WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Corn Refiners Association (CRA) President and CEO John Bode joined a host of industry associations and leaders from the U.S. business community for a press conference about the urgent need for Congress to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, featured representatives from diverse sectors of the U.S. economy, including retail, agriculture, automotive, and services.

Representing American agriculture in his remarks, Mr. Bode highlighted the importance of trade with Canada and Mexico, the industry’s top two export markets. The U.S. food and agriculture sectors account for nearly one fifth of U.S. economic activity, provide over 22 million jobs; nearly 15% of US employment.

“American food and agriculture feeds our economy, helps fuel the nation, and is providing answers to some of our most vexing environmental challenges,” said Mr. Bode. “Trade is vital to American agriculture related business.  Exports account for roughly 20% of American agricultural production.”

Averaging over $900 million in shipments annually, Mexico and Canada represent the two largest markets for refined corn products. Once implemented, USMCA will strengthen the U.S. farm and agriculture economy and further support and secure vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses.

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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.