Weeks ago, President Trump secured not one, but two blockbuster trade deals — with China and the United Kingdom — that will provide significant new opportunities for American farmers like me. And yet, the media is still whining that Trump is “killing” small farmers. Having been a nationally recognized small farmer, I can assure you those claims are wrong.
The U.S.-China deal, finalized after tough negotiations in Geneva, includes a commitment to reduce tariffs, eliminate retaliatory duties, and reopen the door for U.S. agricultural exports. For the first time in years, both countries issued a joint statement affirming the importance of their trade relationship — a diplomatic and economic breakthrough.
The new U.S.-UK trade deal will open $5 billion in export opportunities for American farmers. That includes $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in beef and other agricultural products. Trump called it what it is — “a historic deal” that puts American producers first.
When it comes to President Trump’s trade policy and the media backlash, real farmers see through all the political handwringing. According to the May 6Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a full 70% of farmers believe Trump’s tariffs will strengthen agriculture over the long haul. That’s the voice of the heartland speaking loud and clear.
What sets President Trump apart, and what the American people understand, is his vision for a U.S. agriculture sector that is stronger than ever before, and he is resolved to do what it takes to make it a reality. The results speak for themselves.
Take, for example, what President Trump accomplished in his first term with Mexican tomato imports.
In 2019, the Trump administration successfully renegotiated the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA) with Mexico, a landmark achievement that protected American tomato growers from unfair trade practices while ensuring a stable supply of affordable tomatoes for American consumers. Those negotiations brought Mexican growers to the table and resulted in major concessions that helped level the playing field for domestic producers.
The TSA established stronger enforcement mechanisms, including mandatory border inspections for Mexican tomatoes and stricter reference prices. Since then, the Commerce Department hasn’t found a single violation of the agreement, a testament to its effectiveness. According to Arizona State University research, U.S. tomato prices would be 50% higher today without that agreement— a massive victory from President Trump’s first term.
Fast forward to now, and the Trump administration is back to doing what works — fighting for better deals.
The Department of Commerce announced its intent to withdraw from the 2019 TSA come July, opening the door for a new round of negotiations with the potential to build on the success of the previous agreement.
Without a new TSA, Mexican tomatoes would face a 17.5% duty, a sharp penalty that creates clear leverage for the White House to secure improved terms. It’s the same strategy that Trump effectively deployed to make farmer-first deals like the ones just announced with China and Great Britain.
Re-negotiating the already effective TSA will pay dividends because, according to Texas A&M University research, imports of Mexican tomatoes supportnearly 50,000 American jobs and contribute over $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy through retail, wholesale, transportation, and other sectors. Many U.S.-based growers, particularly operations in Texas, Arizona, Ohio, and Michigan, rely on these imports to maintain year-round supply and keep prices low.
These are American businesses that employ American workers and invest in American infrastructure. With an even stronger TSA, they’ll grow more.
This is how you win — by putting pressure where it counts, and securing results that work for U.S. producers, workers, and consumers.
Trump doesn’t just talk about supporting farmers. He does the work, fights the fights, and delivers policies that strengthen our position at home and abroad. Most farmers already know that — and sooner or later, the rest of the country will, too.
