United States Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer has taken the first steps in talking with United Kingdom officials about a possible bilateral trade agreement. He met recently with Liam Fox, Britain’s International Trade Secretary. Nebraska Farm Bureau National Affairs Coordinator Jordan Dux thinks that’s a good move that could prove valuable for U.S. agriculture.

He says it’s important to start early with trade discussions and with the U.K. it’s even more important given the fact that Britain cant’ formally negotiate until they leave the European Union in April of 2019.

Dux says most trade pacts take time to work out and there have been issues with other European countries with agricultural trade including bio tech and sanitary, phyto sanitary issues.

A newly established U.S. U.K. Trade and Investment Working Group has been formed and will explore trade priorities for the two nations.