SW Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden, along with the Wisconsin Delegation, has expressed concerns over the recent decision by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement panel. The decision permits Canada to continue imposing limitations on American dairy market access. This ruling could potentially impact Wisconsin's substantial dairy farming community, which includes 5,700 dairy farm families and numerous processing facilities.

In a press release issued by his office, Van Orden said: "Our dairy farmers and processors work tirelessly to produce quality products. Wisconsin is a leading dairy state, and the ruling in favor of Canada’s dairy market restrictions is an insult to the farmers, producers, and marketers who work to ensure nutritious products are available at prices people can afford. I will always stand up for our dairy industry workers, and I look forward to continuing to work with my Wisconsin Delegation colleagues and the administration to ensure the United States has an equal seat at the table as our USMCA counterparts."

According to a letter released by Van Orden's office, they argue that this ruling deprives Wisconsin's dairy exporters of negotiated market access and sets an unsettling precedent for enforcing trade agreements in the future. They assert that Canada's mismanagement of its own dairy supply system should not serve as a basis to restrict imports or flood global markets with excess milk proteins at artificially low prices. Such actions detrimentally impact trade, farmers, and manufacturers. The representatives underscore that despite the historically strong economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, dairy exporters face greater barriers exporting products just across the border compared to markets in most other parts of the world.

In another letter from Van Orden's office, it is revealed that a group of congressional members are demanding measures be taken to secure full negotiated access. They aim to address Canada's support of its flawed dairy system at the expense of U.S. farmers and counter Canada's efforts to surpass USMCA export limits. They are pressing for plans to expand market access globally for Wisconsin's dairy products and seek the Administration's strategy to overcome trade barriers.

According to Ballotpedia, Derrick Van Orden, a Republican, has been serving as the representative for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District since Jan. 3, 2023. He is seeking re-election for the same position, with the Republican primary set for Aug. 13, 2024.