ARLINGTON,
Va., Dec. 18, 2023 — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the
North America Export Grain Association (NAEGA) issued the following statement
in response to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) closing this morning
of international rail crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.
“The
NGFA and NAEGA call for the immediate reopening of the Eagle Pass and El Paso,
Texas railroad crossings to allow for the immediate passage of trains between
the United States and Mexico. The North American market and grain trade supply
chain are deeply intertwined. The closure of these two crossings is impacting
the flow of grain and oilseeds for both human and livestock feed to one of the
United States most important export markets and trading partners. According to
USDA data rail represents 64 percent of grain and oilseed exports to Mexico,
including 15,565,138 MTs of grains and oilseeds exported via rail in 2021 and
3.45 MTs of grains and oilseeds in the third quarter of 2023.”
“NGFA
and NAEGA have become aware this afternoon of critical tightness in feeding
supplies for several livestock feeders in Mexico. We have also learned of grain
trains in multiple states being held for shipment due to CBP’s embargo. The
critical nature of this issue is growing by the hour, particularly for those
livestock feeders that may run short of feed.
“We
are deeply concerned by the developing situation and request that CBP work with
us, the railroads and other federal partners to develop a common sense and
expedient solution that reopens this critical mode of agricultural
transportation for the U.S. and North American markets.”
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The
National Grain and Feed Association, established in 1896, consists of grain,
feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate
facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds. Its membership includes grain
elevators; feed and feed ingredient manufacturers; biofuels companies; grain
and oilseed processors and millers; exporters; livestock and poultry
integrators; and associated firms that provide goods and services to the
nation’s grain, feed and processing industry. The NGFA consists of 27
affiliated State and Regional Grain and Feed Associations, is co-located and
has a strategic alliance with North American Export Grain Association, and a
strategic alliance with Pet Food Institute.
The
North American Export Grain Association is a not-for-profit industry trade
association promoting policies, rules and commercial practices that support
efficient international trade in grains, oilseeds and their derived products.
Established in 1912, NAEGA’s members include private and publicly owned
companies and farmer-owned cooperatives that export agricultural production to
customers around the world. Our work benefits consumers, farmers and people
working the trade.