Agribusiness Leaders Demand Solutions to USMCA Disputes

During the North American Leaders’ Summit, agribusiness leaders from Mexico, the US and Canada issued a joint statement to request a rapid solution to the disputes regarding agrifood trade between the three countries.

Industry leaders called on their representatives to make the most of the USMCA committees and ensure that differences are addressed swiftly. They asked their governments to focus on Mexico’s proposal to ban transgenic corn, glyphosate and other agricultural technologies. “North American markets should be able to adopt technology that promotes food security, agricultural sustainability and rural prosperity, as well as foster a variety of affordable food options for our consumers. The adoption of innovative agricultural technologies is essential to increase productivity in a sustainable way while reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural production," the statement reads.

The group highlighted that North America hosts the world’s largest trilateral agricultural trade relationship, positioning it as an essential region for global food security. Additionally, it pointed out that despite the current uncertainty on a global scale, the integration of Mexican, US and Canadian agricultural markets through the USMCA treaty has strengthened trade and investment relations between industries and consumers. Furthermore, the leaders outlined that “the USMCA provides the best framework in the world to strengthen the exchange of agricultural products for the benefit of consumers, the environment and the prosperity of rural communities.”

Finally, the document stressed the importance to adopt science-based policies, as well as innovative agricultural technologies to increase productivity in a sustainable manner and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The statement was signed by different associations of farmers and processors, as well as exporters, importers and food manufacturers from the three countries. These associations include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Feed Industry Association, American Seed Trade Association, Bio Innovation Organization, Mexican National Agricultural Council, Corn Refiners Association and CropLife America, among others.