ASTA Response to Tariffs
Alexandria, VA (March 4, 2025) — American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President and CEO Andy LaVigne issued the following statement on the news of additional tariffs imposed between the United States and its trading partners:
“As we approach the start of another planting season, American farmers and the seed companies that support them are facing a difficult economic landscape, as the costs of agricultural production continue to rise, and the global market landscape continues to shift. The news of additional tariffs, as well as expected retaliatory tariffs, introduce significant uncertainty that will negatively impact those who help grow the food, feed, fiber, and fuel for millions of American families.
“The ability to move seed internationally is a fundamental component of the years-long research and development (R&D) pipelines that allow U.S. farmers to have access to the best seeds and agricultural innovations in the world. Plant breeders rely on trade to expedite crop improvement, test-drive new crop varieties in specific environments, and conduct critical functions to increase volumes of seed in a clean and efficient way – all before those seeds can be sold to farmers. Many aspects of this seed research, development, and production cannot be relocated, and tariffs could increase costs for farmers producing many important commodities.”
“We encourage the Trump Administration to quickly come to a resolution with our trading partners that benefits both our national security and our food security.”
Corn Growers Respond to Tariffs
Washington, DC (March 4, 2025) - In response to the tariffs imposed between the United States and its trading partners, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:
“Farmers are facing a troubling economic landscape due to rising input costs and declining corn prices. We ask President Trump to quickly negotiate agreements with Mexico, Canada, and China that will benefit American farmers while addressing issues important to the United States. We call on our trading partners to work with the president to resolve these issues so that that we can restore vital market access.”
American Farmers and Ranchers Bear the Brunt of Tariffs
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew commented on President Trump's decision to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
“The tariffs announced today, along with retaliatory measures from China and Canada, will have serious consequences for American agriculture. Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and they need strong, fair trade policies that ensure they can compete on a level playing field — not be caught in the middle of international disputes.
“We are already facing significant economic uncertainty, and these actions only add to the strain. Trade policies must come with real, tangible protections for the farmers directly affected. We've heard there’s a strategy in place—now we need to see it. Promises alone won’t pay the bills or keep farms afloat.
“Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers. We urge the administration to work with our trading partners to prevent further harm to rural communities.”
TFI Statement on Implementation of U.S. Tariffs on Imports of Canadian Potash and Other Fertilizers
Following the announcement by President Donald Trump that tariffs originally announced in February are now in effect for Canadian imports, including fertilizer that is essential to successful harvests and affordable food for American families, The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement:
"The Fertilizer Institute remains committed to working with the Trump Administration to promote a strong, resilient fertilizer industry that supports U.S. agriculture and ensures affordable food prices for American families. A stable and affordable supply of fertilizers is critical to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices in check.
"TFI continues to urge the Administration to provide a strategic carveout for Canadian fertilizers from these tariffs, including through designation as critical minerals. With the spring planting season fast approaching and U.S. agriculture continuing to face serious headwinds, maintaining reliable and cost-effective fertilizer supply chains is essential to ensuring a productive harvest and protecting American farmers from unnecessary financial strain.
"Today, 85% of our potash imports come from Canada. Potash is an irreplaceable component of modern agricultural production, and the U.S. has historically sourced nearly all the potash used by farmers from international markets. Potash deposits are geographically specific and mine development in the U.S. is time intensive and costly.
“Additionally, Canada supplies U.S. growers with nearly 10% of their nitrogen fertilizer needs, accounting for 25% of total nitrogen fertilizer imports, and nearly 20% of sulfur consumed by U.S. farmers and others.
"An open, fair, predictable, and transparent trade environment between the U.S. and Canada is vital to supporting a strong, competitive fertilizer industry that meets the needs of American growers. Restrictions on this critical cross-border trade will drive up costs for farmers, which could ultimately be felt at the grocery store by consumers.
"TFI recognizes that these tariffs are part of a broader policy agenda, and we encourage ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Canada. We thank President Trump for his continued engagement with the fertilizer industry and the agriculture community, and we remain committed to working with the Administration and Congress to ensure the long-term security and stability of the U.S. fertilizer supply chain."
U.S. decision to move forward with tariffs will have widespread, devastating impacts on the Canadian canola industry
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that previously announced tariffs of 25% will be applied to imports of a broad range of Canadian goods, including canola seed, oil and meal, effective March 4.
“A month ago, we welcomed the U.S. decision to pause implementation of tariffs, in support of predictable, tariff-free trade,” says Chris Davison, Canola Council of Canada (CCC) President & CEO. “The U.S. decision to go forward with 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian-grown canola and canola products will be felt across the canola value chain, with devastating impacts on farmers, input providers, canola crushing activities and exports of canola seed, oil and meal.”
The U.S. is Canada’s number one market for canola exports and also a market that is highly integrated with the Canadian canola industry. Total export value in 2023 was $8.6 billion and in 2024 reached $7.7 billion, with record high volumes including 3.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) of canola oil and 3.8 MMT of canola meal.
Canola is the single largest contributor to farm crop cash receipts – grown by nearly 40,000 farmers across the country.
“The uncertainty created by this situation continues to impact farmers as they inch closer to planting the 2025 crop,” says Rick White, Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) President & CEO. “The damaging blow caused by tariffs will be felt by every canola farmer, starting with the price they receive at delivery and will extend to the full range of their operations, ultimately reducing farm profitability.”
A recent analysis completed by the CCC on the impact Canadian-grown canola has on the U.S. economy also draws attention to the economic benefits the U.S. derives from the Canadian canola industry, which averages $11.2 billion (USD) per year and includes $1.2 billion (USD) in wages.
The economic benefits of the trading relationship occur at almost every stage of the canola industry including U.S.-based processing and refining, transportation, bottling and packing, food end uses, livestock and more.
CCGA and the CCC are focused on strengthening the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and amplifying the mutual benefit our nations receive from canola trade through U.S. advocacy activities and engagement with the Government of Canada to advance the Canadian canola industry’s interests.
“The canola industry delivers a true win-win for both Canada and the U.S., and we must do everything we can to restore smooth, predictable, tariff-free canola trade between our two countries,” say Davison and White.