Crapo: To Unlock Promise of USMCA, We Need to Press for Effective Implementation and Enforcement

Washington, D.C.--During a U.S. Senate Finance Committee Hearing on “Implementation and Enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): One Year After Entry into Force,” Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) stressed the need for effective implementation and enforcement of the USMCA.  Senator Crapo also welcomed Allan Huttema, Chairman of the Northwest Dairy Association and Darigold Board of Directors, an Idahoan from Parma, who provided testimony before the Committee. 

Click HERE or the image above for video.

Allan Huttema, Chairman of the Northwest Dairy Association and Darigold Board of Directors, an Idahoan from Parma, testified before the Committee. 

Key Excerpts: 

“Today, the Idaho dairy industry--which represents 6 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product--produces more than 15 times the production necessary for the state’s needs.  Opening markets has fed our neighbors and created jobs at home. 

“However, our dairy industry faces a number of new barriers, including attempts by trading partners to prevent our farmers from using common cheese names by claiming they are geographic indications. 

“The potato industry has also faced its share of challenges, with the Mexican Supreme Court only recently ruling that potato growers can sell fresh potatoes into all of Mexico, consistent with its obligations under the USMCA. 

“However, I will not consider the matter finished until Idaho’s farmers are able to sell high-quality potatoes to every family in Mexico.  

… 

“If we are going to unlock the promise of USMCA, and also understand its shortcomings, we need to press for effective implementation and enforcement. 

… 

“As I noted at our hearing on the President’s Trade Agenda, I am committed to ensuring our workers can compete on a level playing field. 

“That effort requires transparency.  Otherwise, how would Congress, the affected parties, and civil society know if the mechanism is being used appropriately and effectively?” 

Full text of Senator Crapo’s remarks can be found here. 

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