Ernst Brings Solutions to Farm Bill Hearing Focused on Trade

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, touted Iowa exports and the importance of market access at a 2023 Farm Bill hearing. Witnesses at the hearing included Iowan and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor.

In addition to her questioning of the panel, Ernst also announced her introduction of a bipartisan effort – the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act – which would increase support for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program at USDA.

“The continued success and growth of Iowa, and the American agricultural industry, is dependent on strong trade. The MAP and FMD programs help ensure Iowa farmers have strong commodity markets and export opportunities, adding value to farmers’ bottom line and our state’s economy,” said Ernst.

Click here or on the image to watch Ernst’s remarks and questioning.

Iowa agriculture leaders announced their support of Ernst’s effort to expand MAP and FMD programs at USDA:

“Iowa pig farmers appreciate Sen. Ernst’s request to double funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program. As the nation’s top pork-producing state, exporting our products to key consumer markets across the world is vital to our industry’s economic success,” said Trish Cook, President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

“We appreciate Senator Ernst introducing this important piece of legislation. MAP and FMD funds are vital to expanding trade and growing overseas markets for our Iowa Ag products,” the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation said in a statement.

"The promotion that comes from the Foreign Market Development Program and Market Access Program has supported growth in valuable markets around the world, particularly in East Asia. We thank Sen. Ernst for recognizing the importance of investing in these programs for Iowa's farmers and ranchers," said Matt Deppe, CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.

“MAP and FMD might just be the best return on investment of any federal program. Yet despite the economic and job benefits, funding for these vital export programs has been effectively cut in half over the last 20 years by recessions and inflation. IRFA members salute Sen. Ernst for leading the charge to restore adequate funding levels for MAP and FMD. Iowa agriculture and the entire Iowa economy will benefit from opening market opportunities around the globe,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

“Market access continues to be a top priority for Iowa Corn, and we can’t thank Senator Ernst enough for her continued efforts to expand MAP and FMD funding. Through these Farm Bill programs, we will be able to improve demand and to develop market opportunities internationally for exports of corn in all forms, which is vital to farmer profitability,” said Mark Mueller, District 3 Director and Vice-Chair of the Exports and Grain Trade Committee for the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

“The FMD and MAP program is critically important in helping to build markets and increase agriculture exports. As we continue to face fierce competition from other world-class exporters like Brazil and elsewhere, we must strive to grow and diversify our markets. The Iowa Soybean Association thanks Senator Ernst for introducing the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act and strongly supports its passage,” said Randy Miller, President of the Iowa Soybean Association.

Background

In 2021, Iowa exported $14.3 billion in agriculture commodities, according to USDA. Top exports included:

• pork = $2.7 billion
• soybeans = $3.7 billion
• corn = $3.1 billion
• feeds and other grains = $1.7 billion
• processed grain products = $480 million
• beef exports = $590 million

Ernst is co-leading the re-introduction of the bipartisan Expanding Agricultural Exports Act with Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

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