San Antonio event kicks off national USMCA roundtable series

Farmers, agribusiness leaders, and officials highlight importance of USMCA renewal ahead of mandatory review

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Farmers for Free Trade held the first in a series of nationwide USMCA roundtable discussions in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together farmers, agribusiness leaders, and local officials to highlight the importance of renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as its mandatory six-year review approaches this summer.

Why it matters

The USMCA has been a crucial driver of growth in U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico, which have increased from $9 billion in 1992 to $58.8 billion in 2025. Getting the USMCA review right is critical for the continued success of American farmers and the broader agricultural industry.

The details

The event, co-hosted by several industry groups, took place in the historic courtyard at the Kimpton Santo Hotel, where President George H.W. Bush signed NAFTA in 1992. Speakers highlighted the deep trade ties between Texas and Mexico, and the need for the USMCA review to account for evolving sectors like AI, biotechnology, and manufacturing. Farmers for Free Trade also released data showing that Texas exported $6.4 billion in agricultural products to Mexico and Canada in 2025, supporting 28,700 jobs across the state.

  • The event took place on February 24, 2026.
  • The mandatory six-year review of the USMCA is approaching this summer.

The players

Farmers for Free Trade

An organization that advocates for free trade policies and the renewal of trade agreements like the USMCA.

CropLife America

A trade association representing the plant science industry.

National Association of Wheat Growers

A national organization representing wheat farmers.

National Corn Growers Association

A national organization representing corn farmers.

Gina Ortiz Jones

The Mayor of San Antonio, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“USMCA is the backbone of American agricultural trade, and farmers need Congress to prioritize its renewal.”

— Brian Kuehl, Executive Director, Farmers for Free Trade

“The USMCA review must account for evolving sectors like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and manufacturing, and USMCA will be a priority during an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of San Antonio

What’s next

Farmers for Free Trade is hosting upcoming USMCA roundtable events in Iowa, Wisconsin, and other key states.

The takeaway

The San Antonio event highlights the critical importance of the USMCA to American farmers and the broader agricultural industry, and the need for Congress to prioritize the renewal of this trade agreement as its mandatory review approaches.