USMCA passage was an important step forward, but it's not enough.

In congressional testimony today before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, an Idaho dairy farmer said enforcement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is important to the future of his farm and the U.S. dairy industry.

Video clip: Allan Huttema testifies before U.S. Senate Finance Committee.

Allan Huttema operates an 800-cow dairy in Parma, Idaho and serves as chair of the Darigold and Northwest Dairy Association boards, both of which are members of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the National Milk Producers Federation. 

"I thank Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo, my own senator, for extending me the opportunity to discuss the impact the USMCA has had on my farm and the thousands of other dairy farms throughout the country," said Huttema.

"Enforcement of trade agreements like USMCA is important to ensure we retain the ability to supply high-quality cheeses, milk powders and a variety of other dairy products to customers around the world."

The $6.5 billion worth of U.S. dairy products exported each year underpins the economic health of dairy producers, processors, and manufacturers across the United States.

American dairy exports create more than 85,000 direct jobs and have a nearly $12 billion economic impact. Whether it is Canada's TRQ administration or Mexico's array of new regulations intended to limit imports, USDEC and NMPF have urged the U.S. government to ensure the USMCA is appropriately implemented and fully enforced.

Faithful implementation, coupled with robust enforcement where needed, secures the access extended to U.S. dairy producers and processors in the USMCA and sends a strong message to other U.S. trading partners that attempts to subvert trade obligations will not be tolerated.

"The U.S. Dairy Export Council appreciates the Senate Finance Committee and its members for hearing Allan's testimony and answers regarding the importance of the USMCA and new trade opportunities to the U.S. dairy industry," said Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC.

"USDEC agrees with Allan regarding the need to pursue greater market access opportunities for high-quality American dairy products that our international consumers demand. USMCA was an important step forward, but it's not enough. We need new trade agreements to expand on Congress' hard work in passing USMCA.”

For more detailed information, read USDEC’s news release.

Learn more:

• NMPF and USDEC Welcome Bipartisan Congressional Support to Enforce USMCA Dairy Provisions

• USDEC and other Ag groups release roadmap for free trade

   

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff. How to republish this post.