Sen. Chuck Grassley joined Sens. Steve Daines, Amy Klobuchar, John Boozman, and Raphael Warnock in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Apr. 16, urging support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as its six-year joint review approaches.
The senators said the agreement is important for maintaining market access and certainty for American agricultural producers, especially as preparations begin for the upcoming review process that could affect U.S. agriculture exports to Canada and Mexico.
In their letter, the senators wrote: “The United States is currently the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with total agricultural exports valued at $176 billion in 2024. Since the Agreement’s entry-into-force, U.S. agricultural exports have increased substantially, particularly to Canada and Mexico. For many states, Canada and Mexico represent the largest and second-largest export markets. The market access achieved under USMCA is a critical component of the success of American agriculture and contributes to our secure food supply chain and to the global competitiveness of U.S. producers.”
They also stated: “American family farmers and ranchers depend on the certainty afforded by a stable Agreement… Our close proximity to dependable markets based on rules-based, science-driven commitments from our trading partners is critical for domestic producers.”
The letter was signed by 39 other bipartisan senators in addition to Grassley and Daines.
Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association said: “Canada and Mexico are two of the largest markets for American corn growers, and USMCA has been vital to making that happen. We are deeply appreciative of these senators for taking the initiative and sending this letter highlighting the importance of this agreement to America’s farmers.” Bryan Goodman from the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA added: “We are greatly appreciative of our allies in the Senate for supporting renewal… Renewing builds on president’s success… we encourage its extension due to vast benefits.”
Grassley brings personal experience as one of only two farmers in the Senate who actively raises corn and soybeans in Butler County, Iowa according to his official website. He serves on key committees with a focus on bipartisan collaboration according to his official website.
He has served Iowa since 1958—first in its state legislature until 1974—and brings factory work experience as a sheet metal shearer according to his official website. Grassley earned degrees in political science from University of Northern Iowa according to his official website, assists Iowans with federal agencies issues including whistleblowers according to his official website, has five children according to his official website, and remains Iowa’s longest-serving senator according to his official website.
As Congress prepares for further discussions around USMCA’s future during its scheduled review period this year, supporters say they hope ongoing engagement will help maintain strong market access.
