{"id":1241,"date":"2020-08-18T10:20:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-18T14:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nationalpotatocouncil.org\/?p=1241"},"modified":"2020-11-04T12:21:26","modified_gmt":"2020-11-04T17:21:26","slug":"senate-allies-urge-full-access-for-u-s-fresh-potatoes-to-mexico-citing-new-authority-in-usmca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalpotatocouncil.org\/senate-allies-urge-full-access-for-u-s-fresh-potatoes-to-mexico-citing-new-authority-in-usmca\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate Allies Urge Full Access for U.S. Fresh Potatoes to Mexico, Citing New Authority in USMCA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Seeing an opening to address the U.S. potato industry\u2019s ongoing dispute with Mexico, on Aug. 18, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and James Risch (R-Idaho) issued letters to USDA Secretary Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Lighthizer urging them to increase pressure on Mexico for more access to U.S. fresh potatoes. The letters can be found here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Senators write, \u201cWe encourage you to consider the use of all available mechanisms, including the new dispute resolution authority under the USMCA, to ensure Mexico honors its agreement to allow U.S. potatoes to reach Mexican consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThroughout our campaign to gain rightful access to the Mexican market, we’ve counted on and appreciate the consistent and vocal support of Senators Risch, Crapo, and Gardner to hold all parties accountable to our trade agreements,\u201d said Britt Raybould, NPC President. \u201cThis issue has been delayed for 20 years. It’s past time to resolve the matter and lift the block on U.S. potato exports, which could amount to over $100 million annually, benefitting our growers, the U.S. economy, and Mexican consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n