The ability to trade is especially critical for the nation’s top grain producing states, says Neal Fisher, executive director of the North Dakota Wheat Commission.

Because so much of their grain is exported, they need to be able to build long-term relationships with customers and protect hard won market share.

According to the Economic Research Service, U.S. agricultural exports were valued at $140.5 billion in 2017. They accounted for one third of U.S. gross farm income and generated more than 1.1 million jobs, he says.