U.S. Senator John Boozman joined a group of bipartisan senators in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Apr. 17, calling for continued support and expansion of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as its six-year joint review approaches.
The senators said that the agreement is important for American agriculture, providing certainty and stable markets for farmers and ranchers. The letter urges engagement with Congress, farmers, and ranchers to ensure improvements that support U.S. agriculture and maintain strong market access.
“American family farmers and ranchers depend on the certainty afforded by a stable Agreement. The integrated supply chains facilitated by streamlined compliance requirements, effective rules governing food safety measures, and intellectual property protections have allowed the U.S. to build a fortified trading network here in the Western Hemisphere. Our close proximity to dependable markets based on rules-based, science-driven commitments from our trading partners is critical for domestic producers,” the senators wrote.
They added: “As preparations begin for the upcoming joint review process, we encourage continued engagement with Congress, farmers, and ranchers to ensure the agreement is improved to support U.S. agriculture and maintain strong market access for American producers.”
Other signatories include Senators Steve Daines, Amy Klobuchar, Raphael Warnock, Mike Crapo, Michael Bennet, Chuck Grassley, Tina Smith, Thom Tillis, Mark Warner, John Cornyn among others.
Industry leaders expressed their approval of this effort. Scott Metzger of the American Soybean Association said: “The USMCA has been a true success story for U.S. soybean farmers… ASA greatly appreciates the leadership of Senator Daines, Klobuchar, and Boozman in leading this letter to USTR.” Bryan Goodman from Agricultural Coalition for USMCA stated: “We are greatly appreciative of our allies in the Senate for supporting renewal… Renewing builds on the president’s success… due to vast benefits.” National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower said: “Canada and Mexico are two of largest markets… USMCA has been vital…” Jamie Kress from National Association of Wheat Growers added: “USMCA is essential… It keeps key markets open… NAWG thanks Senators Klobuchar, Boozman and Daines…”
The future direction will depend on outcomes from ongoing discussions between Congress members like Boozman’s group and trade officials during this scheduled review.
