The shutdown delaying U.S. agriculture trade activities is already causing real consequences for farmers, exporters, and trade missions. As the federal government remains closed, the USDA has halted trade missions, and several export promotion programs have expired—slowing efforts to expand U.S. agricultural markets abroad.
What We Know: Trade Missions Put on Hold
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles revealed that his planned trip to Japan with USDA officials never occurred. He emphasized that the missed mission stripped farmers of the opportunity to finalize trade agreements and chip away at America’s agricultural trade deficit.
According to reporting, the shutdown delaying U.S. agriculture trade activities has forced the USDA to suspend trade missions to Japan and Taiwan. A scheduled mission to Mexico (targeting beef, poultry, dairy, seed potatoes, animal feed, and more) is now at risk of cancellation if the shutdown lingers.
Quarles also noted that export support programs such as the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP), dairy export subsidies, and technical support for specialty crops have lapsed due to loss of federal funding. Without these tools, U.S. producers lose promotional backing when entering or competing in international markets.
Why Farmers Should Care
- Lost sales opportunities: Farmers expected new export contracts or expanded access via trade missions. With missions canceled or delayed, those deals may never materialize.
- Weaker promotional support: Export marketing and technical assistance programs help U.S. goods stay competitive. Without funding, U.S. producers may lose ground to subsidized foreign competitors.
- Greater volatility and risk: With fewer official efforts to expand or stabilize markets, individual farmers may face more market uncertainty and price fluctuation.
- Long-term market access impact: In some countries, once a product loses visibility or technical support, reopening access can take years. The shutdown delaying U.S. agriculture trade activities can cause lasting setbacks for markets in Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
What Farmers Can Do Now
- Stay informed via private and state sources
Monitor trade updates from co-ops, commodity groups, and agribusinesses that are more agile than the federal government in crisis. - Communicate with buyers and partners
If you had export plans or contacts, reach out proactively. Let them know you’re still open and ready to ship when trade support resumes. - Diversify export channels
Explore markets less impacted by trade mission gaps or where U.S. imports already exist. Use what you can do in the meantime. - Document your losses and plans
Keep detailed records of export opportunities you lose or cannot pursue due to the shutdown. That documentation may help when trade or relief programs resume. - Advocate via industry groups
Encourage your state farm bureau, trade associations, or commodity groups to raise pressure and push for a resolution.
Related Blog: Government Shutdown’s Effects on Farmers and USDA Programs
