There has been a lot of talk lately about NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) from the Presidential candidates. Many people do not realize the benefits of NAFTA or the many myths clouding the facts around NAFTA.

NAFTA has achieved its core goals of expanding trade and investment between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Since 1993, trade among the NAFTA nations has more than tripled, from $297 billion to $930 billion. Business investment in the U.S. has risen by 117% since 1993.

And, NAFTA has not cost the U.S. jobs. In fact, U.S. employment rose from 110.8 million people in 1993 to 137.6 million in 2007. This is a 24% increase. The average unemployment rate was 5.1% from 1994 – 2007, compared to 7.1 percent from 1980 – 1993.

U.S. manufacturing output rose by 58% between 1993 and 2006, as compared to 42% between 1980 and 1993. Manufacturing exports in 2007 reached an all time high with a value of $982 billion.

Canada and Mexico accounted for 37% of the total growth of U.S. agricultural exports since 1993. And the total U.S. agricultural exports destined for Canada and Mexico has grown from 22% in 1993 to 30% in 2007. NAFTA access is most crucial for agriculture.

So the next time you hear someone talk about NAFTA, make sure they realize the important role it plays not only in agriculture, but the entire U.S. economy.