The NGFA supports a proactive U.S. trade agenda focused on expanding market access and fostering the use of science-based health and safety rules to create additional market opportunities for U.S. grains, oilseeds and value-added exports. 

Maintain U.S. Agriculture Markets in Mexico: As an association with a mission to advocate an open market environment, NGFA is focused on improving U.S. commodities markets. As supply chains adapt to the recent challenges in international trade, an extraordinary opportunity exists to strengthen North American trade in agricultural products. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides the world’s best framework for seizing that opportunity. NGFA and its members are urging Congress and U.S. officials to find an expeditious resolution to trade blockades, particularly Mexico’s proposed ban on some uses of biotech corn. Read More. 

China: NGFA seeks to restore competitive open market agricultural trade and a level playing field with China. The Phase One trade accord with China represents a significant step in resolving disruptions and long-standing impediments involving trade between the world’s two largest economies. 

Read more details about important aspects of the agreement written by NGFA Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Economist Max Fisher:

• China Phase One trade deal includes ag purchases, feed, biotech provisions

• In Focus: China’s purchase commitments under “Phase One” trade deal
• In Focus: China’s tariff rate quota commitments under “Phase One” deal
• In Focus: China’s SPS commitments under “Phase One” trade deal
• In Focus: China’s tariff exclusion process
• In Focus: China’s agricultural biotechnology approval process 

U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): With more than $40 billion in U.S. agricultural exports going to Mexico and Canada in 2020, the North American market continues to be a bonanza for American agriculture. The USMCA includes several significant advancements in facilitating the trade of grains, oilseeds and their derived products in the North American marketplace. WATCH: American Agricultural Trade Needs USMCA

Asia-Pacific Region: The Asia Pacific region remains the world’s largest, rapidly growing market for food and agriculture products. NGFA is committed to advancing U.S. interests in this vital region so that U.S. agriculture does not fall behind competitors in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Europe: The NGFA is advising the U.S. Trade Representative on elements to include in a potential trade agreement with the United Kingdom, including incorporating the more science- and risk-based approaches contained in USMCA and the U.S.-China Phase One agreement.

Trade Promotion Authority (TPA): While the executive branch negotiates trade agreements, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) paves the way for the enactment of these agreements by allowing for expedited congressional consideration and an up-or-down vote without amendments. Unfortunately, TPA lapsed on July 1, 2021 and the NGFA is supportive of efforts to extend TPA and to increase the likelihood of success in entering into new trade agreements.