USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission to Netherlands and Scandinavia

The first-ever regional agribusiness trade mission to the Netherlands was inaugurated in Amsterdam by Alexis M. Taylor, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Taylor is working to increase commercial ties between the United States, Netherlands, and Scandinavia markets. She is leading a group that includes officials from 41 agribusiness and agricultural organizations and ten state departments of agriculture.

The Netherlands is a critical trading partner for the United States and serves as the gateway to Europe for US food and agriculture exports. Taylor expressed delight in the company representatives joining her from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in Amsterdam this week. The total agricultural and related exports to these markets topped $4.5 billion in 2022. Taylor is confident that the delegation will successfully build new relationships crucial to expanding opportunities for increased trade.

The group comprises small and medium-sized US agribusinesses. They will engage with regional customers seeking to import US food and agricultural goods through business-to-business meetings organized by the USDA. The trade mission schedule also includes meetings with Dutch government representatives and business associations to discuss trade issues and difficulties caused by climate change, retail promotions showcasing US goods, and excursions to the Food Innovation Academy training facility and the Port of Rotterdam, the biggest seaport in Europe.

The trade mission is vital because it gives US companies a chance to increase their market share in Europe and gives them a chance to talk about problems like climate change and environmental sustainability. Our trade accomplishments, according to Taylor, “are a tangible demonstration of the strength, diversity, and ingenuity of our farmers and producers.” To effectively export American goods abroad, we rely on the efforts of several organizations and businesses.

This regional agribusiness trade mission is the first of its kind and signifies the importance of trade relationships between the United States and Europe. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to maintain strong trade partnerships that benefit both parties.

Image provided by the USDA