A new coalition of U.S. farm and agricultural organizations is ramping up pressure on Washington to ensure the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or CUSMA as it is known in Canada) as the pact approaches its mandatory 2026 review.
More than 40 farm and agri-food groups have launched the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, highlighting the trade deal’s role as a key economic driver for American agriculture and warning that uncertainty around its future could disrupt farm planning and investment. The coalition on Thursday unveiled a new website and announced an aggressive advertising campaign in Washington aimed at reinforcing the agreement’s benefits to lawmakers and the administration.
“USMCA is one of President (Donald) Trump’s signature achievements and one that has significantly propelled the ag economy,” said coalition spokesperson Bryan Goodman.
While acknowledging that targeted improvements may be needed, Goodman said the group’s core message is that renewal of the agreement is critical for farmers across the country.
The agreement was signed in 2018 during the first presidential term of Trump and came into force in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement. Since implementation, USMCA has expanded U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico, provided greater certainty for cross-border trade and established clearer mechanisms for resolving disputes among the three countries.
Under the terms of the deal, the United States, Canada and Mexico must begin a formal review by July 2026. If all three agree to renew, USMCA would be extended for another 16 years, with a further review scheduled for 2032. Failure to reach consensus could trigger annual consultations or ultimately lead to the agreement’s expiration in 2036 — an outcome farm groups say would inject damaging uncertainty into the sector.
The Trump administration has indicated that renewal is not automatic, though officials have acknowledged the agreement’s economic success. Goodman said that ambiguity is precisely what concerns producers.
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