Press Release

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) congratulates the U.S. and the United Kingdom on releasing a trade agreement that aims to enhance trade relationships and open new market opportunities for both countries. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said the following statement in support of the trade deal.

“This agreement marks a significant step forward for U.S. farmers and ranchers, and U.K. agriculture and consumers as well,” McKinney said. “We applaud the leadership of both governments in forging a partnership that opens new markets in both countries.”

In recent years, NASDA played a vital role in helping strengthen U.S.-U.K. agricultural relations through its international trade missions and export development efforts. In collaboration with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.K. Government, notably its Embassy in Washington, D.C., NASDA members participated in multiple trade missions to the U.K., facilitating critical connections between U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses and U.K. markets. Likewise, NASDA members hosted many U.K. visitors. In August 2024, NASDA led a U.K. delegation to North Carolina to discuss the importance of animal health and welfare. Most recently, NASDA hosted a U.K. delegation, traveling to Maine, Arkansas and Louisiana to learn about the U.S. agriculture industry with a focus on forestry and wood pellets.

NASDA remains committed to helping build relationships and reduce barriers to trade and looks forward to continuing its partnership with U.K. counterparts to ensure mutual agricultural prosperity.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.

NASDA Vice President Amanda Beal (Maine) speaks with a U.K. delegation during their recent visit to Maine.
During the UK inbound trade mission, delegates visited a wood pellet facility in Arkansas to learn about production in the U.S.

Contact Information

Sarah Grace Fowler
Director, Communications