USMCA Works for Agriculture: Poultry Farmers

Author: Andy Koenig

USMCA Works for Agriculture: Poultry Farmers

Today is National Poultry Day, a day when we recognize the importance of the U.S. poultry industry in our lives. From scrambled eggs at Saturday breakfast tables to fried chicken wings at football games, the poultry industry plays a significant part in Americans’ day-to-day lives, even if you don’t often think about it.

Americans already eat more poultry than anyone else in the world and we are producing more chicken products every single year. Studies show that the U.S. poultry industry contributes over $440 billion in economic activity, and supports over 1.6 million jobs.  

The poultry industry, which includes products like chicken, turkey and eggs, is an integral part of the American economy and American life, from our farms to our breakfast tables. We need to ensure that our lawmakers champion policies that will continue to support growth in this important farming industry. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is one of those vital policies.

The poultry industry currently faces significant trade barriers in exporting products to our neighbors in Canada.In fact, tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like eggs can be as high as 313.5%. The USMCA will knock down these artificial barriers and increase the amount of tariff-free egg products sold to Canada by 600%.

As a result of the USMCA, American farmers will increase sales and Canadian customers will have access to world-class poultry products at a better price. It’s a win-win that is essential for Congress to approve.

The USMCA is a modern, balanced trade agreement. And as our economy evolves over the next few decades, the USMCA will be able to keep up; the agreement requires a review every six years to ensure it is always serving in the best interest of U.S. workers and farmers.

Congress can protect our farmers, open up new markets and promote American agricultural growth by approving the USMCA. Helping our hardworking farmers teardown unfair rules is an easy decision for both sides of the aisle. That’s why USMCA is supported by the U.S. Farm Bureau.

This National Poultry Day, tell your Senators and Member of Congress to support the ratification of the USMCA.