Last week, I was standing on the edge of a river outside Minneapolis. The water flowing past would travel another 1,854 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, it helped move barges loaded with millions of tons of grains, oil, coal, fertilizers, chemicals, and rock essential to businesses across the country and beyond. Of course, I’m talking about the Mississippi River, which is navigable by barge from Minneapolis to the river’s end at the Gulf of Mexico.
This river system, and many others like it, provide an efficient and cost-effective way to export and import commodities and goods. For example, 60% of all the grain U.S. farmers export travels on the Mississippi River. I’ve visited facilities all along the Mississippi, from Minneapolis to export facilities near Baton Rouge. Along the way, I have spoken with farmers and ranchers who rely on international trade for their livelihoods.
When I was in Minnesota last week, I was joined by several state Farm Bureau presidents who belong to our trade advisory committee. We spoke with many stakeholders who, like farmers and ranchers, rely on trade. We discussed needed infrastructure improvements along our river and rail networks and at ocean ports. We also discussed food security and the need for more trade agreements with countries around the world so farmers and ranchers have access to more markets and can compete on a level playing field.
Our mission as farmers and ranchers is to raise a safe and sustainable source of food, fiber and renewable fuels for families here at home and around the world.