American food and agriculture groups are calling for a full 16-year renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA).
In a letter, released Oct. 30, 124 organizations representing the American food and agriculture value chain expressed support for the agreement, which it claims “allowed agricultural exports from the United States to soar.”
The letter argues CUSMA, called USMCA in the U.S., has helped not only American farmers, but has also facilitated a flow of commerce between all three countries.
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“Many U.S. agricultural commodities benefited from new or expanded market access in both Canada and Mexico, amplified by the preservation of the zero-tariff provisions retained in USMCA,” the groups said. “Any adjustment should be carefully considered in order to avoid negative impacts on agriculture.”
It points out Canada is the largest or second-largest market for many American agricultural products like feed, processed foods and biofuels.
The groups also argued that American family farms depend on the stability from CUSMA for multi-year planning and without it, farmers will be saddled with more costs related to transportation and compliance.
“Our organizations are deeply reliant on trade, and our closest neighbors are the strongest trading partners for U.S. agriculture and its continued success,” the letter says. “We stand ready to provide the expertise needed to maintain U.S. leadership within USMCA and advocate for the continued trade certainty that it provides.”
CUSMA was originally negotiated in 2018 and is set for review in the summer of 2026.
