U.S. agriculture could experience major disruptions if a strike by dockworkers at Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast ports occurs today, October 1. The International Longshoremen’s Association has threatened to halt operations if no contract is agreed upon.

This could severely affect the 40 percent of containerized agricultural exports that move through these ports. Nearly 200 agriculture organizations urged President Biden to take action and minimize the economic damage and supply chain challenges.

Shifting exports to the West Coast might increase costs, further affecting agribusiness and producers. There are concerns about the capacity available to get the products to the West Coast. Shipping costs would likely increase.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack encouraged ongoing talks, highlighting the importance of preventing disruptions to agricultural imports. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached, as there has been no strike in 50 years.

Read more about the possible port strike here.