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Support for USMCA renewal coming from all sectors of ag

From inputs to exports, voices from across American agriculture continue to tout the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement. 

Veronica Nigh, chief economist with The Fertilizer Institute, says Canada provides nearly all the potash used by U.S. farmers.  

“The US and Canada trade a lot of nitrogen back and forth. It’s really efficient.”  She says, “We’ve certainly developed a supply chain that there’s a lot of interconnectivity.”

AUDIO: Veronica Nigh – The Fertilizer Institute

Jon Rosenstiel, board member with the U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council, tells Brownfield both countries have become reliable trade partners since the tri-lateral agreement was signed in 2018.

“Our biggest trading partner right now is Mexico.”  He says, “A lot of the ethanol that we produce ends up going north by rail up into Canada.”

Bill Leigh, board member with the National Corn Growers Association, says recent comments made by the Trump administration against renewal of USMCA are worrisome, but he remains optimistic.

“That’s kind of what President Trump does.”  He says, “Because Mexico has been talking to us. Canada said they’re going to talk to us about it. They’re in favor. And then we’re sitting there balking at it. I’m hoping it’s just a negotiating technique that the president is using.”

The three countries are expected to meet to start the renewal process next month.

AUDIO: Bill Leigh – NCGA