California farmers, agribusiness leaders and state officials are urging the United States, Mexico and Canada to extend and strengthen the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as the trade pact enters a new round of annual reviews. At a roundtable in Fresno last week, participants emphasized the importance of tariff-free access to Canada and Mexico, which together purchased $8.2 billion in California agricultural products in 2025, according to data released by Brian Kuehl's organization, Farmers for Free Trade. The exports supported an estimated 40,700 jobs in the state. Speakers, including Rep. Jim Costa and California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, said predictable trade rules are critical for growers making long-term decisions on planting, labor and capital investments. Participants also called for progress on issues including sanitary and phytosanitary standards, maximum residue levels and Canada's dairy tariff-rate quotas. They warned that trade disruptions could reduce U.S. competitiveness in global markets. USMCA remains in force following its first mandatory joint review in July, though the three countries did not approve a full 16-year extension.
Welcome
