North Dakota Producers Seek Reliable Export Markets

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota agriculture depends heavily on access to domestic and international markets. Farmers and ranchers need dependable buyers and fair-trade rules to sell crops, livestock, and other products.

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak hosted U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan to hear directly from North Dakota producers and discuss the role of trade policy in supporting agriculture. The meeting included a roundtable with farmers and ranchers, followed by a visit to Perkins Honey Farm.

“North Dakota farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone in the world when they have fair rules and reliable access to markets,” Fedorchak said. “The administration has made significant progress securing new agreements and expanding opportunities for American agriculture. Now, producers need certainty. That means maintaining a strong USMCA, holding our trading partners like China accountable for purchase commitments, addressing unfair foreign sugar policies, and continuing to open markets for the world-class products grown and raised in North Dakota. I appreciate Ambassador Callahan coming to North Dakota to hear directly from the producers who are affected by these policies every day.”

During the discussion, producers raised the need for a strong U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, more export markets, and action against unfair foreign trade practices.

Callahan also discussed 10 new Fair-Trade Agreements, and nine additional agriculture-related statements and framework agreements reached during the past 18 months.

These agreements include improved opportunities for soybeans, wheat, corn, ethanol, potatoes, beef, bison, and pulses. Changes include lower or eliminated tariffs, new market access, and purchase commitments from several countries.

North Dakota exported $5.4 billion in agricultural products in 2024, ranking ninth among U.S. states for agricultural exports.

The state produces major commodities that depend on strong markets around the world. Honey producers also shared concerns about imports, production costs, and market access.

Photo Credit: Julie Fedorchak