BELL COUNTY, TX — The ink is dry on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Supporters say could boost the Central Texas economy and grow the GDP.
“There are commodities and livestock grown in CTX that will definitely benefit from this agreement. New opportunities in Canada for dairy, for poultry, for eggs, and even new wheat opportunities in Canada because of this agreement,” said Gary Joiner, the Texas Farm Bureau Spokesperson.
Senator Ted Cruz says that the deal means 2.2 million Texas jobs.
“As a fierce competitor on the international stage, no state in the union has more invested in trade with our neighbors than Texas,” said Sen. Cruz.
Supporters say it is all about creating access across bordering markets and putting income into the pockets of farmers and ranchers.
“US farmers and ranchers sell about a third of what they grow and raise each year to foreign markets. It’s about 20% of the net farm income that farmers and ranchers count on every year is through those foreign sales,” said Joiner.
Fleming Cattle and Grain in Troy says they remain optimistic for new opportunities.
“The hope is for us grain and cattle producers, we will have some sort of rally, or increase in price, which generates more net revenue to spread around the communities of Central Texas,” said Robert Fleming of Fleming Cattle and Grain.
Canada has yet to ratify the agreement. It is expected to be done within the week.
After the agreement is ratified by Canada, it will take 90 days to see the impact here in Central Texas.
