Securing USMCA Protects U.S. Agriculture From More Trade Uncertainties

Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.

While China is top of mind, one agriculture trade group is putting the focus on North America. At a recent stop in dairy country, leaders at Farmers for Free Trade told the crowd that keeping the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) intact is a must.

Agricultural leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico recently wrapped up the Tri-National Agriculture Accord — the final meeting before the scheduled 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

USMCA has come under fire lately, with President Donald Trump suggesting it may need a re-work. During a stop on the “Motorcade for Trade” tour, leaders from “Farmers for Free Trade” say that the agreement must stay intact, warning that they’re some of the most important trade partners.

They say farmers cannot afford another level of uncertainty right now. The group called for an end to trade disputes, saying 95 percent of U.S. commodity purchases come from international markets, including Canada and Mexico.

Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.

Smith discussed what Canada’s agriculture minister and provincial counterparts brought to the table, outlining key issues addressed during the meeting and the priorities they emphasized heading into the USMCA review. She also explained how the United States fit into the discussions, noting the collaborative yet complex trade relationships among the three nations.

Smith’s insight highlighted how Canada and Mexico held their own bilateral meetings before the accord, setting the stage for what could be significant trade conversations in 2026.

Related Stories
Over the past decade, Tractor Supply has expanded its support through sponsorships and youth programs, all part of its broader mission to invest in the future of agriculture.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.
The White House is now preparing to restore an Endangered Species Act (ESA) rule from the first Trump Administration.
Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.