WASHINGTON, DC, US — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and other US agricultural organizations are calling on the federal government to prevent disruptions at port operations along the East and Gulf Coasts, crucial exit points for the country’s commodity exports.
Operations at these ports could be affected as early as Oct. 1 unless a resolution between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance is reached. The current labor agreement expires on Sept. 30.
In a letter to President Joe Biden on Sept. 25, the NGFA and 55 agricultural groups noted that about 40% of US containerized agricultural exports move through the ports along the East and Gulf Coasts.
“As the harvest season gets underway, even the slightest delay in moving American products efficiently has a disruptive and harmful effect on our supply chain and economy,” said Mike Seyfert, president and chief executive officer of the NGFA. “Keeping these ports open and operating at full capacity is critical to NGFA members and rural America.”
The letter was organized by the NGFA, which represents grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate facilities handling US grains and oilseeds. Signatories included leading trade groups representing farmers and ranchers, food manufacturers, renewable fuels producers, and others.
“If port operations are stopped the impact on the ag supply chain will quickly reverberate throughout agriculture and not only slow or shutdown operations, but also potentially lower farmgate prices,” the letter said. “To prevent a disruption to port operations along the East and Gulf Coasts, we request for your administration to act before a lockout or strike occurs to prevent damage to US agriculture and the economy.”
