Trade

Both parties challenged U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai repeatedly on the administration’s failure to negotiate market-opening free trade deals and even pursuing a ‘go-it-alone’ policy without consulting lawmakers on trade.   “Congres...

America’s top food and ag organizations representing thousands of farmers, ranchers, producers, and workers sent a letter to Congress recently urging action to improve ag exports.  More than 50 of the most influential food and ag groups urged lawmakers to pass Trade Promotion Authority.  TPA is regula ...

After the sharp increase in the cost of doing business, the Washington State Dairy Federation is hoping the industry can avoid more consolidation.  The Federation is also optimistic about legislation in Olympia to initiate a carbon reduction program for dairy.  In case...

A recent proposal by USDA which involves meat product labelling immediately raised the spectre of COOL, Country-of-Origin labelling, for Canadian red meat sectors.  USDA proposed that ‘only’ meat products derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States should be allowed to carry a Made in the USA label.  Back in late 2...

The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced the speaker lineup and registration details for its 2023 Spring Conference, set for May 24-26 in Minneapolis, MN.  The opening general session will feature USMEF's senior staff from the Asia Pacific region, who will discuss emerging issues in key Asian markets, including how the removal of many COVID restrictions could provide momentum for the reg

The USDA’s first trade mission of the year gets underway this weekend, and it will have a uniquely Northwest feel.  Members of the delegation will be in Panama Sunday the 19th though Thursday the 23rd.   “Trade missions are just one of the effective tools we have in our market development toolbox," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor.  Taylor, the for

Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry recently voiced concerns regarding the proposed voluntary “Product of USA” label effort.   Announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week, the label claim would be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.   Mexico's Agri...

Doug McKalip says he is busy in his role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.  He recently noted that he has a host of priorities on his to-do list.   “The first focus would be on keeping markets we have open. A lot of work has been do...

We asked Mark Powers with the Northwest Horticultural Council his priorities, and the organizations' priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and former Oregon Department of Agriculture head Alexis Taylor will lead a delegation of 26 agribusinesses and farm organizations to Panama City, Panama, March 19-23.  The mission highlights opportunities in Panama and throughout the Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement region.  Exports...