Leaders from several of the nation’s most influential organizations – including members of the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA – told members of the House Agriculture Committee today that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement provides massive benefits to farmers and agricultural communities and underscored the need to strengthen and renew the agreement.
“USMCA has been the gold standard for agricultural trade agreements, providing the certainty farmers and ranchers need to plan, invest and stay competitive,” said American Soybean Association executive committee member and Minnesota soybean farmer Jamie Beyer. “At a time when farmers are facing significant financial pressure, maintaining strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico is more important than ever for the long-term success of rural America.”
The remarks were made during the committee’s hearing entitled, Agricultural Perspectives on the Future of the USMCA and included remarks from American Soybean Association, Dairy Farmers of America and the Meat Institute, all of which are members of the coalition. A representative from the timber company Weyerhaeuser, the National Alliance of Forest Owners, Western Growers Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also spoke.
USMCA was signed by the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2018 during President Trump’s first term and was implemented in 2020 to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Under the agreement, leaders of all three nations must begin a formal review by July 1, 2026, to determine whether to renew the agreement. If renewed, USMCA would remain in effect for an additional 16 years, with another review scheduled in 2032. If the countries fail to reach an agreement and move to terminate, USMCA will expire in 2036. The review could also enter a period of annual consultations with no clear path forward, creating significant uncertainty for the farm economy.
With key deadlines quickly approaching, agricultural groups are advocating for action that includes some updates to the agreement.
“USMCA is very important to U.S. dairy producers, as over forty percent of our exports ended up in Mexico and Canada last year,” said Michael Lichte, chief insights and optimization officer for Dairy Farmers of America. “The joint review presents a critically important opportunity to make targeted adjustments to the outstanding dairy issues that we face in the Canadian market and to ensure we preserve full market access into Mexico, including for common cheese names like ‘feta.’ Strengthening these outstanding pieces and then renewing the deal is essential to ensure our dairy producers receive the full benefits of USMCA.
Others at the hearing emphasized that USMCA has provided them with the support they need.
“USMCA is the gold standard for trade agreements and a cornerstone of the American meat industry’s success,” said Michael Schumpp, senior director of international affairs at the Meat Institute. “Maintaining its stability and market access is critical to farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities across the United States.”
Today’s testimony is the latest in a series of efforts and activities by the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA and its members to encourage political leaders from all three countries to renew and strengthen the agreement.
Earlier this year, the coalition unveiled a new website and kicked off an aggressive ad campaign in the nation’s capital, all designed to promote the benefits afforded to the U.S. food and agriculture sector under the USMCA.
