Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the current trade dispute with Canada could have repercussions throughout the agricultural supply chain. “I really look at the latest group of tariffs really impacting farm machinery,” said Petersen. “A lot of our commodities are protected, but our food businesses are going to pay more for getting our processed product into Canada. They may not buy as much of our finished product.” Petersen said reduced sales by food processors could eventually affect demand for farm commodities. Maintaining the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade relationship remains a priority for state agriculture officials. Petersen took part in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual meeting, where trade, USDA staffing and animal disease were among the major issues discussed.
