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Minnesota farmer understands concerns with USMCA

A Minnesota farmer says some legitimate issues are holding up ratification of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement.

Angela Guentzel of LeSueur County joined other Minnesota Farm Bureau members on a recent trip to Washington, D.C.

Lawmakers told her USMCA has stalled on labor, the environment, and big pharma.

“I guess what was said to us is that’s a way for them to maintain a higher price-point within the United States, which is a very valid concern.”

Despite the remaining hurdles, Guentzel tells Brownfield she’s cautiously optimistic USMCA will get voted on soon.

“We got conflicting reports. Some said it would be as early as the end of this month, which I think is a pretty high stretch goal. But in my honest opinion, the likelihood would be into next year.”

Guentzel says passing USMCA won’t be a game-changer for agriculture, but farmers could use some positive trade news.