NOGALES, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is standing alongside 950 other organizations representing the U.S. food and agriculture industries to urge members of Congress to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and soon. Specifically, the organizations wrote a letter to Congress, reiterating that USMCA will benefit the industry, while also providing consumers a more abundant supply of high-quality, safe food at affordable prices.
“Ratifying the USMCA is an important step in creating stability for the U.S. companies involved in trade,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president. “This translates into increased jobs, economic growth, and direct consumer benefits as well.”
Over the last 25 years, U.S. food and agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled under NAFTA, according to a press release. This growth has transformed the industry from a $9-billion industry in 1993 to a $40-billion industry in 2018 that supports more than 900,000 American jobs. In addition, one in four American's manufacturing jobs are related to agriculture.
The letter also emphasizes that once implemented, USMCA will build on the success of the NAFTA agreement, overall making improvements to further enhance U.S. food and ag exports. This will also strengthen the U.S. farm and ag economy—delivering an additional $2.2 billion of activities—and secure vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses—all of which was confirmed by a recent International Trade Commission report.
For more updates on USMCA and other legislation affecting fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
