The National Potato Council, on December 16th 2019, released the following statement, directed at Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady, both of the U.S. House of Representatives:
"The National Potato Council (NPC) urges your support and swift passage of legislation to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). NPC represents the interests of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental and trade issues.
International trade is essential for the continued health of the U.S. potato industry. Twenty percent of all U.S.-grown potatoes must find buyers in foreign markets. USMCA’s ratification will stabilize the vital export markets of Canada and Mexico by both eliminating the threat of retaliatory tariffs and precluding the loss of tariff benefits previously provided by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Long supported by NPC and a coalition of U.S. farm, ranch, and agriculture groups, USMCA builds on NAFTA and supports jobs provided by the U.S. potato industry. Under NAFTA, U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled over the last 25 years.
Canada is the second largest export market with over $300 million in sales annually. Mexico is the third largest export market for U.S. potatoes comprising over $250 million in annual sales. By eliminating retaliatory tariffs, ratification of USMCA could lead to additional growth opportunities for our members.
In addition to its significant economic benefits, USMCA would establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards and strengthen safeguards – benefiting growers and North American consumers alike.
Given the long-term positive impact USMCA will have for the U.S. potato industry and our agriculture and food industry partners, we urge passage through your committee and a vote to ratify the agreement on
the House floor."
The statement was signed by the National Potato Council's Chief Executive Officer W. Kam Quarles.
To see the full statement, click here.
For more information: 
National Potato Council
Tel: +1 (202) 682-9456
www.nationalpotatocouncil.org