40 farm groups rally behind USMCA renewal ahead of review
A broad coalition of agricultural organizations is urging the United States, Canada, and Mexico to renew and strengthen the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as the trade pact approaches its mandatory 2026 review.
The newly formed Agricultural Coalition for USMCA officially launched in February and includes more than 40 U.S. farm and commodity groups representing producers, processors, exporters, and agribusinesses. The coalition says maintaining the agreement is critical for providing certainty to farmers and ranchers who depend on North American trade.
“USMCA is one of President Trump’s signature achievements and one that has significantly propelled the ag economy,” said Bryan Goodman, spokesperson for the coalition. “We are not saying it’s perfect, as some changes are warranted, but we are saying it is of paramount importance to farmers that all three countries renew the agreement.”
USMCA was signed in 2018 and took effect in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement. Since then, Canada and Mexico have remained the largest export markets for many U.S. agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, wheat, dairy, meat, ethanol, and value-added food products.
According to coalition data, agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico reached nearly $60 billion in 2024, representing roughly one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports by value. The group estimates that those exports supported nearly 493,000 U.S. jobs and generated approximately $149 billion in economic activity across the country.
The coalition argues that the benefits of the agreement extend well beyond the farm gate. Export activity supports transportation, processing, manufacturing, retail businesses, healthcare services, and other sectors that help sustain rural communities.
In a June 1 letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, more than 130 agricultural organizations from all three countries emphasized the importance of preserving the trilateral trade relationship. The groups described North America as “the most food secure region in the world” and said the agreement strengthens economic prosperity, national security, and regional stability.
The organizations also highlighted the agreement’s role in reducing regulatory barriers, improving transparency, supporting science-based agricultural standards, and creating mechanisms to resolve trade disputes. One recent example cited by supporters is the successful resolution of the dispute over Mexico’s restrictions on genetically modified corn.
The formal six-year review process is scheduled to begin in July. If all three countries agree to renew the pact, USMCA would remain in force for another 16 years, with the next review occurring in 2032. If the countries fail to reach agreement, annual consultations could follow, creating uncertainty for agricultural markets and supply chains.
That uncertainty is a major concern for producers making long-term business decisions.
“Our farmers make decisions a year or more in advance,” Goodman said. “They need the certainty of knowing USMCA is here to stay.”
Organizations participating in the coalition include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Grain and Feed Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Feed Industry Association, North American Millers’ Association, USA Rice, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, and many others from across the agricultural supply chain.
As negotiations begin, farm groups say their goal is not only to preserve existing market access but also to pursue targeted improvements that further strengthen North America’s agricultural competitiveness and provide greater certainty for producers in all three countries.
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