His visit makes Idaho the first state to send a diplomatic delegation to the United Kingdom following President Trump’s visit.
BOISE, Idaho — Gov. Brad Little spent some time in the United Kingdom, following President Trump’s diplomatic visit to the U.S. ally earlier this year.
Little’s visit makes Idaho the first state to meet with U.K. officials after President Trump’s visit. He was accompanied by the Department of Commerce, the State Department of Agriculture and a number of local businesses.
The delegation visited the nation’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to discuss new regulations. They also visited a beef producer and the National Farmers Union National Livestock Board to learn about the U.K.’s farm policies on conservation and food safety.
The governor’s office said in a press release the trip intended to build relationships between the two governments and foster economic relations so Idaho companies can expand to British markets. In particular, the delegation focused on expanding Idaho’s agricultural exports to the country, primarily beef, dairy, and processed potatoes, according to the governor’s office.
“We are committed to developing long-term partnerships that create new opportunities for our companies and strengthen connections between Idaho and the UK,” Governor Little said.
Idaho’s agricultural exports to the UK totaled nearly $3 million in 2024, with prepared potatoes making up 70% of that number. CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission Jamey Higham called the mission a “tremendous success” that allowed for an opportunity “to exchange best practices in potato production and gather insights on their regulatory and marketing strategies to improve our own practices.”
The U.K. is the world’s top importer of cheese according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, which means Idaho has a vested interest in curating a relationship in order to support its dairy market.
