect Trump and his team in developing effective trade policy for U.S. agriculture but also enforcing existing trade agreements. America’s farmers are the most productive in the world and compete well in the global market place, given a level playing field.” Moving forward, NAWG will continue to urge Congress and the incoming Administration to support trade agreements that create new market opportunities for U.S. wheat.