(NAFB.com) – Farmers for Free Trade released a statement on the harm tariffs against Mexico and Canada would cause farmers and U.S. agriculture. Bob Hemesath, Farmers for Free Trade Board Chair, says, “Canada, Mexico, and China together buy half of all America’s ag exports. They are indispensable markets for the American ag economy’s health.” Hemesath adds that placing tariffs on the three largest export markets for American farmers and ranchers, particularly for any extended period, will have severe consequences because U.S. farmers are already struggling. “Record-high input costs, declining crop prices, and global supply gluts have created an environment where many farmers are operating at a loss,” Hemesath said. “Adding tariffs to the mix will only exacerbate the situation across most of rural America.” Mexico and Canada have been partners in trade agreements that have grown U.S. ag exports to those countries by over 300 percent in recent decades.