Agricultural Trade Coalition for USMCA Formed to Safeguard Fresh Produce Affordability
A newly formed industry alliance, the Produce Coalition for USMCA, has officially launched with a mission to promote continued consumer access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting tariff-free agricultural trade across North America under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The coalition, which represents a broad network of produce businesses operating throughout the supply chain, announced its formation as policymakers and stakeholders continue the mandatory six-year review process of the landmark trade agreement. Coalition leaders say maintaining the benefits of USMCA is critical for preserving food affordability, strengthening food security, and ensuring the long-term success of North America’s highly integrated agricultural system.
The Produce Coalition for USMCA brings together companies involved in growing, packing, shipping, distributing, and selling fresh produce throughout the United States. Through advocacy and public outreach, the organization aims to highlight the significant role the trade agreement plays in ensuring consumers have year-round access to fresh, healthy, and reasonably priced fruits and vegetables.
In its launch statement, the coalition emphasized that the USMCA serves as a cornerstone of the North American produce industry by facilitating seamless trade among the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the organization, this collaborative framework has enabled the development of a highly efficient supply chain that benefits consumers, businesses, and agricultural workers across the continent.
The coalition stated that it supports an integrated North American produce network that ensures a reliable supply of fresh produce regardless of season or geography. By allowing produce to move efficiently across borders, the agreement helps maintain consistent availability of fruits and vegetables in grocery stores throughout the year, even when domestic growing conditions are limited.
Industry representatives argue that the ability to source produce from multiple regions across North America has become increasingly important as consumer demand for fresh foods continues to grow. Whether consumers are purchasing berries in winter, leafy greens during seasonal shortages, or specialty fruits throughout the year, the interconnected trade system helps ensure these products remain available and competitively priced.
The coalition also highlighted the broader economic impact of the agreement, noting that tariff-free agricultural trade supports thousands of jobs throughout the produce sector. From farm workers and transportation providers to wholesalers, retailers, and logistics companies, many businesses rely on predictable and efficient cross-border commerce to operate successfully.
As the governments of the United States, Mexico, and Canada conduct their required six-year joint review of USMCA, coalition leaders plan to actively engage with policymakers and stakeholders to underscore the importance of preserving existing market access provisions. The organization believes that maintaining the agreement’s current structure is essential for both agricultural producers and consumers.
According to the coalition, one of the most significant benefits of the agreement is its support for a highly integrated supply chain capable of delivering perishable products to households in all 50 U.S. states. Fresh produce is among the most time-sensitive categories of agricultural goods, requiring rapid transportation and minimal trade disruptions to maintain quality and reduce waste.
The organization argues that tariff-free trade is particularly important for perishable commodities because even minor delays or additional costs can affect product availability, increase prices, and reduce efficiency throughout the supply chain. By eliminating tariffs and reducing barriers to trade, USMCA enables produce companies to move products more quickly and cost-effectively across borders.
The coalition also pointed to research demonstrating the economic value of open agricultural trade. A recent study conducted by Purdue University found that tariff reductions implemented under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and later preserved under USMCA have contributed to meaningful savings for consumers. According to the study, lower trade barriers have reduced food costs sufficiently to save the average household approximately $700 annually on grocery expenses.
These findings, coalition representatives say, illustrate the direct connection between trade policy and consumer affordability. As food prices remain a major concern for households across the country, maintaining duty-free access for agricultural products could play a key role in helping families manage grocery budgets.
Beyond affordability, the coalition emphasized that USMCA contributes significantly to food security. By allowing agricultural products to move freely among the three member countries, the agreement creates multiple sourcing options that can help offset disruptions caused by weather events, supply shortages, labor challenges, or other unforeseen circumstances.
The coalition noted that a diversified and interconnected supply chain enhances resilience and helps ensure consumers continue to have access to nutritious foods even during periods of market volatility. In this way, trade integration not only supports economic growth but also strengthens the overall reliability of the food system.
Another key benefit highlighted by the coalition is the agreement’s framework for science-based decision-making. Industry leaders argue that consistent regulatory standards and cooperative approaches to agricultural issues help facilitate innovation while reducing uncertainty for businesses. The agreement also includes mechanisms for addressing disputes and resolving trade concerns before they develop into larger barriers that could disrupt commerce.
According to the coalition, these provisions create a more stable environment for agricultural trade and investment, encouraging companies to expand operations, improve efficiency, and continue delivering high-quality products to consumers.
Looking ahead, the Produce Coalition for USMCA plans to work closely with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers to communicate the value of the agreement and its role in supporting the fresh produce sector. Through advocacy efforts and educational initiatives, the organization hopes to reinforce the importance of preserving tariff-free agricultural trade as the review process continues.
Coalition leaders believe that maintaining a strong and modernized USMCA will help safeguard affordable food prices, support agricultural employment, strengthen food security, and ensure the continued success of North America’s integrated produce supply chain. As discussions surrounding the future of the agreement progress, the coalition intends to serve as a leading voice for the fresh produce industry and the millions of consumers who benefit from reliable access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables.
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