USDA’s Undersecretary for Trade and Agricultural Affairs position has been vacant since the time President Biden took office. Earlier this week, the Senate confirmed Alexis Taylor to hold that position.
Taylor is an Iowa native and has directed the Oregon Agriculture Department since 2016, according to Agri-Pulse. She was also deputy undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services at USDA during the Obama Administration.
Many ag leaders and groups are applauding her confirmation, including Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Thanks to the confirmation of Alexis Taylor as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, @USDA can continue our critical work on a key priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and build on our already record trade numbers under her experienced leadership.
— Secretary Tom Vilsack (@SecVilsack) December 21, 2022
Senator Joni Ernst
Iowa Roots. ISU Grad. Army Veteran.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) December 21, 2022
I’m glad to see Alexis Taylor confirmed to serve as Under Sec. for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs @USDA, ensuring agricultural trade is a priority.
The success of the #IowaAg community and our state’s economy depends on it!
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
“We have worked closely with Ms. Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and on Capitol Hill, and she is a proven advocate for farmers and ranchers. We look forward to partnering with Ms. Taylor to open new markets to American beef and help U.S. cattle producers see even more benefit from trade,” said NCBA Government Affairs Vice President Ethan Lane.
“USMEF thanks the U.S. Senate for its confirmation of Alexis Taylor, who will be a tremendous asset to USDA and a champion for U.S. agriculture. USMEF had many opportunities to work with Ms. Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and she brings an exceptionally strong background and track record to this key position,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
Growth Energy
Having grown up on an Iowa farm herself, Taylor has a firm understanding of the biofuels industry and the role it plays not only in the U.S. and global economy, but in revitalizing rural communities. Congratulations to Alexis Taylor - we look forward to working together! https://t.co/Z4M7ltbY6l
— Growth Energy (@GrowthEnergy) December 21, 2022
National Milk Producers Federation
“Her dedication and experience make her the perfect choice to serve American dairy producers and cooperatives’ goals of expanding access to international markets through this crucial role. We look forward to working together in ensuring agricultural export opportunities are included in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and other trade initiatives, in ensuring USMCA is fully and fairly implemented, and in tackling barriers to U.S. dairy exports in markets around the world,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern.
National Pork Producers Federation
Congrats to Alexis Taylor on her confirmation as @USDA Under Sec. of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Her experience and knowledge of ag policy and trade issues will serve our industry well, and we look forward to working with her.https://t.co/oFd7BSVU45
— NPPC (@NPPC) December 22, 2022
Story via Philip Brasher with Agri-Pulse.
