The Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance (NEAFA) applauds Congress and the President of the United States for finalizing an agreement for the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). “The northeastern agricultural industry, particularly the dairy industry, will benefit from a more balanced trading relationship with Canada and Mexico”, Stated John Clark, NEAFA President. “We are optimistic that this important step will usher more successful trade deals with other important trading partners.”
The agreement will advance United States’ agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. USMCA builds upon our existing markets to expand US food and agricultural exports and support food processing and rural jobs. “The agreement includes updates for the dairy industry, a vital requirement for many of NEAFA’s members”, stated Clark. “According to the USDA, America’s dairy farmers will have expanded market opportunities in Canada for a wide variety of dairy products. Specifically, Canada agreed to eliminate the unfair Class 6 and 7 milk pricing programs that allowed their farmers to undersell U.S. producers.”
Moving forward, NEAFA calls for the Senate to quickly pass USMCA. “Every day that Congress fails to pass this important piece of legislation is another day that US agriculture will fall further behind worldwide competition,” said Clark. “We are thankful that this important update to US trade agreements with Canada and Mexico has been reached and look forward to its final passage in the Senate.”