A significant hearing in Washington, D.C., began Wednesday, focusing on the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). U.S. agriculture, business, and policy groups are urging the Trump administration to maintain the agreement, which is set for review in 2026. The hearing, organized by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), serves as a public consultation regarding whether to renew, renegotiate, or withdraw from CUSMA. Numerous speakers emphasized the importance of the agreement, highlighting how its free trade provisions have enabled their sectors to increase revenues through access to Canadian and Mexican markets. Several participants expressed concern that President Donald Trump’s tariffs could jeopardize this access. Dave Walton, secretary of the American Soybean Association, criticized the administration's tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports, particularly those affecting steel, aluminum, and automotive parts. "The tariffs increase the likelihood that U.S. soybean farmers will end up in the crosshairs of potential retaliation," Walton stated. Austin Rohlfing, a soybean farmer from Missouri, warned that a prolonged tariff conflict with Canada and Mexico could be detrimental. "Our industry would not survive a long tariff battle with our two closest customers," he said. He added that failing to renew CUSMA would be catastrophic for the soybean industry. Riley Bushue, vice president of the Northwest Horticultural Council, which represents major U.S. apple, pear, and cherry growers, echoed these concerns. He noted that retaliatory tariffs from Mexico during Trump’s first term had already harmed his industry. "With thousands of American family tree-fruit farms already at risk of going out of business, losing preferential access to Mexico and Canada would be devastating," Bushue said. The hearing is expected to inform the Trump administration's decision on CUSMA, which is up for review on July 1, 2026. Under federal law, the USTR must report to Congress by January 2 with recommendations regarding the trade agreement. While the hearing was underway, President Trump commented on the potential for renegotiation. "We'll either let it expire, or we'll maybe work out another deal with Mexico and Canada," he said, asserting that both countries have taken advantage of the U.S. Nearly 150 witnesses are scheduled to testify over the three-day hearing, with a focus on various industries. On the first day, U.S. agricultural producers, along with representatives from the clothing and pharmaceutical sectors, voiced their support for renewing CUSMA. Raquel Espinoza, chairwoman of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, called for the preservation of tariff-free trade with Canada and Mexico. "Protectionism enriches a few at the expense of American consumers and agricultural exports," she stated. Alicia Rockwell, chief government affairs officer for Blue Diamond, emphasized the critical nature of Canada and Mexico as markets for almond producers. She described CUSMA as essential for the survival of many family farms. While many speakers supported the agreement's extension, some raised concerns about its implementation. Avocado growers requested better inspections of imported avocados from Mexico to prevent pest risks. Florida's fruit and vegetable growers urged the administration to address Mexican government subsidies that they believe undermine their businesses. Shawna Morris, executive vice president of the National Milk Producers Federation, criticized Canada for its dairy trade practices. "Regrettably, Canada has a long history of working to identify and exploit loopholes in its dairy trade commitments rather than abiding by them in good faith," she said. The hearing continues to draw attention to the complexities of trade relations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as various sectors seek to protect their interests in the evolving trade landscape.