- By Office of Congressman Tom Reed
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Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Reed received thanks yesterday for his support of the ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the two major national dairy industry organizations.
"Our dairy farmers deserve a fair shake at success, and USMCA is essential to ensuring the much-needed increased market access to Canada," Reed said. "Mexico ratified this trade agreement yesterday. Canada will do so in the near future. When will Nancy Pelosi put politics aside and allow an up or down vote on this great trade deal for our dairy farmers?"
"Times are tough in rural America, and we are losing dairies at an alarming rate. Increasing market access and removing trade barriers will be key to turning the tide. USMCA is an important step in that process, and we applaud all lawmakers who support its ratification," said President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Jim Mulhern.
"America sent Mexico $1.4 billion in dairy goods last year, making it our biggest export destination. USMCA locks in this market, increases access to Canada, and makes important reforms to Canada's dairy system," said President & CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) Tom Vilsack. "We thank the lawmakers who support USMCA and urge Congress to quickly pass the trade deal."
USMCA maintains duty free American dairy access into Mexico, reforms Canada's unfair milk pricing system including the elimination of the Class 6 and 7 milk pricing system.
USMCA includes measures that will ensure Canada complies with measures to:
- Effectively implement export surcharges on skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate and infant formula.
- Ensure full utilization of the market access granted under USMCA.
- Ensure Canada truly eliminates the unfair Class 6 and 7 milk pricing system.
- In addition to securing existing market opportunities, USMCA will provide enhanced market access for dairy, wheat, poultry, and eggs; establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards that are the gold standard for future trade agreements; and simplify customs procedures.