The re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement started this week and is being closely watched by farmers and lawmakers. South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem says the House Ways and Means Committee she serves on is providing input to the administration and trade negotiators to make sure agriculture is protected.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says after 23 years NAFTA, like any trade agreement, may need some tweaks. However, he too wants the tariff rates to remain at zero for ag trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

And Thune says most farm groups believe NAFTA has been a win for U.S. agriculture and he agrees.

Administration officials earlier announced their intent to protect the gains agriculture made in the original NAFTA agreement, but work on areas like dairy and lumber where there have been some recent trade disputes.