The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

The August Congressional recess is rapidly approaching, yet the dairy industry continues to wait for passage of USMCA. Despite approval by President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto on November 30, 2018, our US Congress has yet to ratify USMCA. It is crucial you reach out to your elective officials to ensure they understand the importance of this agreement.

Congressional approval of USMCA is crucial for the future of the American dairy industry as it removes a dairy pricing system that has protected the Canadian dairy industry for years. The passage of USMCA has the potential to generate over $242 million dollars through exports to Canada alone. This will help to ease economic pressures dairy farmers across the nation have been feeling for years.

Unfortunately, the dairy industry is facing a shrinking window of opportunity to move forward on the ratification and implementation of USMCA. Political pressures in Congress have impeded the positive momentum of this agreement, and our farming communities are the ones who pay the price. The American Dairy Coalition (ADC) proudly supports the passage of USMCA and we strongly urge dairy farmers and allied industry representatives across the dairy industry to do the same.

It is time to put political differences aside to prioritize the stability of trade relationships with our North American neighbors to ensure a prosperous future for America. It is crucial you to call your Congressman and Senators today and tell them to schedule a vote on USMCA.

The United States Capitol Switchboard can be reached at (202) 224-3121.

Find your elected official by visiting: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative