Grain sector urges stable trade and stronger market access
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has expressed strong support for the full renewal of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The organization submitted a statement for the record during a Senate Finance Committee hearing reviewing the trade agreement.
In its statement, signed by NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert, the association highlighted the major benefits the agreement has brought to American agriculture. NGFA stated that the trade pact has been especially important for the grain and oilseed industries, helping to strengthen supply chains and expand export opportunities across North America.
The organization described USMCA as a proven success that has improved competitiveness and contributed to economic growth in rural communities. The association emphasized that stable trade relationships with Canada and Mexico are essential for farmers and agribusinesses that depend on export markets.
“The USMCA has been an unquestionable success for the North American grain and oilseed industry,” said NGFA. “It has strengthened supply chains, enhanced competitiveness, expanded export opportunities, and contributed meaningfully to economic growth across the continent. A stable, long-term renewal with no changes, paired with focused efforts to address SPS and biotechnology-related trade barriers, will allow our integrated North American agricultural system to continue thriving.”
NGFA called for a long-term renewal of the agreement without changes to its core structure. At the same time, the group noted opportunities to strengthen the deal by addressing non-tariff trade barriers. Specifically, it urged improvements related to sanitary and phytosanitary standards and agricultural biotechnology policies, which can sometimes limit market access.
The association thanked Senate Finance Committee leaders and members for their attention to agricultural trade issues. NGFA also expressed its willingness to work with Congress and federal officials to preserve and strengthen the agreement.
According to the organization, renewing and improving USMCA will support farmers, protect export markets, and help ensure continued economic growth for rural America and the broader U.S. economy.
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