Lubbock Times

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington has spearheaded an initiative to encourage President Donald Trump to negotiate new trade agreements aimed at boosting American agricultural exports. This effort aligns with Trump's America First Trade Policy and Fair and Reciprocal Plan executive orders. In a letter co-signed by twenty Members of Congress, Arrington commended the President for past trade agreements that enhanced market access for American farmers and ranchers while addressing ongoing trade barriers that hinder U.S. agricultural exports.

The letter, supported by Representatives including August Pfluger, Ron Estes, Beth Van Duyne, Craig Goldman, Tracey Mann, Don Bacon, Mark Messmer, Keith Self, Austin Scott, Randy Feenstra, Jake Ellzey, Tony Gonzales, Claudia Tenney, Brad Finstad, Mark Alford, Mike Bost, Ashley Hinson, Vern Buchanan and Mary Miller emphasized the economic challenges facing rural America. It noted that since 2022 agricultural exports have lagged behind imports resulting in a record $32 billion U.S. agricultural trade deficit for FY2024.

Russell Boening of the Texas Farm Bureau expressed gratitude towards Congressman Arrington for highlighting the significance of trade to farmers and ranchers. "Providing more opportunities to market our agricultural products to other countries and breaking down existing trade barriers add value to the crops and livestock our farmers and ranchers produce," he said.

Gary Adams from the National Cotton Council stressed the need for increased market access amid current challenges facing rural America. He praised Congressman Arrington's advocacy on behalf of cotton producers who seek expanded export opportunities.

Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association also expressed appreciation for efforts to remove trade barriers which could boost corn demand amid high input costs and lower prices.

Buck Wehrbein from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called attention to unfair tariffs imposed on U.S. beef by some foreign markets despite high standards in quality production domestically. He urged renewed governmental efforts towards securing favorable trade conditions.

Tim Lust of National Sorghum Producers echoed similar sentiments regarding international trade restrictions affecting sorghum exports globally stressing removal as crucial for increasing global demand.