USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke with European Union Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Wojciechowski Tuesday, focusing on “environment, rural economies, and trade,” according to an email sent to news organizations from a USDA spokesperson. “The secretary stated that he looks forward to a positive working relationship with the EU, as our shared interests should help us find positive solutions to challenges facing agriculture, and address longstanding issues.”
From the European side, Wojciechowski said on social media, “1st exchange with new US Secretary for Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Happy to share similar views on issues of common interest such as sustainability, climate change and organics, where active bilateral cooperation is needed.” He also noted that “collaboration is crucial for both sides.”
He also pointed to the suspension of tariffs in the civil aircraft dispute and agricultural quotas for the US following Brexit as signs of “positive bilateral work.”
Reports indicate Vilsack did not focus on the EU Farm to Fork initiative, an effort heavily criticized by the Trump administration as potentially reducing EU food supplies and setting new trade barriers in place. Initial sessions between government officials are usually short on any substantive results and usually are characterized as positive or constructive by the officials involved.
Future discussions on key areas of trade and ag policy will be even more important to monitor for those reasons.