Secretary Perdue Makes First Official Visit to Europe

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue made his first official visit to Europe October 12-18, 2017 to participate in the G-7 Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Bergamo, Italy, deliver remarks at the World Food Day observance in Rome, and engage in policy dialogue with his counterparts in London and Madrid.

“The European Union consistently ranks among the United States’ top agricultural export markets, and it is the world’s largest importer of food and farm products,” Perdue said. “We value our close relationship with our European partners, but there is work to be done to address the numerous trade barriers U.S. exporters face in that market.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue, went to London on October 12, 2017 to discuss opportunities to deepen U.S./ UK agricultural trade ties. Secretary Perdue met with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Secretary Michael Gove and MPs on the EFRA Committee during his visit to talk about increasing U.S. agricultural exports to the U.K.

October 14th-15th, Perdue took part in the G-7 ministerial, which focused on issues including rural development, risk management, disaster resiliency, and food security. The Secretary also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other G-7 nations to discuss trade matters important to U.S. agriculture. Perdue stated that “the G-7 Agriculture Ministers Meeting has been a great forum to seek expanded market access for U.S. agricultural products.”

Perdue then traveled to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, where he and the other G-7 agriculture ministers joined Pope Francis at the World Food Day observance on October 16th. Perdue concluded ” Honored to meet Pontifex Pope Francis. We must remain diligent in pursuit of global food security & “do right & feed everyone. We expect 9 billion people to be on the planet by 2050. USDA intends to be there to help feed a hungry world.”

Perdue’s trip concluded on October 17th in Madrid, where he met with Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food, and Forestry Isabel Garcia Tejerina. Perdue stated. “We’re working on building relationships that will be a strong basis for trade. This can only benefit American agriculture.” Perdue attended a Taste of America event and toured Costco Madrid. Perdue emphasized that “some American products for sale, but definitely some room for growth. Want more access for U.S. producers.”

Discussion with Michael Gove, UK Sec of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in London October 13, 2017.

Meeting FAS Rome team at G7 in Bergamo on October 14, 2017.

Discussion with Christian Schmidt, German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture at G7 on October 15, 2017.

Meeting Pope Francis in Rome on October 16, 2017.

Meeting with Spain’s Agriculture Undersecretary & Secretary of State of Commerce in Madrid on October 17, 2017.

Brownies with Georgia pecans at Taste of America in Madrid on October 17, 2017.