Promoting open markets to help nourish people worldwide

Cargill’s support for open markets and free trade underpins our vision, “To be the global leader in nourishing people.”  Since Cargill’s founding in 1865 with a single grain elevator in Iowa, we have been purchasing farmers’ crops, finding markets for their harvest, and feeding people around the world.  

The United Nations estimates that global food demand will double by 2050, with much of that growth in developing countries.  Cargill is committed to helping the world meet its growing food needs.  Over the past eight years, Cargill has invested over $20 billion in the global agriculture and food production, processing, and distribution system.  Today, more than half of our 131,000 employees are located in developing countries, where they are improving the quality of local agriculture and helping to strengthen the local economy.

 As we compare global agricultural conditions with food demands, it is clear that trade will play a crucial role in feeding the world.  Many nations lack the natural resources to grow enough food for their people.  Countries will have to trust in and cooperate with each other through international trade if they are to provide adequate food for their people.  History has shown that open markets, which provide access to both locally and globally sourced food, are the most efficient means for people to meet their caloric intake requirements and consume more nutritious, protein-based diets. 

Encouraging government policy that helps farmers feed the world

Cargill encourages governments to advance policies that will help the world meet its growing food needs.  Broadly speaking, we support investments in rural and agricultural development, policies that allow food to flow freely across borders, and assistance for those whose jobs are displaced as a result of changing production patterns. Specifically, we:

• Support government investments in rural communities and local agriculture that boost farm productivity and output, such as physical infrastructure, R&D and farmer training programs. 
• Oppose farm subsidies and production mandates that interfere with market signals and cause farmers to grow more or less than needed to meet actual demand, leading to price distortions in the marketplace.
• Support the elimination of impediments to trade in food and agriculture, such as tariffs and restrictive trade barriers.
• Support trade adjustment assistance programs and investments in capacity building such as training, education and improved infrastructure to help farmers and workers in all countries compete in the global economy.

Working for a better world

Cargill believes that trade, when combined with increased investment in agricultural development to prepare farmers for the global economy, will contribute to enhanced economic growth, decreased poverty, greater cross-cultural exchange, and a more nourished world.

TradeWorks™ trade education program 

Cargill works to educate our employees on the benefits of international trade through a global trade education initiative called TradeWorks™. As part of the program, employees have access to an online Trade Education Center that provides Cargill’s point-of-view on trade policy and a variety of global issues. 

The purpose of the global online educational program is to provide tools and resources to help employees gain a greater level of understanding of often complex trade issues and develop knowledge and skills to help them educate others. The Ambassador Program within TradeWorks™ seeks to develop highly engaged employees as advocates for trade in their communities globally. Employees connect with external stakeholders in their communities about the benefits of free trade through online or in person training programs, presentations, and educational material.