FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2019
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON, DC – Following months of grassroots advocacy efforts, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today praised the bipartisan agreement announced between Congress and the Trump Administration to move forward with a vote and expected passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Today’s announced agreement on USMCA puts America one step closer to strengthening our farm and agriculture economy and securing vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “With Mexico and Canada representing the two largest markets for refined corn products totaling more than $900 million in yearly exports, we urge Congress to swiftly pass this deal that is critical to the success of American businesses, farmers and workers.”
Once implemented, USMCA will secure existing market opportunities, provide enhanced market access for dairy, poultry and eggs; establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards that are the gold standard for future trade agreements; and simplify customs procedures.
As a member of the USMCA Coalition, which includes more than 200 companies and associations representing farmers and ranchers, manufacturers, service providers and technology companies, CRA has played a leading role in growing grassroots support for this important trade agreement. For example, CRA and other food industry leaders have promoted advocacy efforts among food and beverage industry workers that have resulted in nearly 14,000 letters to Congress urging USMCA ratification.
“USMCA will strengthen export competitiveness for U.S. food and agriculture while boosting U.S. jobs and economic security. Today’s announcement represents an important step forward and CRA and the USMCA Coalition will continue to advocate for expeditious passage of this agreement until it is signed and implemented by President Trump,” Bode concluded today.
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein and fiber.
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