The National Chicken Council, along with almost 100 other food and agricultural trade organizations, sent a letter today to all members of the Senate Finance Committee to express their strong support for the confirmation of Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Darci Vetter as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The position of chief agricultural negotiator with the rank of ambassador was created in 1997 by Congress for the express purpose of ensuring that U.S. agriculture is fully represented in trade negotiations at the highest possible level.  The letter pointed out that Deputy Under Secretary Vetter brings a wealth of well-rounded background expertise and has already had over six years of experience at USTR.  She has also had extensive experience working for the Senate Finance Committee and her most recent experience within the U.S. Department of Agriculture has also given her direct exposure to the workings of many of the critical programs related to trade currently offered by the federal government as well as the numerous trade associations involved in helping to stimulate agriculture trade.

For those reasons, “we believe Deputy Under Secretary Vetter is an exceptional selection to fill the role of agricultural ambassador, and we urge her swift confirmation by the Senate,” the letter concluded.