Major Food and Agriculture Groups Call for Renewal of USMCA

Strategic Insights -

A coalition of 124 organizations, representing the American food and agricultural value chain, has issued a joint letter calling for a full 16-year renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the public consultation process for the 2026 Joint Review of the USMCA. The letter highlights the benefits of trade integration between the three countries, citing the agreement's role in fueling the U.S. economy and streamlining commerce throughout all three countries. The signatories, including the National Corn Growers Association, are concerned that countries may pull out of the agreement during a prolonged period of debate on extending it, potentially harming American farmers and producers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 124 organizations representing the American food and agricultural value chain have signed a letter in support of a full 16-year renewal of the USMCA.
  • The letter argues that trade integration between the US, Canada, and Mexico has created efficiencies in the agricultural sector and driven economic growth.
  • The USMCA has also facilitated regulatory transparency and ensured science-based treatment of agricultural commodities and products.
  • The signatories note that without the USMCA, farmer incomes would be harmed and agribusinesses would face unpredictable markets and weakened global competitiveness.
  • The letter highlights a specific example of the agreement's benefits, where the nation's corn growers prevailed in a dispute with the Mexican government over a ban on genetically modified corn in 2024.
  • The signatories believe that the stability of the USMCA is crucial for family farms and agribusinesses to factor into their multi-year planning.

Statistics:

  • The US is the world's largest agricultural exporter, with a majority of signers considering Canada and Mexico among their top five export markets (letter).
  • USMCA has created efficiencies in the agricultural sector at a cost savings to American farmers, producers, and ranchers (letter).
  • The nation's corn growers prevail in a dispute with the Mexican government over a ban on genetically modified corn in 2024, resulting in a favorable outcome for US exporters.

Sources:

  • National Corn Growers Association
  • "Major Food and Agriculture Groups Call for Renewal of USMCA" (letter, October 30, 2025)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
  • Trump, D. (2018) - Signed USMCA into law on November 30, 2018