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Trade remains top of mind for farmer in 2021
As the new year approaches, trade remains a top concern for many farmers.
Daryl Cates in southwestern Illinois tells Brownfield he is curious to see how the new administration handles trade relations.
“I know that the new Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, knows the importance of trade and hopefully we will still continue to work out new trade deals.”
As a director for the American Soybean Association, Cates says he sees great potential for soybean exports to India, based on their protein deficiency. The only hold up is India’s ban on GMO soybeans.
“That could be the next big frontier. India could actually end up being a bigger stepping stone than what China was.”
He says 60% of Illinois soybeans are exported, further highlighting the importance of trade to his livelihood.