FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              

January 16, 2020

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CORN REFINERS CELEBRATE SENATE PASSAGE OF USMCA

WASHINGTON, DC – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today applauded the bipartisan passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the U.S. Senate:

“Thank you, Congress and President Trump!  USMCA ratification is a bi-partisan accomplishment of historic proportions.  That is for good reason.  USMCA is critical to the modernization of North American trade and the future prosperity of American farmers, workers, and businesses.  Also, pushing USMCA across the finish line will make America safer and more secure through strengthened relationships with our national neighbors,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode.

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, CRA has played a leading role in building grassroots support for this important trade agreement.  Working in conjunction with other food industry leaders to promote advocacy efforts among food and beverage industry workers has resulted in nearly 15,000 letters to Congress urging USMCA ratification.  The coalition, which represents farmers and ranchers, manufacturers, service providers and technology companies, includes more than 200 companies and associations.

U.S. corn refiners export over $2 billion in goods annually, adding $4.7 billion to the overall economy. With 15 percent of all U.S. refined corn products exported annually, and Mexico and Canada representing the two largest markets for refined corn products totaling more than $900 million in yearly exports, international trade is vital to the success of CRA members.

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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.