U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Steve Daines, John Boozman, and Raphael Warnock led a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Apr. 16 urging the protection and improvement of market access for American farmers under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its six-year joint review.
The senators said that maintaining certainty in agricultural trade is important for domestic producers who rely on stable export markets in Canada and Mexico. The letter was also signed by dozens of other senators from both parties.
In their message, the senators wrote: “The United States is currently the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with total agricultural exports valued at $176 billion in 2024. Since the Agreement’s entry-into-force, U.S. agricultural exports have increased substantially, particularly to Canada and Mexico. For many states, Canada and Mexico represent the largest and second-largest export markets. The market access achieved under USMCA is a critical component of the success of American agriculture and contributes to our secure food supply chain and to the global competitiveness of U.S. producers.” They continued: “…American family farmers and ranchers depend on the certainty afforded by a stable Agreement... Our close proximity to dependable markets based on rules-based, science-driven commitments from our trading partners is critical for domestic producers.”
Support statements from industry leaders accompanied the letter. Scott Metzger, President of the American Soybean Association, said: “The USMCA has been a true success story for U.S. soybean farmers... ASA greatly appreciates the leadership of Senator Daines, Klobuchar, and Boozman in leading this letter to USTR...” Bryan Goodman from the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA stated: “We are greatly appreciative of our allies in the Senate for supporting renewal... Renewing builds on president’s success...” National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower called attention to Canada and Mexico as major corn markets due to USMCA provisions; Jamie Kress from NAWG highlighted its importance for wheat growers.
According to the official website, William Findlay proposed creating what became known as today’s Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee—now operating as a standing committee within Congress—to elevate agriculture's role alongside commerce and manufacturing in government policy decisions.
The committee manages legislation related not only to agriculture but also nutrition programs such as food security initiatives domestically and abroad; it includes 23 members split between Republicans (12) and Democrats (11), according to the official website. Historically it has influenced key policies including farmer income supports during economic crises like those seen in 1930s America or addressing international trade issues impacting agriculture throughout recent decades (official website).
Looking forward, signatories urged ongoing engagement with Congress as preparations begin for USMCA's upcoming review process so improvements can continue supporting American farm exports.
