U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp hosted a roundtable meeting with North Dakota agricultural leaders and the Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. to discuss trade and ongoing NAFTA renegotiations. In a statement, Heitkamp said a prolonged NAFTA timeline and tariffs have created uncertainty about trade relationships for farmers and ranchers. North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Jeff Mertz attended the meeting. “We need export markets for our individual commodities such as hard red spring wheat, durum and barley. If we fail to renegotiate NAFTA and lose market share, we may not get that back.” Agricultural leaders from the North Dakota Barley Council, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and North Dakota Stockmen’s Association were also in attendance. “All groups want to keep applying pressure to the current administration,” adds Mertz.” Representatives from Mexico and the U.S. believe a renegotiated agreement can be reached. However, with the Mexican elections approaching, that could impact the timeline.
