How Ag Organizations Reacted to News of Trade Agreement Between U.S. and UK

During a Thursday press conference, President Donald Trump announced a trade deal between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The deal involves $5 billion worth of improved market access to products, a White House release said. 

The wide-ranging framework leaves in place a 10% tariff on all imports from Britain. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said among the trade barriers eased by the UK as part of the agreement include “ethanol, beef, and machinery, among other products,” ABC reported.

“This deal is working out for both countries,” Trump said, adding that  “final details are being written up.”

UK’s National Farmers Union (NFU) had a mixed reaction to the deal, praising the deal for not reducing UK food standards on U.S. beef imports (The UK does not allow beef bred with growth hormones to enter the country). The UK NFU was concerned, however, about Britain agreeing to end tariffs on the importing of U.S.-made ethanol. 

“Two agriculture sectors have been singled out to shoulder the heavy burden of the removal of tariffs for other industries in the economy,” NFU President Tom Bradshaw told Reuters.

In the U.S. agriculture sector, reactions were largely positive and focused on the improved prospects of beef and biofuel exports. 

National Farm Groups

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)

The AFBF is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

“Farm Bureau appreciates the work between the administration and the United Kingdom to secure a new trade agreement,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We have long advocated for new trade deals, and this is an important first step in expanding markets in the four countries. More work is needed, however, to remove the arbitrary barriers that have excluded American-grown food from grocery stores in the UK.

“America’s farmers and ranchers grow the safest and most affordable food in the world. We’re encouraged by progress to create market opportunities for farmers. We urge the administration to build on this success to pursue more trade agreements, and resolve current disputes, so farmers can continue to feed families here at home and overseas.”

National Association of State Directors of Agriculture (NASDA)

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

“This agreement marks a significant step forward for U.S. farmers and ranchers, and UK agriculture and consumers as well,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “We applaud the leadership of both governments in forging a partnership that opens new markets in both countries.”

Commodities Groups

National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA)

The NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the U.S.

NCBA President Buck Wehrbrein, a Nebraska rancher, thanked Trump for “fighting for American cattle producers.”

“With this trade deal, President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers,” Wehrbein said. “For years, American cattle producers have seen the UK as an ideal partner for trade. Between our countries’ shared history, culture, and their desire for high-quality American beef, securing a trade agreement is a natural step forward.”

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)

Founded in 1957, NCGA represents more than 36,000 dues-paying corn growers in 48 states, and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their state.

NCGA President and Illinois farmer Kenneth Hartman Jr. praised the Trump administration for delivering this deal, which he called “great news.”

“We encourage them to continue to include corn, corn ethanol, and corn co-products in future bilateral agreements with other countries,” Hartman Jr. said.

Biofuels

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)

Since 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association has been the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry.

RFA President and CEO Goeff Cooper thanked the Trump administration for finding an agreement and for “ensuring that American-made ethanol is an important part of the trade agreement announced today with the UK.”

“While we are still awaiting the specific details of the agreement, we are excited about the prospects of expanded market access that will help boost our farm economy, while also delivering lower-cost, cleaner fuel to UK drivers,” Cooper said.

Growth Energy

As the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, Growth Energy is the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry. Members of the association operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America’s bioeconomy.

“In terms of trade with the UK, the American ethanol industry had its best year ever last year, with exports valued at over $535 million,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This trade agreement puts us on track to set another record, all to the benefit of American farmers, biofuel producers, and UK consumers. We look forward to learning more and finding new ways to help the UK achieve its economic and environmental goals through the increased use of American biofuels.”

State Organizations

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

IDALS serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the department ensures animal health, food safety, and consumer protection.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said he was “encouraged” by the news of the U.S.-UK agreement.

“I am particularly pleased to hear the president tout expanded market access for ethanol, beef, and, as he put it, ‘virtually all the products produced by our great farmers,’” Naig said. “Secretary Rollins and other negotiators will be working diligently to finalize the specific details in the coming weeks, and I’m hopeful that a final deal will address many of the non-tariff barriers that have continually kept some American products out of the UK. 

“I visited the UK as part of a trade delegation in November 2023, and we have hosted many officials from the UK in Iowa over the past few years, including at the Iowa State Fair, to discuss ag trade opportunities. Today’s trade announcement demonstrates that there is real progress being made toward opening additional markets for Iowa products across the globe. I hope this deal is the first of many that will be announced with other trading partners in the coming weeks and months.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.