The Foreign Service Journal, May 2009

M A Y 2 0 0 9 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 35 of Roundup Ready soybeans allows farmers to apply an ef- fective and environmentally friendly herbicide for weed control without damaging the crop. And novel corn vari- eties reduce insect infestations from pests such as root- worm. The next generation of genetically engineered products will boost yields during droughts, increase saline tolerance and provide consumers with reduced exposure to allergens, better nutrition, shelf-life and taste. Despite the manifold benefits, the challenge will be to convince overseas customers to resolve an ever-more-complex set of trade issues resulting from the introduction of these products. Making the Case for Agricultural Trade Although agricultural trade and FAS as a trade-sup- porting agency both face many challenges from politics, globalization and technology, U.S. agriculture depends heavily on exports. At the same time, the U.S. economy still benefits greatly from agricultural trade. The way to address the political problem is to make the case for trade and ease the concerns of those most vulnerable to glob- alization. Helpful steps for anxious workers could include better wage insurance, child care vouchers, universal health coverage and vastly improved access to job train- ing and education. It is important to realize that the facts support the value of agricultural trade. The volume of agricultural exports as a share of production has been just under 25 percent in recent years — and 14 percent of all farm em- ployment remains tied to exports. According to the ERS, in 2007 the United States exported 60 percent of food- grain production, 19 percent of feed grains, and more than 43 percent of oilseeds. Future growth in demand for U.S. agricultural prod- ucts will continue to come from overseas. The United States only has 5 percent of the world’s population, and economic growth in emerging markets such as China is much higher than at home. As the Chinese middle class spreads from the coast into the interior, cities such as Chengdu, Qingdao, Wuhan, Shenyang and Tianjin, col- F O C U S