CANADA - When we last reported on the development of the USMCA passing, the industry was applauding the United States' monumental decision. Now, Canada has officially signed the agreement into law. The Canadian government has passed the USMCA, solidifying the trade relationship between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable exports to Mexico and the U.S. have increased by approximately 396 percent, and the U.S. market alone is the destination for 95 percent of Canadian exports,” Ron Lemaire, Canadian Produce Marketing Agreement's (CPMA) President, commented. “CPMA is pleased to see Canada take action to secure our trading future with our closest partners. We applaud the Government of Canada and all Parliamentarians for passing this Agreement and helping facilitate a strong, fresh produce industry for generations to come.”

Continued access to fresh produce is essential to increasing domestic consumption and helping keep the supply chain as smooth as possible. With the recent passage, it gives way for both the agricultural community and political leaders to work closer in ensuring a healthy and fresh produce industry.

"With the Canadian Parliament's action [on March 13] in passing USMCA, all three countries have now formalized this important agreement. For the fresh produce industry, USMCA provides much-needed certainties in the North American marketplace,” stated Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, United Fresh Produce Association. “This marketplace is critical to the long term viability of our industry, and we congratulate the negotiators and political leaders for moving this new agreement forward. It will now be important to work with all three USMCA governments and industry stakeholders to ensure efficient and appropriate implementation of this new agreement."

As we move forward with certainty, AndNowUKnow will provide more updates that come.