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Rep. Buck Joins Effort to Strengthen Trade Protections for American Food Producers in the Global Market

November 16, 2020

Congressman Ken Buck (R-Colo.) cosigned a letter that requests the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a core policy objective to safeguard the free use of common cheese terms in any current and future trade negotiations. This effort works to ensure American farmers and food producers have access to fair trade rules overseas. The EU has continually misused geographical indications (GIs) to manipulate the market share of U.S. dairy producers by confiscating dozens of cheese names that are commonly used by the dairy industry—including cheeses such as parmesan, asiago, feta, Havarti, and gorgonzola.

This initiative was led by Representatives Jim Costa (D-Ca.), Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Tx.), Angie Craig (D-Mn.), Dusty Johnson (R-Sd.), Ron Kind (D-Wi.), Mike Gallagher (R-Wi.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Ca.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).

The letter reads, in part:

"On behalf of the farmers, ranchers, food and beverage manufacturers, and exporters we represent, thank you for the work that you have already accomplished on this issue. We look forward to working alongside your offices to further strengthen protections for food and wine producers," the signers wrote.

Text of the letter available

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Issues:Agriculture