USGC Importance Of Trade: Part 1

Farmers are working in a global market, and foreign policy impacts trade policy.  U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight said farmers need to track what’s going on around the world.

“Every single day from a missile landing in the Sea of Japan, to what’s happening with political stability in Brazil.  All of these things you know, come together and have an impact on trade and price and so farmers need to track this.”

Sleight said farmers are some of the most international business people in the U.S. right now, and to remain competitive, farmers must understand not only what’s taking place, but why.  U.S. farmers export massive amounts of commodities, relying on trade, and Sleight said that won’t change anytime soon.

“In Terms of population growth around the world, 97% of the population growth in the next 35 years is going to occur outside of the boarders of the United States.  So, that combined with you know, already 96.7% of the population that lives outside of the boarders of the United States, trade is where you’re going to see market growth.”

Sleight added the U.S. Grains Council works to help farmers enhance trade and learn more about foreign policy.  To learn more about how foreign policy affects trade and what farmers should know about foreign policy, visit the U.S. Grains Council Website.

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