A number of farm groups in Wisconsin on Friday applauded the U.S. Senate’s vote to approve the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
“Approval of this trade deal is a major victory for American dairy processors, as both Mexican and Canadian consumers are essential to the stability and growth of our industry,” Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer said. “Free-flowing trade with neighboring nations will provide a measure of security for dairy farmers and their processor partners that is sorely needed.”
He’s not the only one excited about the idea of selling Wisconsin cheese and milk in Canada.
“This is another important step forward for dairy farmers throughout the U.S.,” Laurie Fischer, CEO of the American Dairy Coalition, said. “After suffering severe economic losses over the last five years, the nation’s dairy farmers look forward to stability, certainty and growth of dairy products into the markets of Mexico and Canada. This has been a huge week on Capitol Hill with agreements on two major trade barriers. ”
Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Joe Bragger said the USMCA will help Wisconsin farmers and farm communities.
“This long-awaited deal will help Wisconsin farmers who rely on trading relationships [with Canada and Mexico],” Bragger said. “The agreement provides new market access for American dairy and poultry products while maintaining the zero-tariff platform on all other agricultural products. Specifically, our state’s dairy farmers should welcome U.S. dairy products’ access to an additional 3.6% of Canada’s dairy market.”
Both of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators, Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Ron Johnson, voted for the USMCA.
Johnson said the new agreement is a big win for the state’s farmers.
“The final version of the USMCA will help Wisconsin farmers and manufacturers continue to sell their goods throughout North America,” Johnson said after Thursday’s vote. “I was pleased to vote for it, and I hope that this is the first of many trade agreements that will benefit Wisconsinites.”
The deal now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
