CimbriaBühler GmbHPort of South LouisianaTOC Americas 2025Sailors SocietyGeneva Dry
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • TOC Africa 2025
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Geneva Dry

NGFA highlights ‘trifecta of transportation trouble’ for US agriculture

NGFA highlights ‘trifecta of transportation trouble’ for US agriculture

(Posted on 01/10/24)

Potential disruptions to the nation’s shipping infrastructure could have a devastating effect on American agriculture during this year’s harvest season unless the U.S. government steps in to intervene. That is according to a letter sent to President Biden by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and nearly 200 other organisations and companies, calling for urgent action to avert a port labour strike, rail issues in Mexico, and historically low water levels on the Mississippi River.

The NGFA, established in 1896, consists of grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds.

“Farmers across the country are harvesting their crops, and the last thing NFGA members or the agricultural community can afford right now is a breakdown in any part of our nation’s shipping network,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “Unfortunately, there is a trifecta of trade trouble on the horizon, which left unaddressed, could create bottlenecks in the supply chain and potentially lower farmgate prices.”

The letter was spearheaded by NGFA and urged President Biden to intervene in the stalled labour negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance. The dispute could lead to a strike or lockout affecting approximately 40 percent of U.S. containerised agricultural exports.

Equally important, the signers raised concern over Mexican-imposed embargoes on U.S. agricultural rail shipments to Mexico, the largest market for many U.S. agricultural products. Administration officials were asked to intervene to keep borders open and rail cars moving between the countries.

Finally, the group called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure deeper navigation channels in the lower Mississippi River to address historically low water levels.

“A substantial portion of U.S. agriculture is experiencing lower commodities prices and financial strain,” the letter read, “and these transportation issues are exacerbating the situation. We ask your administration to urgently pursue all avenues to mitigate the supply chain challenges facing U.S. agriculture.”

Latest News

Alcoa explores feasibility of gallium critical mineral production in WA

(Posted on 11/08/25)

Alcoa of Australia Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation has announced a Joint Development... Read more


Rio Tinto releases new tailings facilities disclosure

(Posted on 11/08/25)

Rio Tinto has published detailed information on its global tailings facilities, in alignment with the... Read more


NGFA applauds Senate confirmation of Lindberg as USDA trade undersecretary

(Posted on 04/08/25)

 The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has commended the U.S. Senate for confirming Luke... Read more


Cargill to acquire Mig-Plus, expanding animal nutrition business in Brazil

(Posted on 04/08/25)

Cargill, one of the world’s leading food providers, continues to advance its growth strategy in... Read more


Resilient financial results as Rio Tinto grows and diversifies

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Rio Tinto has announced a 6% production year-on-year uplift, thereby delivering on strategy through... Read more


K-SURE and Trafigura $200m financing agreement to support Korean shipping

(Posted on 30/07/25)

The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) and Trafigura, a global leader in the commodities industry... Read more


BHP record copper and iron ore production drives strong 2025 performance

(Posted on 21/07/25)

BHP have released their Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2025.BHP Chief Executive Officer... Read more


Dynamic Mining shipping arm and GeoServe’s one-year milestone

(Posted on 15/07/25)

A strategic collaboration between Icon Gulf Trading DMCC (part of the Dynamic Group) and GeoServe Energy... Read more


SSAB and Metal Solutions start partnership in fossil-free steel

(Posted on 15/07/25)

SSAB and Metal Solutions have entered a long-term partnership for the supply of decarbonized steel with... Read more


NGFA thanks lawmakers for including industry priorities in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

(Posted on 08/07/25)

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in the USA has applauded Congress for including a slate... Read more


Port of StocktonViganTBA GroupTelestackVan AalstTOC Africa 2025
  • Sailors Society
  • Telestack

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping