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Agricultural groups used to be united in pushing for free trade
agreements. They focused on export opportunities.
"Ninety-eight percent of the world's population lives outside the
United States," they said. "We must access that market." Never
mind that 99% of the worlds farmers also live outside the United States.
But now, after steep declines from the 1980's and early 1990's,
our ag trade surplus is nearly gone. We are a net food importer,
and have been for several years. That is because ag imports far
exceeded the exports. But you will never hear some groups mention
imports.
The American Farm Bureau Federation still supports virtually all trade agreements. A recent press release
promoting the Peru trade agreement again focuses upon exports. No
mention of imports. No mention of the trade deficit.
Some
state Farm Bureau affiliates are starting to look at the other
side of the trade flow ledger - the import side. When they do,
eyebrows rise.
Major ag groups such as OCM, R-CALF USA and
National Farmers Union like trade that produce a net benefit for
America. "Net benefit" includes not only the trade flow ledger,
but sovereignty, safety and other factors. This is not
protectionism, but realism defined by our Constitution and our
collective wallets.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is a
big organization that has supported all trade agreements for a long
time. It is hard for enlightened members and states to turn around
that policy ship, but it is necessary to do it. Currency
manipulation and border adjustable tax strategies by foreign
governments make current "free trade" policy a fallacy. There is room to move
without doing a 180 degree turn.
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