U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently led a trade delegation to Rome, Italy (June 2-3), as part of a program to expand market access for U.S. agricultural products in Europe. Secretary Rollins met with key government officials, including Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, as well as representatives from the food industry and prominent farmers’ associations. The discussions focused on the longstanding partnership between the United States and Italy, highlighting future opportunities for agricultural trade between the two countries and across the European Union.
During her visit, Secretary Rollins also engaged with agricultural leaders at the United Nations, including Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme.
“This trade delegation to Italy has been essential to ensure we are putting U.S. farmers first on the world stage and expanding market access for the bounty of American agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins. “Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest quality food in the world, and I look forward to giving consumers in Italy and across the EU more of a taste of the agricultural exports America has to offer.”
“Dialogue with the United States represents a strategic pillar of Italy’s foreign agricultural policy,” added Minister Lollobrigida. “Today, more than ever, there is a stronger awareness of the historic moment we are living through – one that compels us to strengthen our countries’ economies, which are rooted in shared values. There is goodwill on our part and theirs to find a solution that will enable the European and U.S. economies to grow.”
Secretary Rollins’ visit to Rome marks her second trade mission to Europe in as many months, following hot on the heels of her UK trip. Her future trade travel plans include India, Vietnam, Japan, and Brazil.