SC Nebraska News

Today, on National Agriculture Trade Day, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) and fellow Agricultural Trade Caucus co-chairs Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan resolution. The resolution aims to renew commitment to supporting market access, trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, and science-based standards in U.S. trade engagements.

Representative Smith highlighted the challenges faced by American farmers and ranchers over the past four years. "Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit," he stated. He emphasized the need for an aggressive agenda to level the playing field globally for U.S. producers.

Representative Johnson underscored agriculture's significance: "Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy." He expressed pride in partnering with the Ag Trade Caucus to emphasize ag trade's value for farming communities.

Representative Costa pointed out agriculture's critical role in his region: “This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the vital role of ag trade, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley.” He stressed ensuring farmers have necessary tools while building a sustainable food supply chain.

Representative Panetta addressed growing challenges: "Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country are facing growing trade barriers." He called for urgent policies to open markets and enforce commitments.

The resolution has several cosponsors including Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Harder (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Stanford Bishop (D-GA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

Support comes from various organizations such as American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council among others.