Congressmen Tom Reed (R-CORNING) and Ron Kind (D-WI) are urging federal officials to take proactive steps to prevent Canada from imposing new barriers to U.S. dairy exports. New York and Wisconsin are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the Canadian market, but only if Canada does not move to block U.S. dairy imports.

The two are concerned over the inaccessibility of the Canadian dairy market to U.S. dairy products. Of particular concern is a possible change to Canadian cheese standards that would further restrict trade. They have sent a letter voicing their concern to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Several other lawmakers from both states have also signed onto the letter of concern.

New York and Wisconsin are home to approximately 17,000 dairy producers who rely on export opportunities to help sustain their farms. In addition, both states have robust dairy manufacturing sectors, such as yogurt and cheese that help provide stable jobs in rural areas.