The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today applauded announcements from President Donald Trump and House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, that they had reached agreement over the final details of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal, clearing a path for approval by the full House.
WCMA has consistently advocated for approval of the USMCA deal, noting the critical importance of free trade with Mexico, the largest international buyer of U.S. dairy products.
WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer issued this statement in response to today’s developments:
“Export growth is crucial to the stability and strength of the U.S. dairy industry, and Mexico and Canada are essential trade partners in our future endeavors.
“We applaud the Trump Administration and House Democrats for moving with urgency to iron out the final details of USMCA, and urge them to quickly advance ratifying legislation so the agreement can take effect as soon as possible.
“Dairy farmers and their processor partners have faced significant challenges over the past few years due to marketplace and trade instability. They need free-flowing trade to recoup losses and gain new ground in a global marketplace, and we appreciate the efforts of lawmakers and Administration officials who have worked to move us toward that reality.”
Since 1891, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association has served as the voice of cheese and dairy manufacturers, processors, and marketers. Today, WCMA represents more than 100 dairy processing companies and cooperatives operating across the United States and around the world, and more than 575 companies that supply equipment and services to the industry.
