5 Priorities Shaping U.S. Agricultural Trade and Food Security

From diversifying export markets beyond China to securing fertilizer supplies, strengthening U.S. agricultural competitiveness requires a coordinated approach to trade, food security, and economic resilience. 

On October 29, 2026, Meridian International Center hosted a Global Business Briefing at Meridian House examining the intersection of agricultural trade, food security, and U.S. economic competitiveness. The roundtable featured T.H. Michelle Bekkering, Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dr. Darren Beattie, President of the U.S. Institute of Peace; Matthew O'Mara of ADM; and Brandon Soloski, Senior Director of Meridian's Center for Corporate Diplomacy. 

Five Key Takeaways

1. Diversifying Agricultural Exports Reduces Dependence on China

China remains an important market for American agricultural products, but reliance on a single trading partner exposes U.S. farmers to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and fluctuations in demand. While China continues to play a significant role in agricultural trade, markets across Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, offer opportunities for expanding U.S. exports. According to USDA agricultural trade data, American agricultural exports span a broad range of established and emerging markets, underscoring the importance of maintaining access to existing buyers while developing new commercial relationships. Diversifying export destinations can reduce economic vulnerabilities and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of American agriculture.

2. Fertilizer Supply Chains Are a National Security Priority

Dependence on imported fertilizer and critical raw materials leaves American farmers vulnerable to export restrictions, supply disruptions, and volatile input costs. Fertilizer availability directly affects agricultural production, making supply chain resilience essential to both food security and economic stability. USDA's Fertilizer Investment and Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) initiative supports investment in domestic fertilizer manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Expanding U.S. production capacity will require sustained investment, while international trade relationships remain critical to maintaining affordable supplies in the near term.

3. Food Assistance Can Strengthen Future Trading Relationships

U.S. food assistance programs can address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting agricultural development and building long-term commercial partnerships. Through USDA's Food for Progress program, U.S. agricultural commodities are provided to developing countries and sold to finance projects that improve agricultural productivity and expand trade opportunities. In Cambodia, the use of American soybean meal to support aquaculture illustrates how agricultural assistance can strengthen local food production while creating demand for U.S. agricultural inputs. These programs demonstrate how food security investments can support economic development abroad and generate opportunities for American farmers.

4. Non-Tariff Barriers Remain a Major Obstacle to Agricultural Trade

Reducing tariffs alone is not enough to guarantee market access for American agricultural exports. Regulatory differences, technical requirements, and restrictions that are not grounded in scientific evidence can prevent U.S. products from reaching international consumers, even when trade agreements are in place. USDA's Borlaug and Cochran Fellowship Programs support agricultural training and technical exchanges that strengthen scientific expertise and regulatory capacity in partner countries. Promoting science-based standards and building institutional relationships can help reduce trade barriers, improve agricultural productivity, and create more predictable conditions for U.S. exporters.

5. Agricultural Security Extends Beyond the Farm

Protecting America's agricultural sector requires addressing threats that extend beyond domestic production, including animal and plant diseases, foreign supply chain dependencies, and transportation infrastructure constraints. Disruptions in overseas production regions or international shipping networks can affect the availability, safety, and cost of agricultural products entering and leaving the United States. USDA's Farm Security Is National Security initiative connects agricultural biosecurity, supply chain resilience, and critical infrastructure protection to broader national security priorities. Strengthening coordination among government agencies, international partners, and the private sector is essential to protecting U.S. agricultural interests and maintaining reliable global food supply chains. 

Project summary

5 Priorities Shaping U.S. Agricultural Trade and Food Security | October 2026
Program Areas:	Corporate Diplomacy