Last week, 114 members of the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., Ron Kind, D-Wis., Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer insisting on the “inclusion of agricultural products in upcoming trade negotiations with the European Union (EU).” A trade agreement with the EU that does not include agriculture would be “unacceptable” and would “significantly jeopardize Congressional support,” they said.  

IDFA also has advocated for ensuring that agriculture is included in any trade talks with the EU.

“We fully support this letter and commend the representatives for advocating on behalf of the U.S. agriculture industry,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “The U.S. dairy industry welcomes a trade agreement with the EU that addresses all existing tariff and non-tariff barriers, including threats to common cheese names, which are currently in use, that block our exports.”  

IDFA continues to stress the importance of opening new markets and negotiating trade agreements for the sustained success of the U.S. dairy industry.  In comments submitted to USTR in December, IDFA stated, “The U.S. government should only negotiate with partners that are also seeking trade agreements that are comprehensive in scope and provide meaningful market access for all industries and sectors.”

• Read the House letter here.

For more information, contact Beth Hughes, IDFA senior director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.