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Issue 24 |
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Prairie Grains is the official publication of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Wheat, Inc. and the Minnesota Barley Growers Assocation. |
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Copyright Prairie |
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Far-reaching grain trade solutions attainable With Canadian imports at a peak and our grain prices at lower levels, there has been more pressure in the countryside for U.S. grain officials and lawmakers "to do something." Some urge to "plug the border," and establish import quotas of Canadian grain. Some have called on U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky to step down. There have been truck blockades protesting shipments of Canadian grain into this country, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see more border protests this winter. It could be argued that all of these actions play a role in influencing policy change. The protests draw
attention to the problem. An import quota might provide a boost in price, albeit a modest boost, in the overall context of a large carryover and large stocks of wheat and feed grains in this country and other
exporting countries. What might result are short-term solutions at best. But it is fundamental changes in trade policy that will sustain our farms, not temporary measures. And these more far-reaching
solutions are indeed attainable in the next round of trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization that get underway in Seattle at the end of November. There has been a lot of "behind the scenes" work by U.S.
wheat leaders in preparation for the WTO talks, which has been unfolding for about a year and a half. Priorities and objectives have been established, studies and evidence are being readied to support these
priorities and objectives, and coalitions and key personnel (including former USTR Mickey Kantor) have been brought on board to advance these priorities and objectives. This preparation isn't a headline-grabber like
blocking Canadian trucks or calling for resignations. However, this preparation will go far in obtaining the same objective: a better trade environment for U.S. grain producers. I am impressed with the
strategic teamwork that has come about in preparing for the WTO. And I am very hopeful that it will result in dividends for U.S. producers. Bruce Hamnes, Stephen, MN
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