“I am looking forward to this opportunity to provide our farm families with a voice during these trade talks,” Ross said.  “Delegates from 146 countries are discussing issues that will affect the livelihood of Arkansans who have an economy rooted in agriculture.  As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, I have the unique opportunity to discuss our needs with delegations from countries in more than fourteen meetings over these four days.  While we do not have an official vote in this summit, we are helping to lend a powerful presence in the hopes of giving our United States delegate a very influential seat at the international table.  I support fair trade, not free trade, and I will do all that I can to help level the playing field so that our farm families can compete in the global market.” 

Ross will travel with Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, ranking member Charles Stenholm, and other members of the committee’s leadership.  During their visit, the delegation will meet with a number of key officials in the international agriculture community, including: 

US Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza

The European Parliamentary Forum

US Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman 

Deputy USTR Peter Allgeier

Undersecretary of Commerce for the International Trade Administration Grant Aldonas

USTR Agriculture Ambassador Allen Johnson

Under Secretary for Business, Economic and Agricultural Affairs, Alan Larson 

USDA’s Undersecretary of the Foreign Agriculture Service, J.B. Penn