The Power of Trade in Advancing
U.S. Agriculture
Welcome to the inaugural post of “Export Impact,” a new platform where we dive into the impactful work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. This platform aims to keep you, our valued stakeholders, informed and engaged as we navigate the world of agricultural exports. Your insights, feedback, and partnership are invaluable to us, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.
As USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and someone who grew up on a farm in Northeastern Iowa, I am delighted to recap my recent visit to Arizona, connecting with local agricultural leaders and stakeholders. This trip was filled with meaningful moments, focusing on the pivotal roles of women in agriculture, efforts to support specialty crop producers and exporters through initiatives like the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE), and other vital export promotion efforts that bolster our agricultural landscape. My upbringing in a state with a rich farming history has instilled in me a lifelong commitment to supporting our farmers and agribusinesses. |
Celebrating Women in Agriculture:
Arizona stands out for its sizable number of female producers, with women leading 49 percent of farms in the state. This statistic speaks volumes about the resilience and innovation of women in agriculture. During my visit, I was inspired by discussions with women leaders surrounding the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This global recognition underscores the critical contributions of women who produce 60 to 80 percent of the world’s food, yet often face barriers that hinder their full participation in agriculture.
 TFAA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor (left) with Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse, and Arizona Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee Chairwoman Shawn Wood at the AFB’s 2024 Summer Leadership Conference in Tucson.
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North Carolina Small Farm Association 