U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with agricultural ministers from the G-7 group of major industrialized nations to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently met in Japan with agricultural ministers from the G-7 group of major industrialized nations to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Agri-Pulse reported.
Vilsack met with Canadian representatives to “express the hope that as the new administration in Canada takes action relative to agricultural issues—anything on dairy or any other issue—that it does so consistent with the TPP framework so that there’s no disruption in the potential benefits for dairy in this country from TPP.”
Though it raised concerns for Canadian dairies, the country chose to open the borders to imported dairy products.
Like other U.S. commodity groups, dairy organizations are pro-TPP, but are concerned that other countries might not be as diligent about following the rules as the U.S.
Another country involved in TPP discussions is Japan. The country agreed to be a part of the trade deal, which will also benefit U.S. agriculture.
One factor in this trade deal is a 50,000-ton duty-free quota for American rice that, in 13 years, will rise to 70,000 tons.