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AG Today

Ag Today November 6, 2017

Trump is ‘bombastic’ but might keep NAFTA, ag secretary says in visit to Modesto

NOVEMBER 05, 2017 6:35 P

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue heard two main messages from farmers in Sunday’s visit to Modesto — keep export barriers down and lighten up on regulation.

President Donald Trump’s top farm official heard concerns also about labor and water supplies in a question-and-answer session at the Modesto Junior College West Campus.

Perdue, a former Georgia governor, said he shares the Republican president’s disdain for overregulation. Audience members said they want to see safe food and a healthy environment, but not federal rules that go too far.

Trump has worried some farmers with his proposal to redo the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has boosted agricultural exports to Mexico and Canada.

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