McKinney: It’s Time To Vote On USMCA

Congress is back in session with a long “to-do” list, including a vote on USMCA.  USDA Undersecretary Ted McKinney recently returned from a trip to Canada, where he promoted USMCA and how it can benefits all of North America.  McKinney said he remembers everyone saying, “Do no harm,” when they opened negotiations on what an updated NAFTA should look like.  He said negotiators have done better than that, providing valuable benefits for agriculture.

“One of the big ones is much more dairy access.  And we’ve brought down the unfairness, some might even say they cheating, that Canada was doing with the creation of two new classes of milk and milk products.  I think we also have been access for our wheat.”

Another benefit is the brand-new chapter on biotechnology and the biosciences.  McKinney added he understands that Congress is doing their due diligence in looking over USMCA, however, he said it’s time to pass the updated NAFTA.

“It’s time to get it done.  It’s time to bring it forward for the benefit of all three countries,” McKinney said.

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