An Iowa-based agricultural association is advocating for its members, in calling for ratification of a newly revised trade agreement.
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) signed a letter of support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Joel Brinkmeyer, Chief Executive Officer for the AAI, says the letter, formed by the National Feed and Grain Association (NFGA), encourages the House of Representatives to move forward in finalizing the agreement.
?It is to encourage the House to support and pass language, allowing finalization of this trade agreement. The goal is to get 1,000 associations, or member companies to sign this letter, to make sure the House understands how important we think it is for the benefit of agriculture,? Brinkmeyer said.
The letter states, ?USMCA builds on the success of the NAFTA agreement, and will ultimately lead to freer markets and fairer trade. This modernized trade agreement makes improvements to further enhance U.S. food and agricultural exports to our neighbors and would deliver an additional $2.2 billion in U.S. economic activity.?
Brinkmeyer adds, ?The agreement makes possible seamless trades and transactions.? He believes this piece of legislation can help pave the way for future trade agreements.
?I think the other thing to consider is – The passage of this agreement and finalization with the other two countries has some symbolistic messages. To show other countries that we can do fair and equitable deals and we get deals done to allow that. We?re all watching China now. Getting USMCA done, I think, would help encourage that finalization also,? Brinkmeyer said.
