Produce coalition forms to support USCMA trade agreement

A new coalition has launched in support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the trade initiative undergoes a six-year review.

The Produce Coalition for USMCA will work to highlight the importance of the agreement to U.S. agriculture and consumers, according to a statement.  

“Our organization represents a broad alliance of produce companies that grow, pack, ship, distribute, and sell fresh produce in the United States,” the statement read in part. “The Produce Coalition for USMCA is committed to highlighting the critical role of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in maintaining food security and affordable grocery prices for consumers. We support an integrated North American produce supply chain that ensures a reliable, year-round supply of healthy, affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables for American consumers. 

“By fostering seamless cross-border trade and collaboration, the USMCA helps keep grocery shelves stocked, supports agricultural jobs, and contributes to a safer, stronger and more prosperous America.”

The Produce Coalition for USMCA’s eight steering committee members are:

• Driscoll’s
• JV Smith Companies
• Mastronardi Produce USA
• Mission Produce
• Nature Fresh Farms
• NatureSweet
• Red Sun Farms
• Taylor Farms

The coalition cited a recent Purdue University study (.pdf) that found tariff reductions under USMCA and its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), lowered food prices enough to save the average U.S. household roughly $700 per year on groceries.

The study was done in partnership with the Corn Refiners Association and the Agriculture Coalition for USMCA. 

“These findings clearly show the importance of maintaining the current market access under USMCA,” the Produce Coalition for USMCA said in its statement. “In addition to making fresh produce more affordable for Americans, the robust structure of the agreement also is essential for advancing science-based decision making and addressing any trade disputes before they become trade barriers, all of which contribute to U.S. food security.”

Forty farm and agricultural groups, including the International Fresh Produce Association and the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, formed the Agriculture Coalition for USMCA in February.