(UNDATED) — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy co-ops in the country, today applauded the progress made by the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives on a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.
House leaders announced that the two sides have agreed on final details of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), clearing the way for the full House to consider the deal.
“Dairy farmers across the Midwest appreciate the commitment and work of the administration and lawmakers to secure a better trade deal for U.S. dairy farmers,” said Brody Stapel, president of Edge and a dairy farmer in eastern Wisconsin. “Our farmers have been waiting in uncertainty for more than a year for USMCA to get done. So, it’s certainly good news to see the deal take this significant step forward. There are more steps to be taken, however, so we are not breathing a full sigh of relief.
“USMCA is critical to the long-term success of the U.S. dairy community. Mexico is our number one dairy food export market and Canada is third. Combined they account for more than $2 billion each year. This agreement would protect those longtime trading relationships and allow for growth in market share. That means economic certainty for businesses, families, employees and rural communities.
“We call upon House leadership to swiftly bring USMCA to the floor and for representatives to pass it. There is too much at stake to wait any longer.”