U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently concluded a trade delegation visit to Rome, Italy, aimed at reinforcing the Trump Administration’s goals for enhanced agricultural market access and expanding the American agricultural industry across Europe.
During her visit, Secretary Rollins met with Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, along with Marta Youth, Charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Italy to ensure greater market access for American agricultural producers in the EU. Discussions also covered opportunities provided by President Trump’s America First agricultural trade agenda for U.S.-Italy relations.
Secretary Rollins was also honored at a dinner hosted by Minister Lollobrigida, where she engaged with over 50 Italian officials and agri-food industry stakeholders. These discussions centered on current successes and future opportunities for U.S.-Italy agricultural trade. "This trade delegation to Italy has been essential to ensure we are putting U.S. Farmers First on the world stage," said Secretary Rollins.
Minister Lollobrigida emphasized the importance of dialogue with the United States as a strategic pillar of Italy’s foreign agricultural policy: “There is good will on our part and theirs to find a solution that will enable the European and U.S. economies to grow."
In addition to meetings with Italian government officials, Secretary Rollins met with key leaders at the United Nations, including Qu Dongyu, Director General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). These meetings focused on prioritizing science-driven standards in agriculture and strategizing on utilizing more U.S.-grown commodities in global food programs.
Secretary Rollins' visit highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation in agriculture while advocating for increased market presence for American products in Europe.
