Wisconsin Ag Connection - Kind Invites Perdue, Lighthizer to Visit Wisconsin Dairy Farms

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Kind Invites Perdue, Lighthizer to Visit Wisconsin Dairy Farms
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/22/2017

Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind is sending a personal invitation to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to visit dairy farmers in Wisconsin to discuss trade issues that affect their industry. In a letter to the two federal officials this week, the La Crosse Democrat said such a visit could be beneficial as the Administration takes steps toward renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"Some of my most meaningful and informative conversations have been talking with Wisconsin dairy farmers about the struggles they are facing and how we can work together to make sure our strong farming tradition is preserved," Kind said. "As USDA Secretary Perdue and Ambassador Lighthizer begin renegotiating our new trade policies with Canada I am strongly encouraging them to come to Wisconsin and hear directly from the dairy farmers about what is working and not working for their farms."

Kind says he continues to discuss trade issues with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others Trump Administration officials to make sure Wisconsin farmers have access to new markets to sell their products, and to ensure that Canada's dairy policies are a top priority in the context of any NAFTA renegotiation. He is also asking for clarity on the conversations Perdue had with the Canadians and the framework they outlined.

During a visit to Wisconsin earlier this spring, President Donald Trump called Canada's recent decision to stop taking ultra-filtered milk from the United States 'unfair' and promised to resolve the issue quickly. He also blasted the NAFTA trade agreement for 'failing to keep America's best interest at hand.'

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