Fargo Standard

This week, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) met with 24 agricultural producers and leaders from North Dakota in Washington, D.C., during the North Dakota Farmers Union’s annual visit to the U.S. Capitol. The delegation represented a variety of commodities and discussed current challenges facing farmers, as well as potential opportunities for strengthening agriculture in the state.

“North Dakota farmers are second to none. They help feed and fuel the world, but right now they’re being squeezed from every direction,” Fedorchak said. “As President Trump works to negotiate a fair long-term trade deal with China, my team is closely working with the administration in every way possible to address this situation. That includes diversifying our foreign markets, expanding domestic markets, and providing supplemental support as necessary.”

During their meeting, participants raised concerns about the lack of export contracts for soybeans scheduled for harvest this fall and limited storage options caused by severe summer storms.

Fedorchak provided updates on her recent discussions with Julie Callahan, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy; representatives from the North Dakota Trade Office; Office of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring; North Dakota Farm Bureau; North Dakota Soybean Growers; and Governor Kelly Armstrong’s office. She also mentioned speaking with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding ongoing negotiations with China and their impact on local soybean growers.

Fedorchak noted that China has used agriculture as leverage against U.S. producers and stressed the importance of both immediate actions and long-term strategies. She outlined her three-part approach: trade enforcement and diversification, expanding domestic markets, and providing supplemental support when needed.

She also highlighted four additional initiatives:

Expanding biofuels: As Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, Fedorchak emphasized efforts to increase domestic demand for fuels like biodiesel and year-round E15 nationwide rather than focusing shipments solely on California.

Challenging unfair trade: She expressed support for an ongoing USTR investigation into Brazil’s trade practices related to its dominance in China’s market.

Completing the Farm Bill: Fedorchak stated she is optimistic that Congress will pass a full Farm Bill this fall.

Strengthening farm and family policies: She pointed out provisions already enacted under the Working Families Tax Cut Plan such as enhanced crop insurance certainty, improved reference prices, and increased funding for export assistance.