WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today met virtually with the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) for Trade and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATAC) for Trade. More information on the APAC and ATACs can be found here.
Ambassador Tai detailed how the Biden-Harris Administration’s trade agenda aligns with the objectives of the agricultural sector. The Ambassador discussed how USTR is working to support the ability of U.S. agricultural producers to expand access to foreign markets and new customer bases, for example under existing Trade and Investment Framework Agreements, and the importance of working together to address the challenges that climate change and environmental degradation have on the sector worldwide.
Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of promoting exports and finding new overseas markets, and that agricultural trade is tied to the health of rural economies. He provided an overview of work on priorities including trade with China, USMCA implementation, and the trading relationship with the EU. He also highlighted work happening to move Biden-Harris Administration priorities forward including climate change, creating resilient food systems and building back better by supporting producers and farmers, and feeding hungry families.
Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack concluded by expressing their strong commitment to future collaboration with the APAC and ATACs as the Administration develops policies and goals to support American farmers and families.
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