New US Ambassador Meets Minister of Agriculture

Shortly after arriving in Mexico to begin his role as US ambassador, Ronald Johnson held his first public event on June 2, engaging in discussions with Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).

The meeting took place during a session organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and the US Department of Agriculture. Johnson emphasized the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Mexico.

“This is my first public event, and I am pleased it is with you in this joint effort with the Ministry of Agriculture. Agriculture is a pillar in the bilateral relationship and impacts the lives of our nations. Under the leadership of President Trump, we recognize the relevance of having a secure and efficient border that facilitates trade, reduces costs, and benefits both producers and consumers in both countries,” Johnson said. 

Dialogue follows the commencement of meetings with the first group from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) mission in Mexico, which is tasked with verifying results and reviewing actions taken under the strategy to combat the cattle screwworm. This initial exchange sets the stage for further meetings focused on assessing the progress and next steps in the binational effort to control and eradicate the pest, which poses a significant threat to livestock production in the region.

Discussions underscore ongoing cooperation between the two countries aimed at strengthening agricultural trade, enhancing border efficiency, and addressing shared challenges such as pest control to support farmers and rural economies on both sides of the border.