May 12, 2025Rollins begins trade tour; potato priorities reach Capitol Hill
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins began a multi-nation trade tour with a visit to the U.K. earlier this week.
The May 12-14 visit coincided with an announcement of a trade framework agreement between the two countries. According to Politico, the U.S. plans to export $5 billion in products like machinery and ethanol, along with agricultural products, to Great Britain, with the 10% baseline tariff on British imports remaining.
In return, the U.K. can export to the U.S. 100,000 cars at a 10% tariff rate instead of the current 25% rate.
The U.S. will also eliminate a steel tariff, according to the Politico article.
Some issues remain unresolved, including tariffs on pharmaceuticals and the 100% tariffs President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose on foreign movies.
Rollins’ trade trip will also include stops in Japan, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Italy and India during the next five months. Specific dates not yet been announced.
Potato priorities on Capitol Hill
Managers from state potato organizations joined National Potato Council representatives at the beginning of May to bring potato priorities to Capitol Hill.
Tax reform, tariffs, agricultural research resources and the farm bill part of the briefing agenda with the Russell Group, Food Directions, Western Growers and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, according to a statement from NPC.
Following those meetings, NPC and the state leaders met with the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
“Thanks to the leaders of the Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin state organizations who joined us this week in advancing priorities for the industry,” NPC CEO Kam Quarles said in the statement.
“Strong teamwork is essential to seeing our growers’ goals achieved.”
