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Michigan has a lot at stake in NAFTA renegotiations

The Michigan Farm Bureau says they’ll be closely monitoring renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

National Legislative Counsel John Kran tells Brownfield U.S. ag exports have increased by more than 300 percent during the time of the agreements.  “We’ve gone from $8.9 billion worth of trade to $38 billion in that 22 year period.  This is something we need to evaluate cautiously and make sure that Michigan producers continue to have great market access.”  Kran says Canada and Mexico are two of Michigan’s top three agricultural trading partners. Michigan exported $1.1 billion in agricultural products to Canada and $114 million to Mexico in 2015.

Livestock and dairy specialist Ernie Birchmeier tells Brownfield Canada’s trading issues with dairy will have to be at the forefront of ag trade discussions.  “The creation of a new class that was not included the last time that NAFTA discussions took place has certainly caused some angst in the dairy industry.”  He says at the same time 30 percent of dairy exports go to Mexico, and maintaining free and fair trade between all three countries is essential.  “What might work for the livestock and dairy industry might not work for the fruit and vegetable industry.  Remember, we’re just talking about agriculture, this North American Free Trade Agreement covers everything.”

The U.S. can start renegotiating the agreement 90 days from the notification to Congress which the Trump administration made last Thursday.

AUDIO: Interview with Michigan Farm Bureau staff on NAFTA