Heitkamp Meets with Northern Plains Potato Growers, Stresses Need for Smart Trade Policies & a Strong Farm Bill

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp Wednesday met with members of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association to discuss their concerns related to the renegotiation of NAFTA, the administration’s escalating trade war, and continued access to critical markets for North Dakota products. Heitkamp also spoke about upcoming Farm Bill negotiations and her efforts to boost North Dakota’s agriculture economy.

Recently, Heitkamp has met with Canadian leaders to bring up U.S. trade concerns amid NAFTA renegotiations. Last week, Heitkamp met with Canada’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States to push for a resolution to talks that provides fair fixes while also preserving North Dakota’s access to the Canadian market— the largest foreign customer of North Dakota goods. This followed Heitkamp speaking with the Canadian Ambassador last month to discuss progress in NAFTA renegotiations and to press for updates to the agreement that address longstanding issues regarding wheat grading and U.S. potato market access.

North Dakota ranks sixth in the nation in overall potato production and first in red potato production.

“The Red River Valley produces some of the best potatoes in the country, and our potato farmers and processers are acutely aware of how changes to trade agreements can directly impact their ability to sell this high-quality crop,” said Heitkamp. “In particular, the Northern Plains Potato Growers have serious concerns about ongoing NAFTA renegotiations and their ability to get a fair shake when it comes to trade between the United States and Canada. I’ve long said that NAFTA is not perfect and needs to address its provisions that put some of our producers at an unfair disadvantage— but throwing around disruptive rhetoric and threatening to withdraw is not the way to do it. That’s why I’m working with these farmers to find new and sustainable ways to put our markets on an even playing field. Additionally, I’m speaking with them about how I’m fighting in Farm Bill negotiations to protect their crop insurance, provide them with the certainty they need, and expand their access to markets. Particularly during these unpredictable times, passing a Farm Bill before the current one expires at the end of September is absolutely critical as we look to protect North Dakota’s farm and ranch economy.”