Statement on Senate Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement

January 16, 2020

The following comments are provided by Iowa Soybean Association President Tim Bardole of Rippey in response to today’s Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Iowa soybean growers celebrate today’s congressional passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This long-awaited news contributes to feelings of optimism and security for the future of our farming businesses.

Mexico and Canada are both in the top four markets for U.S. soybean export destinations. Mexico is the No. 2 buyer of soybeans and Canada is the No. 4 buyer of soybean meal. Trade agreements with our North American neighbors are imperative for the success of the soybean industry and in providing certainty for a homegrown, renewable product with the ability to pave the way toward a more sustainable future.

Soybean leaders have worked at length to encourage legislative support for this important trade deal. We appreciate and thank Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary Mike Naig and Iowa’s congressional delegation for their efforts in securing this milestone.

Announcements like this and yesterday’s signing of the US-China phase 1 trade deal make the start of 2020 a positive one for soybean farmers across the state.

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The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.

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