By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently concluded her three-day trade delegation visit to the United Kingdom, following the administration announcement of a landmark trade agreement between the two nations.
Unveiled on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the deal aims to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and U.K.
“This trade delegation to the U.K. has been essential to put U.S. Farmers First on the world stage and expand market access for the bounty of American Agriculture," said Secretary Rollins.
"I was able to build on critical bilateral relationships and advocate on behalf of American farmers and ranchers directly. Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest quality food in the world, and I can’t wait for consumers ‘across the pond’ to get more of a taste of the beef, poultry, pork, seafood, rice, specialty crops, and all the agricultural exports America has to offer.”
The first day featured meetings with U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens and senior U.K. officials, including DEFRA Secretary Steve Reed and DBT Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Discussions focused on enhancing agricultural trade, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and providing U.K. consumers with more product choices. Secretary Rollins also engaged with U.S. farmers and agricultural representatives on challenges and export strategies.
Day two involved site visits across the U.K. agricultural supply chain, including wholesalers like Wanis Limited and rice processors Tilda Rice Milling LTD and S&B Herba. Secretary Rollins met with Arkansas rice growers, USA Rice, and the U.K. Rice Milling Association to explore expanded rice exports and regulatory alignment.
Secretary Rollins later met with Varun Chandra, Prime Minister’s Special Adviser, and DESNZ officials, advocating for increased imports of U.S. wood pellets and biofuels to support U.K. energy needs.
On the final day, Secretary Rollins visited Whole Foods Market in London, observing U.S. products on display. Secretary Rollins reviewed branding strategies and USDA’s promotional support and learned about successful imports like Alaskan seafood and Texas hot sauces.
This high-level visit marks a new chapter in U.S.-U.K. agricultural relations, aiming to strengthen trade, consumer choice, and food security on both sides of the Atlantic.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: National