FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative applauds the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by President Trump today.
“This is great news for U.S. dairy farmers. It is no secret that Mexico is a top dairy export country, and this agreement will allow that trade relationship to continue to flourish. Additionally, this trade agreement also expands market access for U.S. dairy products into Canada, a market opportunity that has long been restricted to U.S. dairy,” says John Rettler, dairy farmer from Neosho, Wis. and president of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. “It was no small feat in getting this trade agreement across the finish line. We are elated to see this agreement receive the President’s signature today.”
“This new, modern trade agreement champions key provisions for U.S. dairy farmers including increasing market access into Canada, addressing the class 6 and 7 pricing distortion issues, and maintaining quality trade with Mexico. However, only after it’s fully implemented will dairy farmers receive the full benefit of these hard-won trade details,” says Jeff Lyon, general manager of FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. “The USMCA is officially signed into law, and now it is up to our trade ambassadors to ensure this agreement is fully implemented to its full potential. We extend our appreciation to the Congressional leaders that were diligent on keeping this agreement moving forward.”
“FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative has been advocating for key provisions in the USMCA for U.S. dairy in addition to monitoring its journey to become signed into law. We would be remiss to not monitor implementation of this agreement to ensure it is being enforce in full and that U.S. dairy is reaping the full benefits,” says Lyon.
U.S. dairy exports are projected to increase by more than $314 million a year, according to the International Trade Commission.
FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, established in 2013 and based in Madison, Wis., represents farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana by providing legislative and regulatory advocacy, dairy marketing services, disaster protection, laboratory testing opportunities and industry promotion. FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative is a merger of three long-time prominent Wisconsin-based cooperatives. Learn more about FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative by visiting: www.FarmFirstDairyCooperative.com.
