On Tuesday, following the official swearing-in of Sonny Perdue as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, President Trump held a roundtable discussion with 15 farmers that included Western Growers’ Board Member A.G. Kawamura. The discussion focused on the issues of agricultural trade, regulatory reform, rural investment and infrastructure, the Farm Bill, and agricultural labor.

Following the discussion, the president issued The Agriculture and Rural Task Force Executive Order. Among other things, the order establishes an interagency regulatory reform task force to be chaired by Secretary Perdue.

The interagency task force is charged with identifying legislative, regulatory, or policy changes to promote American agriculture, economic development, job growth, infrastructure improvements, technological innovation, energy security, and quality of life in rural America. It is expected to report its finding within 180 days. 

Western Growers’ President and CEO Tom Nassif expressed optimism and excitement that the president is looking to tackle the pressing issues impacting agriculture and is proud that Western Growers’ Board Member, A.G. Kawamura, owner/partner of Orange County Produce in Irvine, California, was one those who attended the meeting.

For more information on the executive order, please contact Ken Barbic at (202) 296-0191.