In a bid to bolster economic and social ties between the United States and Guatemala, the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and the Guatemalan Dairy Development Association (ASODEL) have signed a pivotal memorandum of understanding. This landmark agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the two nations’ dairy sectors while advocating for free and fair-trade policies that promote increased dairy consumption.
Objective of the Agreement
The memorandum outlines several key objectives, emphasizing the importance of robust communication and knowledge-sharing between the industries of the countries involved. It also highlights the need to address trade barriers that potentially harm both producers and consumers. By removing these barriers, the agreement aims to underline the significance of the dairy sector from both an economic and social perspective.
Shared Goals and Values
According to Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, the agreement is a testament to the U.S. dairy industry’s commitment to supporting its partners in Guatemala and beyond.
“This agreement marks an important milestone in the U.S. dairy industry’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with and supporting our partners in Guatemala and throughout Latin America,” she said, emphasizing the mutual benefits of a strong trade relationship, highlighting the detrimental effects of misguided trade barriers, particularly on Guatemalan consumers.
Echoing this sentiment, Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with ASODEL.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with ASODEL to champion effective, forward-thinking policies that will strengthen the dairy industry in the Americas and globally,” he said.
Strengthening Competitiveness in Guatemala
Ramiro Pérez, director general of ASODEL, remarked on the collaboration’s potential to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Guatemala’s dairy industry.
“ASODEL is dedicated to improving the competitiveness and long-term viability of the Guatemala dairy industry,” Pérez explained. He acknowledged the support to not only their members but also Guatemalan consumers who benefit from both domestic and imported dairy products.
The newly signed agreement is part of a broader initiative where USDEC and NMPF have established similar partnerships across Latin America. Collaborations with the Colombian Association of Dairy Industry (Asoleche), Sociedad Rural Argentina, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Chilean Federacion Nacional de Productores de Leche (Fedeleche) further demonstrate their commitment to developing the dairy sector across the region.
This agreement signifies an essential step in reinforcing the bond between the dairy industries of the U.S. and Guatemala, fostering growth, and ensuring consumer benefit across borders.
Your Next Read:
California Dreams: Transformation Through Innovation
