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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