International trade, including trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, provide big benefits for agriculture. However, those benefits are receiving negative publicity in the current political environment.

This week, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight sat down with the National Association of Farm Broadcasting to discuss this pressing topic. 

“The rough political environment for trade means farmers need to be talking about the benefits international trade provides to agriculture,� Sleight said. �It’s something that farmers need to be aware of, that trade is a big part of their operations.�

While trade can sometimes seem far removed from the work of managing a farm, Sleight said the opposite is true.

“U.S. agriculture, farmers and agribusiness are probably the most international of any sector within the U.S. right now. Decisions that farmers make now will affect international trade,� he said.

With 95.7 percent of the world’s population living outside of the United States, opportunities for exports are something farmers ought to pay attention to, especially as these markets continue to grow and expand.

With new markets for ethanol and feed grain emerging, trade plays an important role in farm profitability now more so than ever.

“Given some of the positive demand factors around the world, I think we’re going to be seeing a nice pickup in exports,� Sleight said. “The U.S. is a trading country by nature, we’re well positioned, and that’s going to become a big part of our future going forward.�

Failing to move forward with trade agreements and market development programs, according to Sleight, means the U.S. risks falling behind. However, agriculture has the opportunity to lead trade discussions, particularly in today’s environment.

“When trade works, the world wins,� Sleight said.

Click here to listen to the full interview.