Press Release2026-06-03

Agri-Pulse: USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy

Context

This press release from Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) was published on 2026-06-03 and titled "Agri-Pulse: USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy".

Full Text

USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan) | Agri-Pulse The U.S. is a global exporter of American-grown food, and every market offers a new opportunity for our farmers and ranchers to sell their crops, support their families and contribute to the American agriculture economy. In his first administration, President Trump signed a landmark agreement for American agriculture - the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, or USMCA. The product of nearly three years of negotiations, ratification of USMCA signaled a renewed sense of cooperation and trade with our neighbors - Mexico and Canada. Now, six years into the agreement, the three countries have begun the process to renew or renegotiate USMCA. This is an opportunity for the Trump administration and its counterparts to come to the table, reassess the value of the trade agreement and negotiate on any lingering issues or trade barriers. At a time when American agricultural producers are facing great financial uncertainty, a renegotiated USMCA can provide much-needed certainty and the opportunity for new markets to sell American-grown crops. USMCA has allowed member countries to streamline commerce and build a robust, interconnected partnership across multiple industries, especially agriculture. Under USMCA, Mexico and Canada import more U.S. agricultural products, providing the two largest export destinations for the products that our farmers and ranchers grow every day. Our neighbors to the north and south are also the two largest suppliers of agricultural products to the U.S., accounting for more than a third of agricultural imports in 2025. In my home state of Kansas, USMCA has created much-needed markets for our farmers and producers. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas exported $2.52 billion in agricultural products to Mexico and $466 million to Canada in 2025, making them two of our state's top international markets. While disagreements have arisen over the years, such as the dairy industry's access to Canadian markets and Mexico's opposition to genetically modified corn, USMCA has proven to be an effective tool for resolving conflicts and supporting stable trade. At a time when producers across the country are feeling the strain of rising input costs and market volatility, that stability is sorely needed. As producers head back into their fields this year for planting season, many are facing financial strain. According to the Spring 2026 Farm Income Outlook for Kansas, production expenses in the state are expected to rise by $699 million, driven largely by higher costs for fuel and agrochemicals. It's a difficult reality, especially for those who continue to show up each season with resilience, commitment and hope for better conditions ahead. In the current economic environment, strong and reliable trade agreements are even more important. During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the fertilizer industry, I emphasized that America is a net importer of fertilizer, and any supply chain disruption directly affects availability and costs for farmers. Canada accounts for nearly half of U.S. fertilizer imports, including more than 85% of America's potash imports, along with essential shares of nitrogen and sulfur. The U.S. cannot easily replace these fertilizer components, making Canada an indispensable partner in maintaining stable, affordable crop production. At a time when farmers are already under financial strain, we must avoid policies or actions that add further uncertainty. USMCA has ensured our neighbors to the north and south have become some of our largest, most reliable export markets. The U.S. supplies Mexico with roughly 70% of the country's agriculture imports, including almost all the grain and oilseed it buys. Over the past decade, corn exports to Mexico have grown 132%, while soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum have also seen substantial gains. In April, I joined my Senate colleagues in emphasizing my support for USMCA to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, underscoring the value it provides to the agriculture industry and encouraging improvements to make certain market access continues for producers. As economic pressures threaten the stability of family farms, producers rely on the certainty of market access provided by USMCA. As the joint review process unfolds, I remain committed to working with the administration, my colleagues in Congress and the agricultural industry to negotiate a lasting trade deal that will benefit all three countries and open more markets for American producers. America is a global leader in agriculture, and USMCA is an example of what we can achieve on the global stage. We owe America's farmers and ranchers the certainty and support that USMCA provides so they and their families can continue answering the noble calling to feed, fuel and clothe the world. Senator Jerry Moran represents Kansas in the U.S. Senate and is

View original source →

Agri-Pulse: USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan) | Agri-Pulse The U.S. is a global exporter of American-grown food, and every market offers a new opportunity for our farmers and ranchers to sell their crops, support their families and contribute to the American agriculture economy. In his first administration, President Trump signed a landmark agreement for American agriculture - the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, or USMCA. The product of nearly three years of negotiations, ratification of USMCA signaled a renewed sense of cooperation and trade with our neighbors - Mexico and Canada. Now, six years into the agreement, the three countries have begun the process to renew or renegotiate USMCA. This is an opportunity for the Trump administration and its counterparts to come to the table, reassess the value of the trade agreement and negotiate on any lingering issues or trade barriers. At a time when American agricultural producers are facing great financial uncertainty, a renegotiated USMCA can provide much-needed certainty and the opportunity for new markets to sell American-grown crops. USMCA has allowed member countries to streamline commerce and build a robust, interconnected partnership across multiple industries, especially agriculture. Under USMCA, Mexico and Canada import more U.S. agricultural products, providing the two largest export destinations for the products that our farmers and ranchers grow every day. Our neighbors to the north and south are also the two largest suppliers of agricultural products to the U.S., accounting for more than a third of agricultural imports in 2025. In my home state of Kansas, USMCA has created much-needed markets for our farmers and producers. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas exported $2.52 billion in agricultural products to Mexico and $466 million to Canada in 2025, making them two of our state's top international markets. While disagreements have arisen over the years, such as the dairy industry's access to Canadian markets and Mexico's opposition to genetically modified corn, USMCA has proven to be an effective tool for resolving conflicts and supporting stable trade. At a time when producers across the country are feeling the strain of rising input costs and market volatility, that stability is sorely needed. As producers head back into their fields this year for planting season, many are facing financial strain. According to the Spring 2026 Farm Income Outlook for Kansas, production expenses in the state are expected to rise by $699 million, driven largely by higher costs for fuel and agrochemicals. It's a difficult reality, especially for those who continue to show up each season with resilience, commitment and hope for better conditions ahead. In the current economic environment, strong and reliable trade agreements are even more important. During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the fertilizer industry, I emphasized that America is a net importer of fertilizer, and any supply chain disruption directly affects availability and costs for farmers. Canada accounts for nearly half of U.S. fertilizer imports, including more than 85% of America's potash imports, along with essential shares of nitrogen and sulfur. The U.S. cannot easily replace these fertilizer components, making Canada an indispensable partner in maintaining stable, affordable crop production. At a time when farmers are already under financial strain, we must avoid policies or actions that add further uncertainty. USMCA has ensured our neighbors to the north and south have become some of our largest, most reliable export markets. The U.S. supplies Mexico with roughly 70% of the country's agriculture imports, including almost all the grain and oilseed it buys. Over the past decade, corn exports to Mexico have grown 132%, while soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum have also seen substantial gains. In April, I joined my Senate colleagues in emphasizing my support for USMCA to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, underscoring the value it provides to the agriculture industry and encouraging improvements to make certain market access continues for producers. As economic pressures threaten the stability of family farms, producers rely on the certainty of market access provided by USMCA. As the joint review process unfolds, I remain committed to working with the administration, my colleagues in Congress and the agricultural industry to negotiate a lasting trade deal that will benefit all three countries and open more markets for American producers. America is a global leader in agriculture, and USMCA is an example of what we can achieve on the global stage. We owe America's farmers and ranchers the certainty and support that USMCA provides so they and their families can continue answering the noble calling to feed, fuel and clothe the world. Senator Jerry Moran represents Kansas in the U.S. Senate and is