Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), who serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and its Subcommittee on Trade, hosted Growing Nebraska Through Trade today at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island. Businesses both large and small sent representatives to learn about the benefits of international trade.
"With more than 96 percent of the world's customers living outside our borders, trade provides tremendous opportunities to grow our rural economy," Smith said. "As our work on trade negotiations moves forward, I am committed to helping expand access to thriving international markets for Nebraska producers, manufacturers, and consumers. I hope everyone who joined us today gained valuable knowledge and connections to help drive their businesses toward greater success in the global marketplace."
Growing Nebraska Through Trade featured speakers from state and federal agencies as well as business and education leaders from the Third District. Ambassador Darci Vetter, Nebraska native and Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, delivered the keynote address. Topics at the seminar included state-level efforts to grow the agriculture economy, rural growth and value-added agriculture, and ongoing efforts to open markets to Nebraska and U.S. agriculture products.