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NASDA CEO: Strong USMCA renegotiation could expand market access for farmers

The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement could provide an opportunity to expand market access for farmers.

Ted McKinney says Mexico and Canada are two very important trading partners for the US. 

“There’s so much trade between us,” he says. “I hope that nobody just blows it up and we start over. I also hope that all three countries can stay together, because we’ve got leverage over the rest of the world.”

President Trump recently said the administration is looking at all options ahead of the review. 

McKinney tells Brownfield a strong renegotiation could increase trade between the three countries.

“Anytime you’re hung out there with a really extensive market share in another country, it opens the door for it to leverage back against you,” he says. “That’s what we’ve seen with soybeans and China. We’ve got a lot to say about the strength of the USMCA. Let’s keep it.”

Monday was the deadline to submit public comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative ahead of next year’s USMCA renegotiation.

The USTR will hold a public hearing on November 17.

AUDIO: Ted McKinney, NASDA