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Vilsack: More ag trade needed to fight global hunger

The nation’s top ag official says expanding trade opportunities for U.S. agricultural goods provides dual benefits.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield global food insecurity continues to rise. “In large part because of COVID and the disruption of the supply chains, exacerbated by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, which has created some serious issues in terms of the Ukrainians’ ability to produce and then to export.”

He says the U.S. can be part of the solution, and increasing exports of American agricultural goods would also benefit growers. “Roughly 30% of everything we grow and raise in this country ultimately is exported. So, to the extent that you encourage more exports, you’re encouraging and stabilizing farm income.”

Vilsack says increasing access to commodities on the global market can help fill critical resource gaps for countries in need.

He spoke to Brownfield at the 2023 Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday.