Dec 18, 2019

Stabenow supports USMCA agreement for farmers

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, announced Dec. 18 her support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, Stabenow worked closely with other Democratic leaders in the House and Senate to modify the agreement proposed by President Trump to include strong trade protections and enforcement tools that are good for Michigan and good for American agriculture.

“This trade agreement will provide certainty for farmers who need a level playing field and markets to sell their crops. It will help open markets for wheat, poultry and dairy farmers.

“Enforcement tools I helped secure in the agreement are important for farmers. For example, I led the effort to open up Canadian markets to our Michigan milk producers. We secured new, hard-fought changes to end Canada’s ‘Class 7’ milk pricing scheme that allowed Canada to manipulate the price of milk and lower demand for U.S. milk exports. But as withany trade agreement, we will have to monitor the implementation closely and take strong enforcement action when needed.

“This agreement also includes measures to improve food safety and transparency for consumers that will set high standards for future trade agreements.

“While this agreement is a step towards restoring our agricultural trade relationship with Mexico and Canada, make no mistake that this Administration’s chaotic approach to trade has destroyed markets for farmers. Ultimately, the Administration needs a consistent strategy to rebuild export markets for farmers.

“Because of hard fought changes by Democrats that include strong trade enforcement tools that are good for Michigan and good for American agriculture, I intend to vote for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Going forward, I will continue to make sure these tools are used to protect American jobs and American agricultural exports.”