Perdue
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue toured Europe, speaking with officials from several different countries about a variety of issues, including trade. After stops in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, Perdue said the trip has been very productive.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would be withdrawing the interim final rule under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, or GIPSA. Perdue talked with reporters about the decision during the conference call from Madrid, Spain.
Perdue’s goal moving forward is to make sure producers aren’t disadvantaged by unfair and uncompetitive rules. They’ll be having discussions with both producers and processors to make sure everyone is treated fairly.
Meanwhile, the European Union and the U.S. have been discussing a trade agreement for years. Perdue says non-science-based standards are holding up a potential deal with the EU.
Perdue says those excuses are being used for “protectionist purposes.” The trip to Europe has shown him that there is a strong demand for American products in the EU
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, speaking from Madrid, Spain.