The American Soybean Association (ASA) and a diverse group of more than 130 other agriculture organizations sent a letter to President Donald Trump earlier this week, expressing eagerness to work with the Administration on improving the North American market and U.S. economy.

The letter emphasized the need to re-evaluate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in ways that preserve and expand upon the gains achieved.

The groups state that a key part of the industries success, is the result of collaboration with our closest neighbors.

“Together Canada, Mexico and the United States make up one of the most competitive and successful economic regions in the world. The success of this trading relationship has come largely from economic cooperation, integration, and policy alignment,” the groups state in the letter. “In the 20 years since NAFTA was implemented, the U.S. food and agriculture industry has become increasingly efficient and innovative—growing to support millions of jobs. The market integration provided by NAFTA has increased competitiveness in the face of a rapidly changing global economy. Although some important gaps in U.S. export access still remain, increased market access under NAFTA has been a windfall for U.S. farmers, ranchers and food processors.”

The letter states that, with a few exceptions that still require attention, North American ag trade is free of tariff and quota restrictions, which helps expand exports.

“Because of these market access gains the food and agricultural sectors of the North American region have become far more integrated, as is evidenced by rising trade in agricultural products and substantial levels of cross-border investment in the agriculture and food sectors,” the letter states. “However, barriers still exist for U.S. exporters and we look forward to working with your Administration on reducing the non-tariff trade barriers that continue to inhibit our exports to the North American marketplace, as well as to addressing the remaining tariffs impeding access for some U.S. export sectors.”

Click here to read the letter.