U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and 103 of his colleagues last week requested quick implementation of the measures negotiated in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for America’s dairy industry.
“As the dairy industry continues to fight through the economic impacts of COVID-19, it is only fair our dairy farmers have the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of this landmark trade deal,” Rep. Reed said.
Specifically, the members wrote that it’s crucial for the Trump administration to hold Canada and Mexico accountable to their trade commitments by implementing enforcement provisions, which will ensure the countries deliver on their obligations in a way that’s fully consistent with the spirit and letter of the agreement, according to their Aug. 13 letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.
In their letter, the lawmakers called on USTR Lighthizer and Secretary Perdue to enforce Canadian dairy commitment compliance measures; ensure Canada fairly administers its Dairy Tariff Quota and eliminates its Class 6 and 7 dairy pricing programs; and ensures that Mexico upholds its commitment pertaining to commonly used cheese names, among other enforcements.
“USMCA represents a massive win for American dairy farmers and our country’s agricultural industry,” said Rep. Reed. “Now, we must all work together to leverage every enforcement mechanism at our disposal to ensure our allies adhere to the deal and end their restrictive trade practices.”
Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc., the National Milk Producers Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council endorsed the letter.