A broad coalition of organizations representing agriculture, biofuels, food and transportation is asking the White House to avoid a potential port operations disruption that could negatively impact the food supply chain.

The labor agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance expires on September 30th and the groups say that if they are unable to come to an agreement, the impact on the ag supply chain will not only slow or shutdown operations, but also potentially lower farmgate prices. “To prevent a disruption to port operations along the East and Gulf Coasts, we request for your administration to act before a lockout or strike occurs to prevent damage to U.S. agriculture and the economy,” the groups wrote in a letter to President Biden. “Approximately 40 percent of U.S. containerized agricultural exports move through East and Gulf Coast ports, and we believe the time has come for the U.S. government to intervene and ensure port operations do not stop.”

Over 55 organizations signed on to the letter, including the Renewable Fuels Association. A potential strike would impact three dozen ports, including New York and New Jersey, Houston and Savannah, Georgia.