By Jamie Martin
Recently National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), along with nearly 200 other organizations, sent a pressing letter to President, highlighting urgent transportation issues that could severely affect American agriculture during the crucial harvest season. These issues, described as a ‘trifecta of transportation trouble,’ include a potential port labor strike, rail problems in Mexico, and low water levels on the Mississippi River.
NGFA's President and CEO, Mike Seyfert, expressed concern over the imminent trade challenges that could disrupt the supply chain and depress farmgate prices.
The letter specifically called for presidential intervention in the stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance. A strike or lockout could significantly disrupt U.S. containerized agricultural exports.
Concerns were also raised about embargoes on U.S. agricultural rail shipments to Mexico, which is the largest market for many U.S. agricultural products. The group urged the U.S. administration to work towards keeping borders open and ensuring the continuous movement of rail cars.
Additionally, the NGFA appealed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage the historically low water levels in the Mississippi River by ensuring deeper navigation channels to aid agricultural shipments.
The collective plea emphasizes the need for swift government action to prevent a logistical nightmare that could exacerbate financial strains on U.S. farmers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232
Categories: National