U.S. agriculture groups launch campaign backing CUSMA trade deal

About 40 U.S. farm and food organizations formed the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA to run advertising, research and lobbying aimed at the White House and Congress as countries approach a July 1 decision on whether to renew the Canada‑U.S.‑Mexico trade agreement.

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, made up of roughly 40 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, food producers and processors, has launched a campaign to highlight what it says are the trade deal’s benefits for rural America. The campaign combines advertising, research and lobbying and targets members of Congress, senior White House officials and the president. The group released an economic analysis this week describing USMCA’s contributions to farmers and rural communities. The push comes as the three countries face a July 1 decision on whether to renew, renegotiate or let the agreement expire. Key details: - About 40 organizations formed the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA to promote the agreement’s economic effects on agriculture and rural communities. - The campaign includes targeted advertising around Washington and digital ads on platforms such as Truth Social, plus research and lobbying efforts. - Coalition spokespeople told CBC News they want the administration and lawmakers to hear the industry’s view that trade with Canada and Mexico has benefited U.S. agriculture. - The group released an economic analysis that it says shows USMCA drives investment and supports farms, small businesses and local economies. - Some agricultural sectors, notably parts of the U.S. dairy industry, say they want targeted changes during any review of the agreement. Summary: The coalition aims to influence policy discussions by underscoring the agricultural sector’s reported gains from USMCA as the three countries approach a July 1 decision on the agreement. Undetermined at this time whether talks will lead to renewal, renegotiation or expiration.