USMCA Renewal Is an Opportunity to Strengthen Agriculture

Strong markets are essential to a strong farm economy. And for America’s farmers and ranchers, few markets matter more than our neighbors to the north and south. That’s why the ongoing review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is so important to agriculture.

Next month, U.S. and Mexican officials will meet for another round of negotiations as part of the agreement’s six-year review. These negotiations carry real consequences for farmers and ranchers. The decisions made at the table will help shape the future of agricultural trade across North America and determine whether America’s farmers and ranchers have the certainty they need to compete and grow. At a time when farm families are facing the toughest economy in a generation, protecting and expanding access to reliable markets has never been more important.

Canada and Mexico Are Essential Markets for U.S. Agriculture

Canada and Mexico have long been America's closest agricultural trading partners. Together, they purchase nearly one-third of our agricultural exports. Every day, trucks and railcars move American-grown food across our borders, supporting farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Last year alone, American farmers exported nearly $31 billion in agricultural products to Mexico and nearly $29 billion to Canada. Those numbers represent critical markets for the crops we grow and the livestock we raise, giving farmers and ranchers greater confidence to invest in their farms and plan for the future.

The benefits extend well beyond the farm gate. Every dollar in agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico generates roughly two dollars in economic activity here at home, supporting jobs in transportation, processing, manufacturing and the many other businesses that help move American-grown products to consumers.

USMCA Renewal Can Expand Agricultural Market Access

When USMCA took effect in 2020, it strengthened an already important trade relationship between the United States, Canada and Mexico. The review now underway gives all three countries the opportunity to build on what has worked while addressing challenges that still exist.

Farm Bureau supports renewing USMCA because farmers need certainty, but we also believe this is an opportunity to strengthen the agreement. That includes improving market access for U.S. dairy products and creating meaningful protections against seasonal produce import surges that can disrupt markets for U.S. fruit and vegetable growers.

Farmers don't make decisions just one season at a time. They invest months and often years before a crop is harvested or livestock is marketed. Those decisions require confidence that markets will be there when it's time to sell.

As negotiations continue, Farm Bureau will keep advocating for an agreement that strengthens opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. Strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico help strengthen family farms, support rural communities, and keep American agriculture competitive around the world.