WASHINGTON — Agriculture leaders from across the state of Illinois assembled in Rock Island this past week to discuss the pending USMCA agreement. The group of 25 included representation from Illinois Agri-Women, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn, Illinois Beef Association, U.S. Grains Council, in addition to local farmers, ag lenders, ag economists, and others. Also in attendance were staff members from the offices of U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.
The group discussed the importance of trade and its impact on the Illinois agriculture community. Concerns were raised over the lasting implications due to the ongoing uncertainty of the agreement and its impact on agriculture markets.
Farmers and producers commented on the current state of the industry in Illinois as a “perfect storm,” noting the historically wet field conditions coupled with market uncertainty. Those in attendance stated the impact as not limited to only producers, but also to rural communities and local businesses who depend on a stable economy and robust agriculture markets.
The roundtable noted that they were encouraged by Mexico’s approval of the agreement and are urging Congress to follow suit. The group of Illinois agriculture leaders, producers and farmers, are urging Congress to act and vote on USMCA in order to restore market access, opportunities, and certainty.
— Illinois Agri-Women,
Illinois Farm Bureau,
Illinois Corn,
Illinois Beef Association,
U.S. Grains Council