Ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement remains a top priority of the Trump administration, and it is top of mind of trade-war-weary farmers and everyone involved in the agriculture industry.
USMCA, the renegotiated trade deal between the three North American neighbors, was signed late last year, but it needs to be approved by each country’s legislative body. That hasn’t happened in the U.S. yet, and more than 200 leaders in the business community — including Farm Bureau — are lobbying Congress hard to make it happen sooner rather than later.
“Not only does USMCA help lock in the quadrupling of U.S. agricultural exports to our neighbors accomplished over the last 25 years, but it also includes reform of a number of trade rules and is projected to further increase our exports to two of our most important markets,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a recent opinion piece published by The Hill.
American Farm Bureau is a leader of the newly formed USMCA Coalition launched in late February. The coalition of businesses also has the support of organizations representing manufacturers, technology companies and other industries in the U.S. that would benefit from established and enhanced trade relationships with Canada and Mexico.
“USMCA highlights the importance of trade and protects agriculture,” said Jack Irvin, Ohio Farm Bureau senior director of state and national policy. “Efficient ratification of USMCA clears the deck with our neighbors and allows us to focus on continuing to look at trade opportunities with other countries.”
The administration also was still in negotiations with China and the European Union in March. It was reported in early March that the U.S. trade gap with China rose to $419.2 billion in 2018, up from the previous record of $375.5 billion in 2017, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
The House and Senate have voted to pass a bill that avoids a looming government shutdown. The bill, which includes short-term spending, disaster aid and a farm bill extension.
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The disaster relief funding disbursement will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and administered through local soil & water districts.
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The winners of the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Roger Baker of Wayne County and Neall Weber (posthumously) of Franklin County.
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The requirement for businesses that are registered with their state to file information about beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has been paused.
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Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives recommend safe energy conservation during extreme cold snaps to help alleviate demand.
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Delegates discussed many important topics including carbon sequestration and mental health at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting.
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Bill Patterson, Cy Prettyman and Adele Flynn will continue to serve as officers for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
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10 Ohio Farm Bureau members were elected to the federation’s state board during the 106th annual meeting.
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The grants help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today.
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The 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Dr. John Mossbarger of Fayette County, Sen. Rob Portman of Warren County and Jane Scott of Franklin County.
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