MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. -- The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture came to the Tar Heel State Monday. This comes after growing concerns for farmers after a tough few years, and the possible addition of the new NAFTA agreement.

  • Hog farmers were among the hardest hit with nuisance suits after complaints to nearby families’ health and safety.
  • The governor vetoed the senate's bill last year saying he’s sticking up for these neighbors of farmers.
  • The secretary wants to approve the USMCA and he’s looking into removing tariffs currently placed on China.

We’re still waiting to hear how the state will push forward with legislation regarding nuisance lawsuits. Hog farmers were among the hardest hit with these suits after complaints to nearby families’ health and safety. The governor vetoed the senate's bill last year saying he’s sticking up for these neighbors of farmers.

The secretary also wants to expand worldwide trade. That starts with approving the USMCA (U.S., Mexico and Canada Agreement), also known as “new NAFTA”, and he’s looking into removing tariffs currently placed on China.

"We can grow agricultural exports when you have a $375 billion trade deficit with China," he said, "One of the ways to close that deficit is with agricultural products. We do that very, very well, much better than Chinese do."

Opposers of the new NAFTA deal say this will have little to no impact on economic or job growth in America, and will not fix the trade deficit between the US and Mexico.

As for relationships with China, companies like Butterball who have their headquarters in North Carolina, say they can’t trade with China now, but it would help their business boom if they had that opportunity. 

The U.S. and China have had a trade war over the last several decades. President Trump is working to reach an agreement.