Ag Matters: Chuck Grassley on Working With Canada

Senior Senator Chuck Grassley says tough talk with Canada seems to be working on long-stuck issues like dairy that stand in the way of renewing USMCA.

Grassley favors “tough negotiations,” so American farmers get the best deal, and the president’s now-delayed 50 percent tariff may reportedly have done that and boosted USMCA renewal.

Canada has repeatedly thwarted U.S. efforts to get Canada to comply with USMCA on dairy—a key hurdle to renewing the trade agreement.

President Trump declared a last-minute tariff deal just hours before his 50 percent levy deadline, allowing three days to finalize the deal. But Canada’s Prime Minister said “important work” remains.

Grassley suggests of Trump’s tariff threat, Canada just needed a little push.

Which could advance USMCA renewal efforts.

Grassley says that’s modernized North American trade by providing stability and reliable markets for U.S. farmers. 

Grassley has also been highly involved in the unfinished Farm Bill and has made numerous comments about how he remains optimistic that despite the delay, Congress still has time to complete a new five-year Farm Bill before the end of 2026.