CropLife America (CLA) has issued the following statement from Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA, on the confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):
“With the confirmation of Robert Lighthizer as USTR, the U.S. can now move forward with important trade initiatives to remain competitive in the global marketplace. The international trade of food and feed products grown and raised by U.S. farmers, who responsibly use crop protection and other ag technology, helps make the global food system more efficient and ensures access to nutritious food for all. Mr. Lighthizer’s experience with the Senate Finance Committee and as the deputy trade representative under President Reagan makes him an unparalleled choice for USTR. With Mr. Lighthizer at the helm of the Office of the USTR and Secretary Perdue now leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American agriculture will grow even stronger and continue to lead the world’s production of food.”
In addition, Doug Nelson, senior advisor for trade, intellectual property & strategic issues at CLA, stated:
“CLA continues to advocate for fair trade agreements and promote export market access for American farm production. Open trade, and the enforcement of trade rules, is necessary to move agriculture forward, and we are pleased Mr. Lighthizer will be driving our country’s international trade efforts. We look forward to continuing to work with the office of USTR on issues related to the export of crop protection products and remain available as a resource and as a partner for increasing the global trade of crop protection technology.”