Potato Industry Strongly Supports Immediate Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
Two Top Potato Export Markets At Stake
Washington, D.C. – The National Potato Council joined with over 950 farm groups and agricultural organizations in a letter urging Congress to immediately ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Canada and Mexico are two of our top three largest export markets. Passing the
USMCA is essential in building on the success of the NAFTA agreement and enhancing
the American jobs provided by the potato industry,” said Jared Balcom, of Balcom &
Moe, Inc. in Pasco, WA.
Under NAFTA, U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than
quadrupled in the last 25 years. Canada is the second largest export market with over
$300 million in sales annually. Mexico is the third largest export market for U.S.
potatoes comprising over $250 million annually.
“The successful implementation of the USMCA will send a strong signal to the rest of
the world that valuable new trade agreements with the U.S. are possible,” said Kam
Quarles, NPC CEO.
The National Potato Council represents the interests of U.S. potato growers on federal
legislative, regulatory, environmental and trade issues. The value of U.S. potato
production is over $3.7 billion annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.
The National Potato Council is the advocate for the economic well-being of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues. NPC supports the U.S. potato industry by monitoring issues affecting the strength and viability of the potato industry, influencing regulators and legislators on issues crucial to the industry’s long term success, ensuring fair market access for potatoes and potato products, and bringing the unique issues and interests of diverse growing regions in the U.S. together on a national level. Learn more online @ http://nationalpotatocouncil.org/