More than 50 agriculture groups and businesses say the U.S. should remain a World Trade Organization (WTO) member and work with other members to revamp rules to modernize the global institution. WTO supporters are concerned that President Trump might withdraw the U.S. from the institution.
Many in U.S. agriculture say that could be detrimental to farm and food sectors that rely on export markets. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the groups and businesses said U.S. agriculture has largely benefited under the WTO, but said the body's rules need updating. The letter was also sent to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees and to the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Ways and Means and the Senate Finance committees.
“While the WTO has been beneficial for U.S. agriculture, its rules have not kept pace with changes in the global economy, and improvement is needed to hold members accountable and improve the organizations' governance,” the letter said. “Continued U.S. membership and active participation will help ensure that necessary reforms are undertaken, and that the WTO will continue to play an important and effective role in economic development of the United States and our trading partners.
As long as exports are important to U.S. agriculture, WTO membership will be essential as well.”