Negotiations are still underway with Mexico over its ban on GMO corn. The issue now rests with the USMCA dispute panel.
Chief Ag Negotiator Doug McKalip says USDA stands behind America’s corn growers.
“We are anticipating an opinion coming out of the USMCA panel in the very near future. So stay tuned for that. This is super important. We got to ensure that countries don’t backslide on science and that we continue to export into all of those markets.”
Maintaining trade deals is a big priority for USDA right now. Economists have a new read on ag exports this year, showing some big losses.
“Agricultural exports for fiscal year to date were $161.3 billion, down 3% from the previous year, and agricultural imports were $188.8 billion, up 5% from the previous year, for a trade deficit of $27.5 billion, which is $13.1 billion greater than the deficit of $14.5 billion this time last year,” said Bart Kenner.
USDA economists say trade issues stem from low crop prices, a slowing Chinese economy, and the strength of the U.S. dollar. Lawmakers like Senator Mike Crapo say a lack of free trade agreements is also hurting U.S. farmers and ranchers.
