J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 POTATO GROWER 9 the USMCA be altered to ensure proper implementation on Mexico’s labor standards and other concerns with the environment. Additionally, some new Represen- tatives and Senators, both Republican and Democratic, have campaigned on skepticism over the benefits of trade to the U.S. Specifics on the value of this new agreement will be necessary to gain their votes. Two weeks after the Administration removed the 232 tariffs, they announced another round of tariffs on all Mexican goods due to con- cerns over the influx of asylum- seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. It appears that these tariffs will not go into effect as threatened, but similar actions during the Congressional ratification process would make it very difficult to get the required votes. The National Potato Council is strongly supportive of passing the USMCA. The successful implemen- tation of this agreement will send a clear message to other trading part- ners that the U.S. is serious about opening vital overseas markets to American agricultural exports. It will make wins on a future free trade agreement with Japan FTA, a settle- ment with China and trade pacts with other countries much more likely. The potato industry is strongly supportive of this action by Congress and are aligning with other agriculture groups to gain the votes in the House and Senate for approval.