NMPF, USDEC Pleased With Recent USMCA Ruling

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council are applauding this month’s decision that Canada improperly restricted access for American dairy producers. The ruling by the USMCA Dispute Settlement Panel is the first under the updated trilateral trade agreement. NMPF executive vice president, Jaime Castanado said much of the new, small access the U.S. gained during the USMCA negotiations, was being given to Canadian producers.

"When the Canadian government was doing that, they were preventing the US from selling high value product directly to retail or restaurants. The processors were not buying everything the negotiations permitted.”

As a result, the NMPF continued, U.S. dairy farmers and exporters have been unable to make full use of USMCA’s benefits. Castanado said when USMCA is followed the way it’s currently written, American dairy producers stand to benefit considerably.

"Dairy farmers, dairy manufacturers that comply with their commitment will be able to actually sell high value products and fill the quota we gained through the negotiations.”

The case was brought forward in May 2021 by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), following persistent advocacy from NMPF and USDEC. American officials are urging Canada to swiftly comply with the panel’s ruling.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com