Sandison: USMCA A Reliable Framework For Ag Trade

Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison says North American farmers need predictability in trade, and stronger cooperation across borders. Sandison led the U.S. delegation at the 35th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Calgary, AB, where agriculture officials from 28 states, nine Canadian provinces and six Mexican states met to discuss trade and rural communities.

“By working together as a North American alliance, we deepen market opportunities for farmers and ranchers in communities across our states, territories and provinces,” Sandison said. “Our discussions on long-term predictability, science-based trade policy and enhancing cross-border collaboration to protect against harmful animal diseases and plant pests make a real difference for North American rural communities and set the foundation for these critical trading relationships.”

USMCA Is A Benefit To North American Farmers

Sandison, the President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, added delegates also backed the long-term continuation of USMCA, calling it a reliable, science-based framework for agricultural trade.

The head of the WSDA added the group also focused on reducing regulatory and trade barriers, and strengthening cooperation on animal diseases and plant pests.

The Tri-National Agricultural Accord is the primary opportunity for senior state and provincial agricultural officials of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to work together on agricultural trade and development issues. The accord serves as the formal mechanism through which federal partners consult with state and provincial leaders on significant agricultural matters, representing a longstanding commitment to collaboration on trade between the three countries that dates to 1992. The U.S. will host the 36th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Baltimore, MD in October 2027.