The citizens of Eur­opean Union (EU) countries are excited about the potential of a proposed wide-ranging free trade agreement with the United States and see is it as a true job creator, according to a EU official who met last week with members of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Leaders Institute.

"People in Europe really believe it can really be a tool in helping to revitalize our economies," said Giulio Menato, agriculture counselor at the EU office in Washington. "They also believe that it will create more economic opportunities in both the United States and the EU countries."

In July,...