Pictured: A group of business owners, dairy farmers, executives, and association leaders gathers with Under Secretary Luke Lindberg on Sep. 2, to discuss dairy exporters’ successes as well as challenges to market access.
Dairy industry leaders enjoyed a productive meeting this week with Luke Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. The group included business owners, dairy farmers, executives, and association leaders. They discussed dairy exporters’ successes as well as challenges to market access.
“USDA is committed to securing fair and reciprocal trade agreements around the world, spurring dairy business growth here in America,” said Lindberg. “The farmers and processors I met with are critical to our work in this area, and we’ll continue to listen and partner with them as we strengthen the industry at home and in the international marketplace.”
Members and leadership of Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, representing over 850 dairy businesses worldwide, shared its three-part Trade Policy Plan. Members developed this plan this spring. At this week’s meeting, they shared thoughts on the impact of tariffs on industry growth. The discussion also included enthusiasm for new trade negotiations and a fully-realized U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
“Under Secretary Lindberg’s focus on opening new markets and reducing trade barriers to American dairy farmers and processors is very encouraging, as the industry faces regulatory and economic pressures,” says WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.
Representatives from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin applauded recent progress in expanding Wisconsin dairy’s global presence and encouraged continued collaboration.
“I was impressed with the Under Secretary’s extensive knowledge and deep understanding of the various issues impacting agricultural trade policies and look forward to working with him and his team to help grow Wisconsin’s dairy exports,” said DFW CEO Chad Vincent.
