Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, led a roundtable discussion hosted by the Michigan Farm Bureau on Sept. 23 to rally support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement. Vilsack was joined by leaders from across the political spectrum and the agriculture, small business and manufacturing industries.

“The significance of USMCA extends far beyond the farm — it will make a positive difference for millions of America’s farmers, workers and consumers,” Vilsack said. “USMCA will modernize NAFTA, improving the rules governing trade with Canada and Mexico and securing valuable export opportunities for high-quality dairy products and other made-in-Michigan goods. It’s time for Washington to act quickly to deliver on USMCA and revitalize our trade relationships with our North American neighbors."

Exports play a key role in Michigan’s economy, making the passage of USMCA important to the state. Michigan exported $37.4 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico in 2017. USDEC estimates that dairy exports from Michigan’s approximately 1,500 dairy farms and 50 dairy plants create more than 6,000 jobs in Michigan and have an economic impact of $636 million.

Ultimately, the dairy sector stands to gain more than $314 million in expanded sales to Canada, Mexico and other global markets as a result of USMCA, according to estimates from the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Other roundtable attendees included Rick Johnson, former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives; Ken Nobis, senior policy adviser at Michigan Milk Producers Association; Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan and former lieutenant governor of Michigan; and Chuck Hadden, president and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

Source: USDEC, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.