Exports are essential to U.S. agriculture, not only generating more money for farmers but also supporting jobs, former U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said last week. The intricacies of trade are complex, but important.

“I think the current discussions we’re having in this country about trade is in essence creating the opportunity for us to have a conversation about the real-world consequences of trade, a better understanding of the trade benefits that accrue to us as Americans, and potentially a more fair and modernized trade system that benefits not just us but our global partners,” Vilsack said. He is the current CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Trade negotiations and retaliatory tariffs affect U.S. agriculture. Looming trade deals and tariffs mean lost opportunities for the United States as other countries ...