WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The revised treaty is a mutually beneficial win, creating a more level playing field for North American workers. When implemented, American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses will benefit from modernized trade in North America that addresses biotechnologies, such as gene editing, to support 21st century innovations in agriculture. Coupled with cutting-edge new rules on digital trade, intellectual property rights, and the elimination of discriminatory grading of U.S. wheat, the USMCA will benefit American farmers and workers.

“CropLife America (CLA) and its members support open and free trade of agricultural chemistries that are vital to farmers, globally. By expanding the trade relationship between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, consumers will continue to have access to affordable food and farmers will have increased opportunities in a challenging agriculture economy,” said Chris Novak, president and CEO of CLA.

In addition to providing farmers with increased access to Canadian markets for U.S. dairy, poultry, egg, wheat and wine producers, the USMCA preserves the virtually tariff-free agricultural trade that was established under NAFTA. Ratification of the USMCA means stronger growth, more exports, more jobs, and increased wages for American farmers and workers.

“The USMCA is critical to strengthening markets for our industry’s farm customers,” continued Novak. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to address non-tariff barriers, such as unreasonable import tolerances and maximum residue levels that impinge upon free and fair trade.”