USDA Trade Plan Sparks Strong Response from U.S. Meat Export Industry
With the recent release of the USDA’s three-point plan to support American agricultural producers and exporters, the U.S. meat industry is reacting positively. Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg unveiled the initiative during the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
The USDA’s new trade strategy includes three major components:
- America First Trade Promotion Program
- T.R.U.M.P. Missions – Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers
- Revitalized export finance opportunities
Under Secretary Lindberg emphasized the administration’s focus on fair trade practices, stating:
“President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers. Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”
This strategic approach to agricultural trade policy is being well received across the livestock sector.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom also welcomed the USDA’s actions:
“This additional investment in trade promotion programs will allow U.S. farmers and ranchers to continue to build value for U.S. beef, pork and lamb and grow diversity in global demand. Current trade deals with key partners like Japan, Korea, Mexico, Canada, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and more are paying dividends with real growth in U.S. red meat purchases. The reciprocal agreements are expected to provide new opportunities in the ASEAN region, the United Kingdom and the European Union, and USDA’s positioning to help industry capture this additional potential is much appreciated.”
As this America First Trade Promotion Program rolls out, stakeholders in the meat export industry remain optimistic about its impact on U.S. red meat exports, increased market access, and long-term rural economic growth.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.