With the 2026 Joint Review approaching, farm and food industry leaders warn that uncertainty over the trade pact could undermine export stability and farm incomes.
More than 120 organizations representing the U.S. food and agriculture sector — including the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council — are urging a full 16-year renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The letter, submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, highlights USMCA’s role in keeping export markets open and maintaining stable regulations across North America. According to the group, the agreement continues to support farm income and economic stability for rural communities.
Background: Reviewing a Key Trade Agreement
Under USMCA rules, the United States, Mexico, and Canada must begin a joint review by July 2026. Without mutual consent to renew, the agreement could enter annual reviews or expire in 2036.
Farm groups warn that this uncertainty could slow business investment and export growth. The letter, signed by 124 organizations, stresses how deeply connected the North American agriculture economy has become. Many leaders believe that delaying renewal could undo progress made since the agreement was signed in 2018.
Trade Value and Market Access
Canada and Mexico remain two of the top markets for U.S. farm exports. Between 2005 and 2023, agricultural trade among the three nations tripled to $285 billion.
For U.S. producers — from grain exporters to dairy processors — USMCA has become the foundation for planning and profitability. The agreement’s zero-tariff rules have expanded market access for key products such as grains, oilseeds, meat, and dairy.
In addition, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures make border crossings more efficient and help prevent new trade barriers.
Ensuring Fair and Science-Based Trade
The coalition points to USMCA’s dispute settlement and technical barriers to trade (TBT) provisions as reasons to protect the agreement as written. These tools allow the U.S. to defend its farm interests when trade disputes arise.
For example, in 2024, a dispute panel sided with U.S. corn growers after Mexico tried to limit imports of genetically modified corn. Moreover, the agreement’s transparency and intellectual property rules protect innovation in seed technology and crop protection. These measures help farmers stay competitive and adopt new tools that improve efficiency.
Concerns Over Market Uncertainty
Without USMCA’s stability, farmers could face higher shipping costs, compliance challenges, and shrinking global market share. The letter notes that family farms rely on predictable trade policy to manage risk and secure financing.
As the letter states, “Without the certainty guaranteed by USMCA, agribusinesses and family farms would face undependable markets and weakened global competitiveness.” Therefore, maintaining the agreement’s current framework is seen as critical to long-term success.
Looking Ahead
The USTR will review public submissions as part of the upcoming Joint Review process. Agricultural organizations plan to keep advocating for a full 16-year renewal. They argue that the agreement has worked as intended — supporting growth, stability, and fair trade across North America.
Furthermore, integrated food and agriculture supply chains have strengthened food security and the economic vitality of rural communities. In short, the USMCA remains a cornerstone of North American agriculture and trade cooperation.
