U.S. Rep. Ron Kind sent a letter to USDA Secretary Perdue and USTR Ambassador Lighthizer encouraging them to visit with dairy farmers in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional district. With the Administration taking steps to start renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) it is important that leveling the playing field for Wisconsin dairy farmers be a top priority, and visiting with farmers will give them useful insight into the current problems.
“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. 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,” said Rep. Kind.
Read a copy of the letter attached.
In regards to the ongoing trade dispute with Canada, Rep. Kind continues to have conversations with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and others in the Trump Administration 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. Rep. Kind is also asking for clarity on the conversations Secretary Perdue had with the Canadians and the framework they outlined.
Earlier this month Rep. Kind introduced a comprehensive strategy to secure the future of Wisconsin dairy. The strategy consists of five key principles:
- Opening new markets for Wisconsin farmers
- Making the Tax Code and Programs Wisconsin Dairy Farmers Use More Effective & Efficient
- Encouraging the Next Generation of Dairy Farmers
- Expanding Agriculture Research
- Comprehensive Immigration Reform
