Virginia farmers and Canadian diplomats underscored the value of cross-border trade and agricultural relationships during a recent visit hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF).
The Canadian delegation included Economic Minister Carlos Vanderloo and two agricultural counselors. During the two-day visit, they met with Virginia government officials, farmers and agricultural leaders, according to a VFBF press release.
For the diplomats and VFBF leaders, the visit offered a chance to sustain dialogue and build relationships.
VFBF vice president Robert J. Mills Jr., who raises tobacco, grains, poultry and beef cattle in Southside Virginia, said farmers cannot control every trade decision, but they can help preserve important relationships.
“The best thing we can do is what we’re doing right now—maintaining the relationships and figuring out what our plan of action is,” said Mills. “If we know what you need and you know what we need, then when that door is open, we won’t miss a beat on getting our trade opportunities back.”
The itinerary combined tours of agricultural businesses and the State Fair of Virginia with a candid discussion before the VFBF board of directors. A Virginia’s Finest reception showcased Virginia-grown food and beverages and gave the diplomats an opportunity to meet producers who trade with Canada or hope to enter the Canadian market. The delegation also met members of Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committees at the state and national levels and Virginia Cooperative Extension director Mike Gutter……
