Texas agricultural producers' perceptions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that encompasses the agricultural industry in Texas. However, research concerning Texas farmers and ranchers opinions and knowledge of the trade agreement was not readily available. Therefore, it was vital to explore these characteristics. In order to determine Texas farmers and ranchers perceived impacts of NAFTA on their agricultural operation, a descriptive study was performed. An instrument was developed and the data collection process occurred during the months of July through September 2010 via mail survey; 184 instruments were returned. Findings of the study included Texas farmers and ranchers perceived impacts of NAFTA on their agricultural operation. The general consensus was Texas farmers and ranchers were not particularly in favor of the trade agreement but felt it had benefited their agricultural operation in some regard. Texas farmers and ranchers seemed to know little about the trade agreement, specifically direct legislative variables. Having obtained this knowledge, the researchers composed recommendations for future research. Some of these recommendations include developing educational materials for Texas farmers and ranchers about public policy issues. Agricultural leaders should work with public policy officials, agricultural leaders, and officials to disseminate information about NAFTA. Collaboration efforts should be made between state officials and media sources to educate Texas producers about trade agreements. This information should be delivered to Texas farmers and ranchers through their preferred media sources: farm magazines, radio, and television. Contact should be made with special interest groups in order to disburse information about NAFTA; workshops at special interest trade shows should be implemented as well.