NCC joined the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and California Poultry Federation in a letter advocating for the quick confirmation of Elaine Trevino to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator within 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 read. “This position is essential to ensuring that existing export markets are maintained and new markets are opened for U.S. agricultural products.”
The letter was addressed to the Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for the confirmation hearing and committee vote on this particular position. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) were also copied on the letter.
“Elaine Trevino, with her strong roots in agriculture and experience in America’s largest agricultural-exporting state, possesses well-honed agricultural policy experience with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Almond Alliance of California, and serving alongside Jim Sumner on USDA’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC). Her years in representing U.S. agriculture will serve the entire U.S. agricultural community well as USTR’s agricultural ambassador.”
The position has been open since the departure of Gregg Doud, who held the post for over three years in the previous administration. President Biden nominated Trevino earlier this week.
The full letter can be found here.
