America’s Farmers Need USMCA More Than Ever

For many American farmers, Canada and Mexico have become indispensable export markets at a time when trade disputes, weak commodity prices, and rising costs are already straining the agricultural economy. Iowa farmer Stu Swanson says many producers are operating on… For many American farmers, Canada and Mexico have become indispensable export markets at a time when trade disputes, weak commodity prices, and rising costs are already straining the agricultural economy. Iowa farmer Stu Swanson says many producers are operating on dwindling hope as financial pressures mount. CoBank CEO Tom Halverson argues that trade deals have helped US exports to Canada and Mexico grow roughly 600% since NAFTA’s creation. As negotiations begin, farmers are less focused on expanding the agreement than on preserving certainty and avoiding new disruptions that could further weaken an already fragile farm economy. (Source: Bloomberg)