Commissioner Templeton Commends the Tri-Lateral U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement

We at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture are proud to see that the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have successfully agreed upon a modernized trilateral trade agreement. During this challenging time for farmers across the nation, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will benefit farmers and agribusinesses here in the Volunteer State.

I am especially appreciative for the Trump administration’s efforts to open up access to Canada’s dairy, poultry, and egg markets. The elimination of Canada’s Class 7 milk pricing system will allow our dairy farmers, who are currently facing marketplace difficulties, to compete in a more equitable environment.

We are also happy to see that the USMCA protects product recognition for “Tennessee whiskey” in Canada and Mexico. Those neighboring countries have reaffirmed their commitment for tariff-free trade in spirits, which is welcome news for our spirit exporters.

We hope this success creates momentum for future trade agreements, and we look forward to working with our agricultural community to make sure Tennessee farmers have the best opportunity available as our harvest season continues.