Ag Policy Blog

Agricultural groups are praising the U.S. Senate's confirmation vote on Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The Senate late Thursday confirmed a bloc of President Trump's nominees to high federal positions by a vote of 53 to 43.

Along with Callahan, the confirmed nominees include:

Michael Selig as chairman and commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

Mindy Brashears as Agriculture undersecretary of food safety

Atella Yvette Herrell as Agriculture assistant secretary for congressional affairs and external relations

John Walk as USDA inspector general

Callahan, before taking the top job was assistant agricultural negotiator at USTR. Several groups weighed with their support including the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, the National Pork Producers Council, the Corn Refiners Association, the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council, Growth Energy, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Pet Food Institute.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) offered support for Callahan and Brashears.

"Dr. Callahan and Dr. Brashears have an astute understanding of what it takes to successfully raise, grow, harvest and promote U.S. agricultural products given their deep experience with agricultural policy and regulation within the federal government," said Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA. "This is a critical time to advance U.S. agriculture's competitiveness, reduce barriers to trade and improve food access for Americans and beyond. On behalf of NADSA members, we congratulate our friends on being confirmed for these essential positions and look forward to working with Dr. Callahan as we seek to open new markets for America's farmers and ranchers and Dr. Brashears as we continue our cooperative agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to keep U.S. produced food of the highest safety and quality."

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, also gave a nod to Selig's confirmation as well. "I look forward to working with Chairman Selig to ensure the CFTC offers clear and pragmatic regulation of risk management markets, and particularly as Congress considers legislation to expand its authority related to digital commodities. Selig's leadership will be invaluable as the agency enters this new era and takes on greater responsibilities."

Boozman added, "The Senate confirmed a historic number of administration officials this year including 12 leaders to key USDA roles. We are eager to work together in support of farmers and a stronger rural America."

Chris Clayton and Jerry Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Chris Clayton can be reached at Chris.Clayton@dtn.com

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