ARA URGES CONGRESS TO PASS USMCA AND PRAISES JAPAN TRADE DEAL

WASHINGTON (Sept. 26, 2019) – With just thirty-nine legislative days remaining in 2019, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is once again calling for congressional leadership in the House and Senate to support the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The passage of USMCA will strengthen trade relationships with our North American neighbors and serve as a huge boost to a staggering farm industry. ARA members and their customers rely on robust trade relationships with Canada and Mexico with farm exports totaling over $40 billion in 2018.

“We are asking Congress to judge the agreement on its merits and its benefits for the country, not on political leverage. Members in both parties have supported its passage, and the health and stability of our farm economy depends on it,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.

ARA praises the administration’s efforts to secure a trade deal with Japan this week. This agreement will cut tariffs on agricultural products and lift spirits throughout the farm landscape.

“It’s a tremendous first step in the right direction," said Coppock. "There are many other aspects of the U.S.-Japan trade relationship to be resolved, but we are confident in United States Trade Representative (USTR) negotiators in securing a comprehensive package.”

About Agricultural Retailers Association

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.