Mike Thinks: To The House and Senate from Farmer's for Free Trade

Over the past few months, I have been following the Trade War that President Trump started with China at the beginning of his time in office. There has been a growing unease of President Trump's ability to negotiate a 'Great Trade Deal' for America over the same time. Free trade advocates, including members of the Republican party, have been frustrated by President Trump's Trade War actions.

Undoubtedly, American farmers have taken the brunt of the Trade War. Time and time again, news agencies have been able to find a farmer in America who has expressed frustration and skepticism regarding President Trump's Trade War. But don't take my word for the apparent fact. Here is a letter from the farming community on the matter. The message from 2.5 million farmers across America to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding farming and trade:

December 3, 2019

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Kevin McCarthy

Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Mitch McConnell

Majority Leader, U.S. Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Chuck Schumer

Minority Leader, U.S. Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, Leader Schumer:

On behalf of America's 2.5 million farmers and all Americans involved in the food and agriculture supply chains -- we are writing to urge you to quickly pass the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) signed by the three countries’ leaders more than six months ago.

Each day without action on USMCA is another day of uncertainty for American farmers and our rural communities.

Each year, U.S. food and ag industries export $20.5 billion in goods to Canada and $18.6 billion to Mexico. Those dollars are what keep our farms and manufacturing facilities open. Those dollars are the backbone of our rural communities supporting Main Street USA.

Today, however, farmers as well as food and ag businesses are struggling. The combination of record low prices, devastating weather episodes and uncertain markets have had a dramatic impact on our families, our friends and neighbors. Our communities are facing a significant increase in farm bankruptcies that ripple through the food and ag supply chains and hurt main street businesses throughout rural America.

Uncertainty in trade has had a major impact on U.S. agriculture. We have suffered from retaliatory tariffs, lost market share, and watched while America’s competitors are seen as more reliable trading partners. The reasons for this crisis are manifold but providing certainty about continued trade with two of our three largest export markets would provide America's farmers and food manufacturers with a needed boost.

Simply put, U.S. farmers and food and ag businesses need a win – now more than ever.

We have a rare opportunity to bring Congress together to quickly help U.S. food and ag; North American trade is an area where we know both parties can cooperate. The USMCA builds on the success of NAFTA and modernizes and updates that agreement with important provisions that support U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and services as well as drive American innovation and competitiveness. With both Mexico and Canada moving to implement the trade deal, it is time for the U.S. Congress to engage and adopt this agreement.

Ratifying USMCA is a top priority for the nation's agriculture community. We look forward to action from both parties in the House and the Senate and are asking that you work together to pass the USMCA as soon as possible. We are counting on our elected officials to champion the folks back home and appreciate your urgent action.

The USMCA trade agreement between America, Canada, and Mexico has just been signed. On Monday, I will post a letter regarding Farmer's response to the Agreement, which has just been signed into law.

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