ICYMI: Faso, GOP Members of NY Delegation Send Letter on NAFTA Dairy Policy to U.S. Trade Rep. Lighthizer
Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) and Republican members of the NY Congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer highlighting the dairy trading disparity between the United States and Canada.
Canada’s unfair Class 7 pricing program and tariffs on U.S. dairy products have caused severe pain to Upstate dairy farmers and the broader nationwide industry. The letter specifically asks Trade Representative Lighthizer to prioritize dairy concerns during trade discussions with Canada.
“Upstate dairy farmers are in the midst of a prolonged economic crisis as market conditions, trade barriers, and ineffective government policies have created a perfect storm of damaging factors,” said Congressman Faso.“Canada is among our largest trading partners and we should work to protect that relationship. Unfortunately, their Class 7 pricing scheme has placed our local dairy farmers at a substantial disadvantage. As the administration finalizes NAFTA negotiations, I hope Ambassador Lighthizer will continue to fight for our dairy farmers who are integral to Upstate New York.”
“Unfair trade deals have disadvantaged family farmers, a driving force behind local economies across the nation. In an already fragile market, our struggling dairy farmers cannot afford the continuation of Class 7 Milk Pricing and continued Canadian dumping, which harms Upstate farmer’s ability to manufacture and export our dairy products. When given a level playing field, New York famers can produce and sell the highest quality dairy in the world,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “As the NAFTA negotiations are finalized, I encourage Ambassador Lighthizer to defend our dairy farmers and hold Canada accountable. It’s necessary for the continued survival of our long tradition of dairy farming.”
Signatories of the letter include: Reps. John Faso (NY-19), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Chris Collins (NY-27), John Katko (NY-24), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Peter King (NY-2), Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Dan Donovan (NY-11) and Tom Reed (NY-23).
A signed copy of the letter is available here.
