USCA Disappointed in Lack of COOL in USMCA

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) expressed disappointment last week because country of origin labeling (COOL) was not included in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The group penned a letter to President Donald Trump following House passage of the USMCA implementing legislation. Leo McDonnell, USCA Director Emeritus, writes, “This administration promised to “Make America Great Again,” but it is becoming evident this …

Fried Remains Opposed to Trade Deal

(NSF) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried isn’t joining the bipartisan support for a revised trade deal with Canada and Mexico that is backed by Republican President Donald Trump and the Democratic-run U.S. House. Fried, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, said she was “deeply disappointed” protections for seasonal growers were not included in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is intended …

Battle to Claim Credit for Final Version of USMCA

(NAFB) — While the U.S-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) did pass in the U.S. House on Thursday, both Republicans and Democrats claimed credit for the final version of the pact. Agri-Pulse says Republican lawmakers piled their praise upon President Trump for demanding that the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated. However, Democrats say the changes they demanded were what made …

Pleased With House Passage of USMCA

Many in agriculture were quick to praise the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Thursday, after the measure passed by a vote of 385-41. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Director of International Trade and Market Access, Kent Bacus, said this agreement strengthens our trade relationships with Canada and Mexico. Bacus looks ahead to the agreement’s prospects in the U.S. Senate …

Groups Respond to Passage of USMCA

America’s Cattle Producers Hail House Passage Of USMCA NCBA Urges Senate to Swiftly Follow House’s Lead (NCBA) — National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Jennifer Houston issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 385-41: “This was a crucial win for all U.S. beef producers and a reassurance …

USMCA Leaves Florida Producers Out in the Cold

Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL), member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after voting ‘no’ on the shortfalls of the USMCA agreement for Florida farmers.  “NAFTA was originally created to remove traditional trade barriers and facilitate economic growth amongst the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Our great state of Florida is one of the biggest agriculture partners in …

USMCA Vote Moves Deal Closer to Ratification

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continues forward progress with the House of Representatives passing the trade deal by a large margin. The USMCA vote was 385 to 41 in favor of moving the legislation closer to ratification by the Senate.  Several agricultural groups have issued statements of support and appreciation for moving the agreement through Congress. “The USMCA will provide continuity …

Commissioner Nikki Fried Comments on House Passage of USMCA

(FDACS) — The U.S. House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). In response, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “It is deeply disappointing that seasonal protections were not included in this USMCA implementing legislation. For nearly a year, I have called repeatedly for effective, timely relief from unfair trade practices for America’s seasonal produce growers in the USMCA. …

USMCA Nearing House Vote

(NAFB) — Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are on track to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this week. The House Ways and Means Committee began the process Tuesday, considering the implementing bill in a markup hearing. During the hearing, Committee Chairman Richard Neal said during his opening statement, which included no mention of agriculture, that the changes “set a …

Agricultural Outlook Hopeful as New Year Approaches

Some of the brightest minds in agriculture met Dec. 10 in Auburn to share ideas, discuss research and learn more about the current global agricultural outlook. Alabama Extension partnered with Auburn University’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences to bring a wide variety of speakers to the Alabama Row Crops Short Course to share updates with Alabama farmers. Speakers …