U.S. Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Clay Higgins (R-LA) have introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agriculture Disputes and Enforcement Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation aims to identify foreign trade barriers that restrict U.S. agricultural exports and may violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules or other trade agreements.
The proposed bill would establish a strategy for enforcing violations of trade agreements, focusing on those related to agricultural products. It also requires consultation with private sector representatives, government agencies, and trading partners to determine effective practices for improving U.S. export outcomes. In addition, the act mandates quarterly progress reports to Congress on efforts to resolve disputes or initiate new cases.
Concerns over India’s agricultural subsidies are central to the discussion surrounding this bill. According to WTO findings, India’s price supports for key crops significantly exceed allowed limits for developing countries: 87.9% for rice, 67.5% for wheat, 67.9% for cotton, 31.7% for chickpeas, 41% for lentils, and 47.4% for pulses. Over-subsidization has led Indian farmers to produce surpluses beyond domestic needs and increase exports of low-priced products like rice and shrimp, which some U.S. lawmakers argue disadvantages American producers.
Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate titled S. 743 – Ag Disputes Act.
Rep. Crawford stated, “The U.S. needs to be serious about going after violators at the WTO that hurt our farmers. It is not fair for the U.S., and by extension our producers, to play by one set of rules if other countries play by another. International markets that buy our agricultural products play a vital role in the sustainability of the industry. Therefore, I appreciate my colleagues Representative Troy Carter and Representative Clay Higgins joining me to protect our local farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses from unfair, non-market-based practices.”
Rep. Carter added, “For too long, America’s farmers have been forced to compete on an uneven global playing field, held back by a lack of enforcement of foreign subsidies that violate trade agreements. I’m proud to cosponsor this important bill, which represents a crucial step in putting U.S. agriculture back on offense. This bipartisan measure provides a dedicated task force to identify systemic trade violations and hold bad actors accountable. American farmers feed the world; we know that better than anyone in Louisiana, and they deserve a fair shot in the global marketplace.”
Rep. Higgins commented: “America’s farmers are the best in the world, and when given a fair playing field, they will succeed. Unfortunately, countries like India have abused fair trade practices and failed to comply with WTO commitments. The task force established in our legislation will hold bad actors accountable, identify trade barriers, and help protect U.S. farmers.”
Bobby Hanks—CEO of Supreme Rice in Crowley, Louisiana and chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee—said: “USA Rice applauds Representative Rick Crawford, Clay Higgins, and Troy Carter for being champions on these critical issues in Congress, not only for the U.S. rice industry but for all of U.S agriculture being treated unfairly by bad actors in the market,” adding “A WTO dispute against India’s subsidies is long overdue…a WTO dispute would drive the long-term policy changes needed in India that would help make U.S rice farmers—and farmers all around the world—more competitive.”
Rick Crawford has represented Arkansas’ 1st District in Congress since 2011 after succeeding Marion Berry.
He was born at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida in 1966 and currently lives in Jonesboro.
Crawford earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University in 1996.
