June 30, 2020 – With the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) officially taking effect Wednesday, July 1, the Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) emphasized the positive benefits of the agreement for Michigan agriculture. The leaders applauded administration efforts to negotiate USMCA, as well as bipartisan leadership from Michigan’s congressional delegation to ratify the agreement. “Our North American neighbors are long-standing, dependable customers for Michigan agricultural products, and USMCA is critical to maintain these markets for farmers and agribusinesses,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “As most segments of American agriculture continue navigating a deeply uncertain time, the negotiation and approval of USMCA is a bright spot for many in the industry.” Michigan exports approximately $900 million worth of agricultural products to Canada and $174 million to Mexico annually. In addition to maintaining these markets, USMCA builds on the previous North American Free Trade Agreement, enhancing access for U.S. dairy and poultry products into Canada, eliminating Canada’s unfair Class 7 milk pricing policy and establishing strong collaboration on biotechnology. “Mexico is the leading export destination for U.S. pork products, and Canada is also a top pork buyer, so USMCA is a win for our Michigan pig farmers,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association. “As this agreement takes effect, we applaud all those who worked hard to negotiate the agreement and we appreciate the bipartisan leadership shown by Michigan’s Congressional delegation in approving USMCA.” Joe Diglio, president & CEO of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, said attention now turns to enforcing key provisions of the agreement. “USMCA is promising for Michigan dairy farmers, and as the agreement goes into effect this week, enforcing its key points will be critical,” Diglio said. “In particular, this new agreement makes great progress toward leveling the playing field for U.S. and Canadian dairy farmers, and it will be important for Canada to live up to its USMCA commitments in the months and years to come.” Final approval of USMCA was supported by both of Michigan’s U.S. Senators and the majority of Michigan’s U.S. House delegation. # # # Agricultural Leaders of Michigan is a coalition of agricultural, commodity and agribusiness leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting our state, and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow Michigan’s economy. The coalition is made up of GreenStone Farm Credit Services; the Michigan Agri-Business Association; the Michigan Milk Producers Association; and the Michigan Pork Producers Association. Learn more at www.agleadersmi.com.
