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NASDA CEO confident in U.S.-Mexico trading relationship

Brownfield stock photo: NASDA CEO Ted McKinney (left) speaks with Brownfield’s Brent Barnett at the 2023 NASDA Annual Meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says he’s not concerned about the future of the country’s trading relationship with Mexico.

Ted McKinney tells Brownfield that’s despite an ongoing trade dispute over genetically modified corn. “There’s too much transferring across that border both ways for us to blow up USMCA, for example. We cannot do that.”

Speaking during the 2024 NAFB Convention in Kansas City, he said a panel decision in Mexico’s GMO corn dispute is expected soon. “I pray that President Sheinbaum in Mexico, the newly elected president, will follow the results of the appellate process. I’m hearing it’s favorable to the U.S.”

McKinney says the issue has highlighted the need for a review of USMCA. “I believe the review of USMCA, which is coming in 2026, may be more than a review. I don’t think it’s a blow up, but I think it’s going to be some level, modest to significant, in a renegotiation.”

He says Mexico continues to have a large need for corn and other ag products from the U.S.

AUDIO: NASDA CEO Ted McKinney at 2024 NAFB Convention in Kansas City