International trade was one of the recurring themes offered by President Donald Trump during his campaign and in subsequent remarks following his victory in November. He specifically focused on the need for strict enforcement of trade obligations with our trading partners, and promised that they would be made to play by the rules.

Organic processed products certified in the United States or Korea can now be labeled as organic in either country. A trade deal gives American organic farmers, processors and businessesgreater access to Korea’s growing market for organic products.  

The Washington, D.C.-based Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), is denouncing a court ruling in the United Kingdom that declared only yogurt made in Greece could be labeled as "Greek yogurt." 

U.S. negotiators must seek access for U.S. parmesan and other cheeses, and push back on European Union (EU) efforts to claim exclusive rights to the use of these common food names in any discussions concerning geographical indications. 

Never mind that most of the world freely uses and understands the word Parmesan as it applies to cheese. To the EU, however, Parm means only Parmigiano-Reggiano. And feta is a cheese made only in Greece. The EU is trying to force its approach to food names on every country in the world. It already has gummed up the South Korean market for non-EU makers of Asiago, feta, fontina and gorgonzola.

SBA administrator Karen Mills made the announcement at the Minneapolis headquarters of Delkor Systems last month.