Ag groups asking for President Trump to name a Chief Agricultural Negotiator

Gregg Doud served in this role in the president’s first term

Dozens of U.S. ag industry groups are calling on President Trump to nominate someone for an important ag trade role.

The American Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, National Pork Producers Council, and Farmers for Free Trade are among the organizations asking for someone to be nominated as the next Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

This position “is an asset to farmers and ranchers across the United States as well as within the federal government,” the groups said in a July 8 letter to the president. “Having a dedicated political appointee focused entirely on agricultural trade issues will lead to more effective and productive negotiations, ultimately resulting in increased demand for high-quality American products.”

In Trump’s first term, Gregg Doud, the current president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), held the role.

The NMPF is also a signatory on the letter.

A potential name surfaced earlier in the year.

In April, reports indicated Doug Hoelscher, who served as the director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs during Trump’s first term, would be nominated.

The U.S. finds itself in multiple trade disputes.

Because of this, a strong voice is necessary for farmers at the negotiating table, the groups say.

“A Chief Agricultural Negotiator will optimize the United States’ position to prevent missing time-sensitive opportunities to reduce trade barriers, open new markets, and eradicate unfair trade practices,” the groups said. “A strong advocate in this role helps to ensure that agricultural priorities are integrated early and consistently throughout the negotiation process and brings critical expertise in the full range of agricultural production, supply chain, and technical issues.”