Chief Ag Trade Negotiator Gregg Doud says European Union protectionist measures are non-science based. He made those comments ahead of trade talks between the E.U. and the United States. South Dakota Soybean Association Executive Director Jerry Schmitz says an FTA with the Europeans is important for South Dakota’s growers and must include agriculture.
Doud has been pushing the E.U. on agriculture’s inclusion as their Trade Commissioner is insisting ag not be a part of any trade discussions. Schmitz says despite that discord, there are positive things happening with the trade talks.
The Trump administration is seeking comprehensive access for all U.S. ag products into the E.U. and Schmitz says that’s important although it won’t happen overnight.
The E.U. has a different view on biotechnology than does the United States and also greatly subsidizes its farm production. Many of those issues need to be worked out for a final trade pact.
