ST. JOHNS, MI – Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) yesterday joined Michigan farmers and agricultural leaders for a roundtable discussion on the importance of Canadian and Mexican markets to Michigan agriculture and the role the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) plays in supporting farm profitability, market access, and rural economic growth. The discussion, hosted by Farmers for Free Trade and the Michigan Agri-Business Association at AgroLiquid in St. Johns, brought together producers from across Michigan’s diverse agricultural economy. Participants shared how access to Canada and Mexico shapes decisions on their operations, from marketing and input costs to long-term investment, and discussed what a strengthened USMCA would mean for the next generation of Michigan farms. Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07): “The farmers and producers in our mid-Michigan agricultural community work tirelessly to raise the animals and grow the food we all rely on. Thanks to Farmers for Free Trade for bringing so many together today. It was great to meet with them to hear how competitive access to trade markets in Canada and Mexico will help give them the certainty they need to continue fulfilling that mission. That goal — and leveling the playing field — must remain a top priority as the Trump administration begins renegotiating the USMCA.” Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu: “We appreciate Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan agriculture leaders to discuss the importance of North American trade for our industry. Michigan agriculture benefits greatly from exports and relies on strong trading relationships with Canada and Mexico. North American agricultural trade remains a top priority for our organization because exports are a key ingredient in the success of our state’s agricultural sector and broader rural economy.” Jacob Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau Associate National Legislative Council: “Thank you to Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss the ongoing USMCA negotiations. A strong trading relation with our neighbors is vital to Michigan agriculture and ensures a dependable agriculture market across North America.” Brian Kuhel, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade: “Canada and Mexico are Michigan’s top two agricultural markets, and more than $1.7 billion in Michigan farm and food exports depend on them. Congressman Barrett gave producers a direct line into that conversation today, and that is what the Joint Review needs. We are encouraged by the work underway to extend and strengthen USMCA, and we want farmer voices shaping that work.” Canada and Mexico are the leading export destinations for Michigan agriculture. New state-specific data released by Farmers for Free Trade shows that Michigan farmers and food processors export more than $1.7 billion in agricultural products to Canada and Mexico annually. A wide range of Michigan crops and commodities benefit from trade with Canada and Mexico, the state’s #1 and #2 export markets, respectively. Yesterday’s discussion was part of Farmers for Free Trade’s USMCA Roundtable Series, a multi-state effort to bring farmer voices directly into the USMCA Joint Review process. Previous stops have included San Antonio, Green Bay, Phoenix, Palm Desert, Des Moines, and Omaha.
