FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2019
Contact: [email protected]

CORN REFINERS APPLAUD HOUSE 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. House of Representatives.

“After a difficult year for American agriculture, we are extremely pleased that Ambassador Lighthizer, Speaker Pelosi and the U.S. House of Representatives have managed to resolve their differences in order to ratify this agreement in time for the Holidays,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “The passage of this agreement is critical to the future of American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, and we look forward to swift ratification in the Senate.”

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 14,000 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.