U.S. wheat growers hopeful for good news on trade deals

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Just this week, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer released the Trump Administration’s Trade Policy Agenda and Annual Report, saying “We are already seeing the results of President Trump’s agenda pay off for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.”

But not every American would agree with that statement, and some farm grower organizations are anxious to see positivity in the headlines around trade.

“At the top of our mind is certainly the trade issues – the NAFTA renegotiations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership that’s moving forward without us,” says Michelle Erickson-Jones, president of the Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA). “We’ve been certainly vocal with our administration to re-join that agreement…”

According to Erickson-Jones, 80 percent of Montana’s wheat is exported, and the MGGA is hopeful the U.S. can get back on-board with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Withdrawal according to the Trade Policy Agenda, “allows the United States to pursue better and fairer trade relationships with the 11 other countries in the TPP.”

RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney caught up with Erickson-Jones at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California this week to discuss drought, trade, crop insurance, and infrastructure:

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