Idaho agriculture is stepping onto the world stage. Governor Brad Little recently traveled to the United Kingdom to promote Idaho’s agricultural products and build relationships with British buyers, joining national efforts to expand American farm exports under a newly announced U.S.–UK trade deal.

The timing of the trip coincided with a major announcement from the White House marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, where President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer unveiled a historic trade agreement designed to open UK markets to American goods while strengthening both countries’ economic and national security ties.

“This deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture,” President Trump said during the announcement. “It will dramatically increase access for American beef, ethanol, and virtually all of the products produced by our great farmers.”

Under the agreement, the United Kingdom will reduce or eliminate numerous non-tariff barriers that have historically limited American farm exports. The deal is expected to create a $5 billion opportunity for new U.S. exports, including more than $700 million in ethanol and $250 million in beef and other agricultural goods.

Prime Minister Starmer described it as “a deal that will boost trade between our countries, protect jobs, and create new ones by opening market access.”

Governor Little’s UK mission builds directly on that momentum. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture joined him to highlight the state’s signature products — potatoes, beef, dairy, and specialty crops — all of which stand to benefit from the new trade framework.

“This is a great opportunity for Idaho agriculture,” Governor Little said. “We’re proud to see American farmers gaining fair access to overseas markets, and Idaho is ready to lead the way.”

In 2024, Idaho exported nearly $3 million in agricultural products to the UK, about 70% of which were processed potatoes. The new trade terms could help Idaho diversify those exports, opening opportunities for beef, dairy, grains, and ethanol-based products.

The deal also includes provisions to streamline customs procedures, establish higher standards in labor and environmental practices, and create secure supply chains for key sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals — policies designed to stabilize U.S. trade and manufacturing.

For Idaho’s farmers and ranchers, expanded access to the UK represents more than just numbers on a trade sheet — it’s a sign that small communities can compete globally when given the chance.  While some challenges remain, such as shipping costs and regulatory alignment, local producers see this as groundwork that could pay off for years to come.

By the numbers, Idaho agriculture contributes over $20 billion annually to the state’s economy with more than 20% of Idaho farm products being sold to international markets.  The local ag industry supports one in every eight Idaho jobs.  Idaho’s top agricultural exports include potatoes and processed potato products, beef cattle, dairy products, wheat and barley, hay and other forages, and specialty crops such as onions, beans, and sugar beets.

As Idaho continues to promote its agricultural excellence, the combination of national trade policy and local initiative could usher in new growth for the state’s number-one industry.  Opening up trade agreements with the UK matters to Idaho agriculture because it is one of the world’s largest importers of food products.  British consumers value traceable, sustainably produced food—areas where Idaho excels.  Strengthening these trade ties helps keep Idaho farms competitive and connected in the global marketplace.