Trade

Issue Overview

Family farmers and ranchers are facing increasingly uncertain and narrow markets that demand free, fair, and transparent trade agreements. These agreements, when properly constructed, can lessen world trade tensions and increase economic growth and development.

NFU supports trade policies that not only address the regulation of domestic support levels, export subsidies, and market access, but also consider international labor, environmental, and health-related standards. Additionally, tariffs should be used for their intended purpose to protect domestic family farmers, ranchers, and U.S. consumers. 

Family farmers and ranchers rely on stable markets and fair competition to thrive. We need trade policies that strengthen American agriculture, prevent market consolidation, and increase competition. 

The federal government can deliver on these priorities by:

• Distinguishing U.S.-produced goods from North American goods via mandatory Country-of-origin labeling (COOL)

• Ensuring that imported and exported food and fiber meet current USDA and FDA standards

• Maintaining U.S. leadership in international food assistance and fair agricultural trade deals

World Farmers Organization

Learn more about agricultural trade on the world stage from our international coalition, the World Farmers Organization.