Farmers for Free Trade Board Chair Bob Hemesath commended the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and other ag leaders for recognizing National Ag Trade Day. It’s a day highlighting the vital role agricultural trade plays in supporting America’s farmers, strengthening rural economies, and ensuring the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.
“Trade is essential for American agriculture,” says Hemesath, a farmer from Iowa. “Farmers and ranchers depend on exports and access to new markets to sustain their businesses and keep rural communities thriving.”
NASDA’s National Agriculture Trade Day, recognized by more than 15 state agriculture departments, serves as a reminder of the impact agricultural trade has on state and national economies. U.S. agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.5 percent to the U.S. GDP in 2023 and supported 10.4 percent of American jobs. The day reinforces the need for policies that eliminate trade barriers and foster strong international relationships.
