Against the backdrop of growing transatlantic trade tensions, a high-level delegation from Copa and Cogeca, led by Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti and Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson recently concluded a series of strategic meetings in Washington DC. Over three days of discussions, EU farm leaders engaged with key US policymakers, industry and agricultural stakeholders.
The visit coincided with the US National Agriculture Day and provided an important opportunity to engage in dialogue on agricultural trade, market access, and regulatory cooperation. The delegation’s agenda included high-level meetings with representatives from the US Senate Agriculture Committee, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and leading agrifood industry organisations, such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Farmers Union and the US Soybean Export Council.
On this occasion, Copa and Cogeca reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties with their U.S. counterparts. Discussions highlighted that US farmers and cooperatives share similar challenges and are equally worried about the uncertainty surrounding trade policies. A trade war would ultimately harm those working on the ground, with farmers on both sides bearing the brunt of the consequences.
In conversations with government officials, Copa and Cogeca stressed the need for a rules-based, fair-trade system that supports sustainable growth. The sector’s ability to thrive depends on mutual efforts to maintain open markets and constructive transatlantic relations.
Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti stated: “This visit and exchanges with our counterparts have reinforced the need for strong transatlantic partnerships in agriculture. Farmers should not become collateral damage in broader trade disputes. European farmers need stability, predictability and fair access to international markets. We expect the European Commission to ensure that the agri-food sector is kept out of any retaliatory measures, particularly in disputes that do not concern it and that it acknowledges the fact that maintaining food production is Europe is key for its security.”
Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson added: “Our discussions with US stakeholders have made it clear that American farmers and cooperatives share our concerns about escalating trade tensions. The agricultural sector is strategic and essential for both our economies. Instead of being drawn into trade conflicts, we must focus on strengthening cooperation, maintaining predictability, and ensuring that trade policies support—rather than undermine—our farmers and cooperatives.”
Considering ongoing discussions on trade barriers and regulatory alignment, Copa and Cogeca reaffirm their commitment to continue fostering strong transatlantic agricultural ties and ensuring that transatlantic trade remains mutually beneficial, fair, and sustainable. To this end, the continuation of the EU-US Collaboration Platform on Agriculture work to strengthen the dialogue and enhance collaboration between DG AGRI and the USDA, with the participation of stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic fundamental.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
