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Ag groups tout USMCA at NAFB’s Washington Watch

Some ag groups say the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement could help provide stability for farmers moving forward.

Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association says USMCA needs to move forward.

“It’s vitally important as we all know to American agriculture,” LaVigne said. “Those two markets are absolutely key. It’s key to seed as well – for our research and development.”

He tells Brownfield the agreement has been working for producers.

“We’d prefer not to come back with a new bill to vote on. It would be very difficult to pass,” LaVigne said. “We think we can do it with agreements and letters between the countries.”

RJ Karney with NASDA – National Association of State Departments of Agriculture – says the trilateral trade deal could use some tweaks.

“We need to work Canada, our neighbor to the north, on dairy provisions and some changes,” he said.

But Karney says at the end of the day, U.S. farmers and ranchers support USMCA.

The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are scheduled to meet in July for review.

LaVigne and Karney spoke to Brownfield at the NAFB’s 2026 Washington Watch.

Andy LaVigne:

RJ Karney: