The National Corn Growers Assn., American Soybean Assn., National Assn. of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers announced their support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This week the organizations are hosting their annual Commodity Classic.

Mexico and Canada account for 25% of all U.S. agriculture exports and USMCA preserves and builds upon the existing trading relationship between the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Members representing the four organizations will be advocating members of Congress to ratify USMCA this year while also urging the Administration to keep the current NAFTA agreement intact until the new agreement is ratified.

 “Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable corn market; Mexico is corn’s number one buyer and Canada is one of our largest ethanol importers. We cannot afford to risk losing this market,” said NCGA president Lynn Chrisp. “USMCA is NCGA’s top legislative priority for 2019 and we will be working closely with the Administration and members of Congress to get it ratified.”  

“Passage of USMCA would boost both national and rural economies, and for soybeans, it would assure us tariff-free access to two strong markets, including Mexico, which is our #2 market for whole beans. Under NAFTA, soybean exports to Mexico quadrupled and to Canada doubled. We would like to continue that positive trade momentum with our neighbors,” said Davie Stephens, ASA president and a soybean grower from Clinton, Kentucky.

Related:Grain industry testifies on USMCA trade agreement benefits

 “USMCA includes important provisions for wheat farmers including tariff-free access to imported U.S. wheat for our long-time flour milling customers in Mexico. Further, the Agreement makes important progress toward fixing the grading issue U.S. farmers face when exporting their wheat to Canada,” stated NAWG president and Sentinel, Oklahoma wheat farmer Jimmie Musick. “NAWG, ASA, NCGA, and NSP will continue to work together to get this critical trade deal enacted.” 

"The new USMCA agreement with Mexico and Canada is a win for American producers, and having an agreement in place will safeguard the traditional second largest importer of U.S. sorghum," said National Sorghum Producers Chairman Dan Atkisson, a sorghum farmer from Stockton, Kansas. "We look forward to expanded market opportunities with Mexico, and urge Congress to pass the measure as soon as possible."  

Leaders of the organizations announced their support during Friday’s general session of Commodity Classic, America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. 

Related:USMCA gains don’t offset retaliatory tariffs

The Corn Refiners Assn. (CRA) also submitted a letter to Members of Congress representing the leading corn-producing states in the country expressing support for USMCA. “Averaging over $900 million in shipments annually, Mexico and Canada represent the two largest markets for refined corn products,” said John Bode, CRA president and chief executive officer. “Congressional ratification of the USMCA is critical in providing certainty and security to the one in five American jobs related to agriculture.”