Texas Farm Bureau statement on USMCA approval

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening following today’s vote by the U.S. Senate approving HR 5430, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act.

“Today is a positive day for Texas farmers and ranchers. The approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the U.S. Senate and, now, Congress, represents an important step in the economic recovery of American agriculture.

"Agricultural exports from Texas to Mexico and Canada are expected to increase by over $2 billion under USMCA.

"These increased sales come at a critical time as Texas farmers and ranchers try to recover from several years of lower net farm income and difficult market conditions. This trade agreement opens more doors and builds on the success of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"USMCA protects our important trade relationships with our nearest neighbors and returns certainty to our markets. Texas farmers and ranchers look forward to providing products to these valued customers for years to come.

"Trade is vital to the livelihood of American farmers, consumers and the U.S. food industry. We thank U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz for their strong support of this agreement. We appreciate the support of the entire Texas congressional delegation in their approval of USMCA, because this agreement presents an opportunity for growth, increased prosperity and much-needed certainty for Texans."