This week, the U.S. Senate confirmed Doug McKalip to serve as the Chief Ag Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says McKalip has gained broad support and will represent the interests of rural America.
Ag leaders and groups are welcoming McKalip’s confirmation:
House Ag GOP
Pleased to see the Senate confirm Doug McKalip to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator.
— House Ag GOP (@HouseAgGOP) December 22, 2022
⁰Farmers and ranchers rely on trade to compete in the global market, and we hope to see the Administration change course and pursue an aggressive trade agenda that benefits U.S. producers. https://t.co/8eMUAdkT3q
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack
I am please the Senate has confirmed Doug McKalip as the @USTradeRep’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Doug has been a crucial part of our at @USDA. USTR is very lucky to have him!
— Secretary Tom Vilsack (@SecVilsack) December 22, 2022
National Grain and Feed Association
Congratulations to Doug McKalip on his confirmation as chief ag negotiator @USTradeRep and to Alexis Taylor as undersecretary of trade @USDA. NGFA members are excited to see these highly qualified individuals serve in these important roles for US #agriculture!
— NGFA (@NGFA) December 23, 2022
U.S. Meat Export Federation
“There’s been a lot of issues around the world that we need a seat at the table at, and Doug McKalip comes with a wealth of knowledge and background, and we’re looking forward to working with him very closely,” said President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
National Milk Producers Federation
“Today’s Senate confirmation of Doug ensures that American dairy farmers will be strongly represented at the negotiating table as the U.S. pursues full implementation of USMCA dairy terms and engages in trade discussions with Indo-Pacific partners and others. Doug understands the value that comprehensive trade agreements have brought to American farmers and ranchers, and we encourage him to be a vocal advocate for new agricultural market access opportunities,” said President and CEO Jim Mulhern.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
“NCBA extends our congratulations to Doug McKalip on his confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NCBA is pleased that the Senate confirmed such a qualified nominee who can now get to work promoting new trade opportunities that benefit American cattle producers,” said Government Affairs Vice President Ethan Lane.
