AFBF: USMCA Will Benefits American Farmers In A Varity of Ways

Once implemented, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provides U.S. agriculture with continued growing trade.  American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Congressional Relations Director Dave Salmonsen said it’s important to be patient as trade agreements take time.  With the trade agreement signed by all three countries, economic reports from the International Trade Commission are the next step.

“That’s due to be submitted in the middle of March, could go on a little later because of the government shutdown. After that, then the administration is required to send up a draft of the bill that they will submit so Congress can look at least at an early draft version of that. And then it’s up to the administration to put the implementing bill before Congress. A lot of it depends on the ability of the White House and Congress to work together and come up with a timeframe to move this agreement towards congressional passage.”

Salmonsen said USCMA continues the value of trade relationships under NAFTA along with other benefits.  He noted that Canada and Mexico account for nearly a third of all U.S. Ag exports.

“We did get some additional access into Canada for some dairy products and some poultry products, so that’s positive. We also have a better sanitary/phytosanitary standards regime. Biotechnology was important. And, with Mexico, specifically geographic indications, the labeling there. All in all, positive I think, for all three countries when it comes to agriculture.”

Salmonsen says at this point, they are looking forward to final passage and implementation of the USMCA.

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