IRVINE, Calif. (December 10, 2019) – In response to the announcement that a deal on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was reached between the Administration and Congress, which received subsequent approval from the Mexican and Canadian governments, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:
“Western Growers applauds the Administration and a strong, bipartisan contingent of congressional representatives for their diligent work in producing an outstanding trade agreement for American agriculture. We commend President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, Ambassador Doud and the Administration’s team for their success in renegotiating NAFTA and securing freer and fairer trade opportunities for our country.
“In this turbulent trade environment, American farmers need certainty more than ever. The USMCA not only reaffirms our strong economic ties with our North American neighbors, it offers a new model for how U.S. trade deals should be structured in the future.
“For the fruit, vegetable and tree nut industry, this deal ensures continued access to our top two export markets while making much needed sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) updates that will improve our defenses against devastating pests and diseases. Additionally, the USMCA achieves groundbreaking labor reforms, requiring Mexico to substantially improve its wages and labor standards, which will improve the competitiveness of our domestic growers in an increasingly global marketplace.
“We appreciate the commitment both parties have demonstrated in setting aside their political differences and negotiating this agreement in good faith. The result is a deal that addresses the concerns of all sides and will enhance economic opportunities for businesses across the country. We urge Congress to quickly approve this agreement and deliver a victory for American farmers.
“Finally, we are hopeful that this spirit of bipartisan cooperation between the Administration and Congress will extend into other public policy debates impacting the agriculture industry, including the need to resolve the labor crisis facing our nation’s farms.”