News Release

"I am encouraged the Trump administration has reached a deal with the leadership of Mexico and Canada to provide an improved, modernized trilateral trade agreement. Firming up this agreement with Missouri's top two agriculture export partners marks a huge leap forward for our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

"One thing was clear each time I visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for a swift resolution: President Trump and his staff stood relentlessly with American farmers and ranchers. As a livestock and grain farmer myself, I understand the importance of international markets firsthand, especially with our neighbors to the north and south.

"The agreement, as explained by U.S. trade officials, maintains zero tariffs on products traded between the U.S. and Mexico and opens new opportunities for American dairy, poultry, egg and wheat producers in the Canadian market.

"I am also pleased negotiators have agreed to enhance standards for agricultural biotechnology to ensure the innovation that is so critical to Missouri's economy continues to flourish.

"Our team looks forward to reading the text of the agreement. In the meantime, we urge the administration to continue its work to successfully wrap-up trade negotiations with other key trade partners. This has been, and continues to be, a challenging time for my fellow farmers and ranchers. I certainly appreciate the work being done by the Trump administration to provide for more fair and open trade that will yield benefits for years to come."

- Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn

Statement by Missouri Governor Mike Parson

"Despite skeptics saying NAFTA could never be fixed, President Trump has continued to deliver on promises made to bring about bold and necessary reforms for our economy. The USMCA trade deal is a positive move for our farmers and for the first time provides support for 21st century innovations in agriculture and biotechnology. Missouri is home to the best American farmers, ranchers and innovators - and we're glad President Trump is willing to stand up and fight for better and fairer trade deals. As more details unfold, we are confident this new deal with Canada and Mexico will prove to be a big win for Missouri farmers."

- Governor Mike Parson (original tweet here)

Statements by Missouri agriculture organizations

“This new agreement is great news for Missouri cattle producers, and another sign that President Trump's overall trade strategy is working. Over the past quarter century, free and open trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada has been tremendously successful for our producers, and we're pleased that we'll be able to maintain our existing market access while seeing other U.S producers get a better deal."

- Missouri Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering​​

“After a challenging growing season, it is encouraging to see Canada and Mexico come to the table with a tentative trade deal. Mexico and Canada continue to be two top tier customers when it comes to purchasing corn and corn co-products. We look forward to building the relationships and hope this trade pact brings some needed stability to the marketplace.” 

- Missouri Corn Growers Association President Mark Scott (full statement here)

“For U.S. agriculture, it is a great start having reached agreements with Canada and Mexico. It is imperative moving forward that we reach an agreement with China for our cotton and soybean markets, as well as the European Union, Great Britain and Japan.” 

- Cotton Producers of Missouri President Kim Mayberry-Holifield

“This is a positive step for Missouri agriculture and we hope that this agreement indicates we will see other trade agreements ratified soon, specifically with China. Missouri dairymen may not feel a direct positive impact of this agreement immediately, but anything we can do to move milk and dairy products to our export markets is a long-term positive." 

- Missouri Dairy Association President Ted Sheppard

“As a dairyman, I am excited the United States has reached such a critical trade agreement with our export neighbors. I am also thankful our government is willing to stand up for farmers and ranchers to accomplish what appears to be a successful agreement." 

- Missouri Dairy Industry Alliance President Sean Cornelius

“Missouri egg producers applaud the most recent trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. We value our export history with these partners, and feel that this agreement provides even more benefits for all parties."

- Missouri Egg Council Executive Director Jo Manhart

“Missouri farmers are breathing a sigh of relief today as the United States, Mexico and Canada have joined together in a new trade agreement. The United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement, or USMCA, includes better terms for U.S. dairy farmers, perhaps the most important goal for U.S. negotiators. Canada and Mexico are our two largest customers for agriculture products, and certainty about the terms of trade between the U.S. and our closest neighbors is necessary to help the struggling farm economy."

- Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst (full statement here)

“This is an overwhelmingly positive move for the forest products industry. Missouri forest products are in high demand globally because of our dedication to quality. In fact, we've seen export increases of nearly 40 percent in the last five years in Missouri and we anticipate these new provisions will result in numerous opportunities for our industry moving forward."

- Missouri Forest Products Association Executive Director Brian Brookshire

“This newly-established free trade agreement will preserve zero-tariff access for U.S. pork to Mexico and Canada. We thank the Trump administration for working diligently to improve market access for hog farmers across the nation.”

- Missouri Pork Association Executive Vice President Don Nikodim

“We applaud the Trump Administration's efforts in achieving this new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, who are both major U.S. export markets for milled and rough rice respectively."

- Missouri Rice Council Executive Director, and U.S. Rice Producers Director of Emerging Markets, Greg Yielding

“We appreciate the certainty and stability this stands to bring soybean producers in the North American markets. U.S. soy exports to Canada and Mexico were almost $3 billion in 2017, with Mexico the number two export market for U.S. soybeans."

- Missouri Soybean Association President C. Brooks Hurst