Under Secretary Taylor Launches First USDA Trade Mission Dedicated to Indigenous Products
VANCOUVER, Canada, June 17, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor arrived in Vancouver today to launch USDA’s first trade mission dedicated to developing export markets for Tribal and Native Hawaiian businesses and products.
“This historic trade mission showcasing products from Tribal and Native Hawaiian producers is long overdue, and Canada couldn’t be a better host country,” Under Secretary Taylor said. “Indigenous nations on both sides of the border share strong historical connections to their lands, trading networks and agricultural practices. I am proud to represent USDA at this turning point. We have a unique opportunity to be the change we want to see in our industry, and build on the incredible legacy of stewardship, innovation and productivity.
“USDA continues to seek opportunities to support Tribal and Native Hawaiian priorities, including the restoration of vital trading networks for their agricultural resources. International relationships are an excellent tool for strengthening agricultural communities and businesses at home. When businesses export, they can grow their income and benefit the people and communities around them – a key component of the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to strengthening American agriculture across the country and around the world.”
Taylor is leading a delegation comprised of officials from 14 Tribal agribusinesses, agricultural leaders from 13 Native Nations, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Intertribal Agriculture Council Board President Harlan Beaulieu and officials from the Maine, North Carolina and Oregon Departments of Agriculture.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Under Secretary Taylor will join Lieutenant Governor Flanagan and Intertribal Agriculture Council Board President Beaulieu for a media teleconference on Wed., June 19, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Reporters interested in participating should RSVP to [email protected] by 10:00 a.m. Tues., June 18.
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