“We’ve laid the platform for increased trade,” states a top agriculture official.
Sonny Perdue, of Georgia, reflects on his time as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He rattles off numerous accomplishments, while addressing members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
“We’ve laid the platform for increased trade. I’m not a market guru, but I think prices are reflecting that this fall,” Secretary Perdue says. “We’ve reset the paradigm for the future.”
Secretary Perdue is quick to admit, “Trade and support are very important,” especially as they pertain to U.S. agriculture. The Trump Administration made a lot of headway on this front.
“The Phase One trade deal with China is ongoing,” Perdue says. “They’re continuing to buy record numbers in corn, (soy)beans, pork, beef, and even poultry.”
The agreement, which promises 50-billion-dollars in United States agricultural purchases, did not come easily.
Secretary Perdue recognizes U.S. agricultural producers endured “short-term pain” from retaliatory tariffs. However, President Trump quickly offered assistance to producers, “to keep them solvent during this period of time.”
“Anytime you’re mistreated, there has to be temporary change,” says Perdue. “That’s why President Trump authorized and we provided, through the CCC, the Market Facilitation Programs through ’18 and ’19 – To get us through that period of time.”
Trump Administration officials also revised the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), calling the updated pact the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Secretary Perdue saw this as “a big win,” with enforceable measures.
“This was an agreement that had been done 25 years ago,” says Perdue. “The President talked about withdrawing from NAFTA. When we visited with him, he gave us the opportunity to get a better deal. I think we have that. In many respects, we have modernized it from a technology aspect and solidified those number one and two customers to the north and south.”
Other key trade developments include: The U.S.-Japan Free Trade Agreement, Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), as well as enhanced relations with Indo-Pacific countries.
