JOINT RELEASE: U.S. Wheat Industry Applauds Senate for Passing the U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement

Contact:

Caitlin Eannello, Director of Communications, National Association of Wheat Growers

[e-mail], [phone]

Steve Mercer, Vice President of Communications, U.S. Wheat Associates

[e-mail], [phone]

Washington, D.C. (January 16, 2020) - The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) applaud the U.S. Senate for passing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) today.

'Trade deals can put the price of wheat back on track for many growers and create new opportunities for many farmers,' said NAWG President and Lavon, Tex., farmer Ben Scholz. 'NAWG applauds the U.S. Senate for moving quickly on passing USMCA out of the Chamber.'

'Mexico continues to be our top importing country,' said USW Chairman and Paulding, Ohio, farmer Doug Goyings. 'Wheat farmers are relieved to see the agreement moving on to the President and I think the Mexican millers who want our wheat are relieved, too.'

USMCA retains tariff-free access to imported U.S. wheat for those long-time flour milling customers in Mexico, a crucial step toward rebuilding trust in the U.S. as a reliable supplier in this important, neighboring market. In addition, the USMCA makes important progress towards more open commerce for U.S. wheat farmers near the Canadian border by allowing U.S. varieties registered in Canada to receive reciprocal grading treatment.

Other measures that benefit the wheat industry include the Agreement's language around agricultural biotechnology which supports 21st Century innovations in agriculture and new language to strengthen disciplines for science-based SPS measures.

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About NAWG
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America's growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national levels. From their offices in the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill, NAWG's staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.

About U.S. Wheat Associates
USW's mission is to 'develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat's profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers.' USW activities in more than 100 countries are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 17 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. For more information, visit our website at www.uswheat.org.