Diversifying trade partners while rebuilding current export market relationships are the benchmarks for future trade negotiations between the U.S. and countries across the globe, Alexis Taylor, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, told Farm Bureau members from Iowa during a policy trip to Washington July 19.

Settling a dispute with neighboring Mexico on its decision to ban genetically modified corn, while also restoring the strained relationship with China following years of trade disputes, are key issues being addressed by USDA senior leaders, Taylor said.

The primary goal is “making sure our agricultural sector has confidence in our trading system and knows that trade can work for them,”...