Cape News

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is advocating for Missouri farmers amid the European Union's new import mandates. Senator Hawley raised concerns in letters sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Archer Daniels Midland's CEO Juan Luciano regarding the EU's environmental standards impacting the import of commodities like soybeans.

"This is fundamentally unfair: since the EUDR was passed in 2023, there is no way that American farmers could have adjusted their post-2020 practices to prepare in advance for this mandate. Countless farmers will now be disqualified from the European market through no fault of their own," Senator Hawley expressed in his letter to USTR Tai.

Regarding ADM's enforcement of the EU mandate, Senator Hawley stated in his letter to the company, "[ADM's] decision will devastate Missouri farmers. Farmers whose soybeans are 'out of compliance' with European law will be forced to sell them elsewhere, with all the attendant costs and burdens."

The implementation of the EU's regulations on U.S. soil is expected to result in additional costs and logistical challenges for farmers. Senator Hawley emphasized the negative impact on Missouri farmers if ADM restricts the use of its facilities and grain elevators in compliance with the EU mandate.

Senator Hawley's efforts underscore the importance of considering the implications of international regulations on American farmers, particularly in states like Missouri.