Hearing on Agricultural Perspectives on the Future of the USMCA

The House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on June 3, 2026, titled "Agricultural Perspectives on the Future of the USMCA," focusing on the impact and future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on U.S. agriculture. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors, including dairy, forestry, specialty crops, meat, and soybeans, testified on the benefits of USMCA in expanding market access, supporting jobs, and stabilizing prices for U.S. farmers and agribusinesses. Key procurement-related discussions included concerns about Canada's implementation of dairy tariff rate quotas limiting U.S. market access, calls for stronger enforcement of labor standards in Mexico, and the need to address non-tariff barriers such as food safety inspections and transportation inefficiencies. The hearing also highlighted the economic importance of maintaining tariff-free trade within North America, with estimates that USMCA saves U.S. households approximately $700 annually on food costs. Several witnesses urged for a full 16-year renewal of USMCA with targeted improvements, emphasizing the risks of market share loss to competitors like Brazil and the European Union if the agreement lapses. The committee members discussed the importance of stable trade policies for investment and planning in agriculture, the impact of tariffs and retaliatory measures on U.S. exports, and the need for enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms. The hearing concluded with bipartisan support for renewing and refining USMCA to ensure continued benefits for U.S. agriculture and rural economies.