(NAFB) – Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack gave the keynote address last week at the USDA’s annual Agricultural Outlook Forum.

The Hagstrom Report says that the secretary called the outlook for U.S. agriculture “bright, strong, and positive” despite the problems around the world. When asked about the impact of the battle in Ukraine, Vilsack said it’s too early to make projections about what impacts the war will have on fertilizer and food prices in the U.S. He also says the administration will be supportive of state attorneys general analyzing the history of fertilizer pricing. His biggest concern is that companies may be taking advantage of farmers.

The secretary made his remarks after returning from a trade mission to Dubai, the first mission in two years. Vilsack says ag exports set a record last year, and exports will be even higher this year. He said the Dubai trip is part of an agency effort to diversify exports beyond China.