AFBF Statement on Confirmation of Alexis Taylor as USDA Trade Undersecretary

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on today’s Senate confirmation of Alexis Taylor as USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural services.

“I’m confident Alexis Taylor will do a great job in this important role at USDA and I’m pleased she was finally confirmed. Her previous experience at USDA, on Capitol Hill and leading a state department of agriculture are solid preparation for what will be a big job.

“Trade is critically important to U.S. agriculture, and we need a strong advocate on the world stage and capable leader for the USDA staff who serve as our eyes and ears around the globe. Alexis will be both. Our team at AFBF looks forward to working with her to pursue new and expanded market opportunities for our agricultural products.

“I urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm Doug McKalip as chief agricultural trade negotiator at USTR, too. It’s critical for U.S. agriculture to be well represented in trade negotiations and dispute resolution discussions, and this vacancy puts us at a disadvantage.”