By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins completed a successful trade mission to Italy aimed at improving agricultural market access for American producers and strengthening U.S.-EU relations.
During her visit to Rome, Secretary Rollins held a bilateral meeting with Italy’s Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida and U.S. Embassy representative Marta Youth. They discussed expanding opportunities under President’s America First trade agenda.
Minister Lollobrigida also gave a tour of the National Historical Library of Agriculture, highlighting the cultural ties between both nations.
Secretary Rollins was the guest of honor at a formal dinner with over 50 key Italian agricultural leaders.
Topics included growing U.S. exports in meat, wine, dairy, and feed to Italy’s $80+ billion agricultural market, where U.S. products currently make up just $1.7 billion.
“This trade delegation to Italy has been essential to ensure we are putting U.S. Farmers First on the world stage and expanding market access for the bounty of American Agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins.
She also met with officials from the National Italian American Foundation and visited the United Nations. There, she discussed trade and food security issues with the FAO Director General and World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain.
Rollins emphasized the importance of fair representation of U.S. commodities in global food programs funded by American taxpayers.
The mission reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to science-based trade practices through the Codex Alimentarius and IPPC and highlighted the need for strong U.S.-EU agricultural cooperation.
Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to follow USDA trade efforts to learn more about new opportunities abroad.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National