Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS), a member of the USMCA whip team, was recognized today by 52 organizations representing the food and agriculture industries for his support of the USMCA. In a letter sent by organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Association of Wheat Growers, groups commended Rep. Estes for “supporting USMCA and propelling this critical legislation one step closer to enactment.”

“The USMCA is critical for farmers, ranchers and manufacturers in Kansas and throughout our country,” said Rep. Estes. “Every day we delay a vote on the USMCA, our country loses out on jobs, new markets and economic growth. As Mexico and Canada are Kansas’ top two trade partners, I’m honored to serve on the whip team to help secure ratification of this free and fair trade deal.”

Mexico and Canada are the top two export markets for U.S. food and agriculture products. In the 25 years since the implementation of USMCA’s predecessor agreement NAFTA, U.S. food and agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico more than quadrupled to nearly $40 billion in 2018, helping to support more than 900,000 American jobs in food and agriculture and related sectors of the economy.

“USMCA captures the original intentions of NAFTA while improving some of the provisions for wheat growers. A yes vote for USMCA means more jobs for Americans, stronger export markets for farmers to sell their crop, and billions of dollars added to the economy,” said National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule.

In addition to securing existing market opportunities for agriculture, the USMCA will provide enhanced market access for dairy, wheat, poultry, and eggs; establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards; and simplify customs procedures.

Other organizations on the letter included the American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council, National Grain and Feed Association and National Sorghum Producers. The text of the letter can be found here.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.