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Michigan ag leaders want action on USMCA

Michigan ag leaders are calling for the passage of the United States Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.

“Exports are a big part of the American economy and Michigan economy and if we don’t export agriculturally, we’re not in business.” 

President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association Jim Byrum says for the USMCA to go into effect, steel and aluminum tariffs must be lifted.

“The uncertainty is a real frustration.”     

Head of GreenStone Farm Credit Services Dave Armstrong says trade wars have long-term impacts on trade and President Trump’s newest announcement on farmer aid can’t recoup lost market with other countries. “They have the ability at this point to start looking for alternatives for the supplies that we provide and pretty soon they make those permanent.”       

Ken Nobis with the Michigan Milk Producers Association says the agreement will safeguard and protect trade while slowing the exit of dairy farms. “USDA recently announced that in 2018 we lost on average seven dairy farms per day in this country.  Given the fact that we export 16 percent of our product, getting the USMCA passed through Congress will help stem that trend.” 

Michigan ag exports account for more than $2.7 billion annually which leaders of ag groups including pork, soybeans, and dairy say are being greatly impacted by trade issues.