×

Reed: Mexico deal will aid local farmers

The new trade agreement between the United States and Mexico will improve market conditions for local farmers, said U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning.

During his weekly conference call with regional media Tuesday, Reed said the “handshake” deal with Mexico, which still needs to be approved by Congress, is good news for the local agriculture community, particularly dairy farmers. He said the deal that will stabilize the dairy market with Mexico is a step in the right direction.

On Monday, Reed met with the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau at Grape View Dairy Farm in Westfield to discuss trade deals with Mexico and Canada.

Reed said one of the big concerns of local farmers is to improve the demand side of the equation. He said the deal with Mexico does increase demand for local diary farmers.

“Mexico is a key market to maintain and to develop further,” he said.

Reed believes the trade deal with Mexico will lead to a new agreement with Canada as well. He said as negotiations move forward with Canada, the deal with Mexico sends a clear message to our neighbors to the north that a new 21st Century trade deal between the U.S. and Canada is needed.

Reed said Canada has never been open to local dairy farmers because they have their own market. He said, hopefully, when a new trade deal with Canada is made, it will open the door for local farmers. He added, overall, the Mexico deal will ultimately put the U.S. in a better negotiation position with the European Union, Japan and, even, China.

“NAFTA is now a thing of history,” Reed said in a news release Monday. “This proposed deal brings our trading standards with Mexico out of the dark ages and into the 21st century. We look forward to bringing closure to the trade issues yet to be solved with Canada and further reviewing this deal to verify our local farmers, manufacturers and workers are treated fairly.”

Reed said benefits of the new agreement with Mexico for local farmers ensures continued market access with Mexico with zero tariffs on agricultural goods; improves transparency and communication in the grading of agricultural products; and increased Mexican market access for U.S. cheeses, wine and spirits.

The congressman stated for manufacturers the benefits with Mexico includes incentives for car companies to build their cars in America; helps preserve vehicle and parts production in the United States; and ensures companies are using parts from the United States that are key to future automobile production and high-paying jobs.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today