ASA and other ag organizations are urging the administration to focus its attention on the quickly deteriorating U.S. trade relationship with Mexico—one of America’s most important food and agriculture trade partners.
In a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack and USTR Katharine Tai this week, the groups outlined several concerns regarding the current state of the U.S.-Mexico food and agriculture trade relationship, including Mexico’s recent decree banning the import and use of glyphosate and genetically modified corn for human consumption by 2024. The letter also addressed burdensome labeling, rebranding and production costs related to Geographical Indications (GIs) for meat and poultry; additional organic certification; obstacles to dairy trade and a host of other concerns.
“NAFTA has yielded strong benefits to both countries, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) promises to build upon those gains. Yet, the food and agriculture trade relationship with Mexico has declined markedly, a trend USMCA’s implementation has not reversed,” the groups state in the letter. “We respectfully urge your attention to this important but quickly deteriorating trade relationship.” Read the full letter.
