Passing USMCA remains a top priority for farmers across the country and NCGA. With the end of the year fast approaching, and a very limited number of Congressional workdays remaining, urging your representatives to support this important trade deal is more important than ever.
Waiting until 2020, when election-year politics will likely derail its passage, is not an option. Ratifying USMCA this year is our best chance of securing this agreement.
USMCA preserves and builds upon the corn industry’s successful relationship with Mexico and Canada. In 2018, 21.4 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products were exported to Mexico and Canada, valued at $4.56 billion. These exports generated $5.79 billion in economic activity, supported 36,480 jobs and 300,000 farms.
Passage would provide some certainty to farmers facing challenging times and instill confidence in other important trading partners that the United States is open for business. Members of Congress need to hear from you!
The House of Representatives is in recess this week, presenting an additional opportunity for farmers to visit with lawmakers, and urge their support of USMCA, while they are home in their Congressional districts. Agriculture is facing challenging times and America’s corn farmers need the certainty of securing this important market.