U.S. Agriculture Secretary Rollins met with Republican lawmakers and farm groups in Nebraska on 9 Aug. to discuss ways to reverse the nation’s swing from an agricultural trade surplus six years ago to a record deficit. Producers urged the department to expedite pending trade agreements, find new export markets for corn and soybeans and reduce fertilizer costs. Participants also pressed for policies to expand renewable fuels, including year-round sales of 15% ethanol gasoline blends (E15) and broader incentives for biofuel production, which they said would bolster rural incomes. Separately, Rollins and Florida representatives endorsed an upcoming Food and Drug Administration rule that would lower the minimum Brix standard—the measure of natural sugar content—for orange juice. Supporters say the change will cut processing costs and help Florida citrus growers remain competitive.