At the start of the negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement this week, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told reports the deal had benefited many Americans, but it had also failed countless others. Lighthizer noted that Canada and Mexico are the largest export markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers, but claims at least 700,000 Americans have lost their …
Not All Ag Groups Happy with Direction of NAFTA Talks
A handful of farm groups says the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation goals favor corporate agribusiness over family farmers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Politico reports that a coalition of farm groups argues that increasing exports won’t replace the need for fair prices in disputes such as the one over Canada’s dairy supply management system, along with eliminating …
U.S., Canadian and Mexican Farm Groups Support Modernized NAFTA
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and Mexico’s Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA) sent a joint letter to Canadian, the United States, and Mexican government officials reiterating their calls that NAFTA renegotiations should aim to modernize the agreement, rather than dismantle it. The AFBF, CFA, and CNA agree that agriculture represents one of NAFTA’s biggest success …
U.S. to Pursue Other Trade Openings During NAFTA Talks
The U.S. will continue to pursue other trade openings during expected months of talks to modernize NAFTA. Major new bilateral deals may have to await the conclusion of NAFTA talks. U.S. agriculture has one eye on protecting years of gains under NAFTA, but the other on U.S. efforts to expand ag trade elsewhere, after President Trump ditched TPP. U.S. Trade …
FDA Relaxes Restrictions on Ultra-Filtered Milk
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is easing its policy on some domestic milk products, making a change the dairy industry has pushed for over the last 20 years. Trade tension with Canada brought the issue to the forefront. Earlier this year, Canada changed policy and stopped importing ultra-filtered milk from the U.S. As a result, many American milk processors …
Canada Bringing Guarded Optimism to NAFTA Talks
Canada is bringing a mix of optimism and dread at the thought of damaging its most important trading relationship as the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations begin this week. The Washington Post reports Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently spoke to the National Governors Association conference in July, making a pitch for free trade. Trudeau told the governors, “Free …
NAFTA Priority for Red Meat Industry Is to Preserve Full Market Access
Trade officials from the United States, Mexico, and Canada will open their first round of meetings tomorrow, August 16th, aimed at renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Joe Schuele reports that the top NAFTA priority for the red meat industry is to preserve full market access. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, …
NAFTA Renegotiations Start Wednesday
The renegotiations for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) get underway on August 16th. Canada, Mexico, and the United States can sit down at a table to update the 20-year-old agreement. Former Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator Darci Vetter said the upcoming negotiations represent an opportunity for needed updates to the agreement. Vetter talks about certain parts of NAFTA that …
Keep Pork Trade Flowing In Updated NAFTA, Says NPPC
With negotiations set to begin, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) repeated its request that a “modernized” North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) maintain the zero-tariff rate on pork traded in North America. President Trump has made updating the 23-year-old trade deal between the United States, Canada, and Mexico a priority since before taking office and even considered withdrawing from …
Wall Street Journal Names Agriculture a NAFTA Issue to Watch
With the first round of negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) set for Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal listed agriculture as an issue to watch throughout the negotiation process. Noting that corn, beef and pork producers are happy with the current NAFTA, The Wall Street Journal points out that disagreements over agriculture can quickly turn bitter in …