During a visit to the E.U. the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack met with the European Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, to discuss transatlantic collaboration in improving global sustainability and averting climate change.

Secretary Vilsack stated, “International collaboration to confront climate change and foster sustainability is paramount to mitigating the harsh and difficult future that awaits us as a global society.  Climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of our farmers in deep and profound ways from extreme weather volatility, to severe drought, to flooding to wildfires and other catastrophic events that threaten our towns, cities, and communities.”

Vilsack continued, “We are reaffirming our mutual commitment to sustainable and climate-smart agricultural production, recognizing that we are both engaged in multiple, effective ways to achieve mutually desired outcomes.” 

Vilsack stressed the need to work cooperatively and devise systems and solutions beneficial to farmers and consumers.  He stressed the need for fair and open markets at all levels to enhance food security and sustainability. 

Effectively the U.S. and the E.U. diverge in their approach to sustainable agriculture.  The EU Farm-to-Fork approach will emphasize organic production, reduced intake of red meat, and an emphasis on improved human nutrition. The U.S. will continue with an efficient, but in some segments, highly concentrated ownership of production facilities but emphasizing sustainability and improved use of land and water.