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Next ag secretary needs to calm fears of trading partners

The Commissioner of Agriculture in Minnesota says the next leader of USDA will be tasked with calming the fears of U.S. trading partners.

Dave Frederickson tells Brownfield if former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue is confirmed as ag secretary, he’ll need to strengthen some strained relationships.

“I spent time with some folks from Canada this past week, that were here from Manitoba.  And they’re wondering what’s going to happen to our trade policy as it effects our closest neighbors Canada and Mexico.”

Questions surrounding trade with both countries are swirling as the incoming administration threatens to alter or even eliminate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“Those are our two biggest partners, and we can’t just walk away from them.  I know there’s discussion about NAFTA and redoing it or getting rid of it.  But it’s not going to be as easy as it sounds.”

Frederickson says the U.S. has established partnerships with Canada and Mexico over time, and it’s critical that business between the three countries continues.