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Ag industry wants to see improvements made to USMCA to support U.S. agriculture

Lawmakers and industry representatives want to see the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement improved to better support U.S. agriculture.

During a recent U.S. House Ag Committee hearing, Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson said the trilateral trade agreement remains one of the most important frameworks for the ag industry.

“USMCA maintains tariff free treatment for certain agricultural products, while also expanding market access for a wide range of U.S. grown commodities,” he says. “Mexico and Canada have collectively purchased more than $60 billion in ag commodities annually.”

But, Michael Lichte with Dairy Farmers of America says dairy policy within the agreement needs to be addressed. 

“Canada’s administration of its dairy quotas has limited their usability,” he says. “Canadian dairy pricing policies continue to create conditions that distort trade and impact competitiveness for US producers.”

Dave Puglia, president and CEO of the Western Growers Association, says the review USMCA could address trade barriers between the three countries.

“The USMCA renewal presents an opportunity for the United States to ensure that food safety oversight and standards are as vigorous in Mexico as they are domestically,” he says. “The trade tensions between our countries has also resulted in Canadian consumers looking to diversify away from American produce.”

A joint review of the agreement is set to begin on July 1st.