Statement on meeting with United States Chief Agricultural Negotiator

On Tuesday, I met with United States Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Ambassador Doug McKalip at Parliament House.
 
Our wide-ranging discussion touched on the close relationship our countries share, underpinned by our Alliance, free trade agreement and shared values.
 
We discussed our shared interests and desire for greater cooperation in assisting our agriculture sectors in responding to climate change and strengthening global food security, including through open trade.
 
I highlighted Australia’s efforts to continuing agricultural sustainability while maintaining a profitable, productive and innovative agriculture sector, aided by strong biosecurity protections.
 
I emphasised the importance of Australia’s request to streamline processes around the export of red meat to the United States and our market access requests for a range of horticulture commodities.
 
We continue to pursue new opportunities for our high-quality agricultural produce, including through our trade agreement with the United Kingdom which enters into force soon, and our trade agreement with India which has opened up a serious window of opportunity for our exporters to the world’s fifth largest economy.