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Ag groups pleased with Tai’s confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative

The Senate has confirmed Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative by a 98-0 vote today.

She is the first Asian American and woman of color in the role. Tai previously served as the USTR’s chief counsel for China trade enforcement during the Obama administration and chief trade lawyer for the House Ways and Means committee.

Many ag groups are pleased with the confirmation.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says Tai’s ability to build bipartisan support for policies and enforce fair trade rules will help U.S. farmers and ranchers compete internationally and continue feeding the world.

U.S. Wheat Associates President Vince Peterson says the confirmation comes at a crucial time for U.S. wheat farmers who will want Tai to hold China to additional enforcement language in the Phase One Agreement.

National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule says they look forward to working with Tai on taking an aggressive stance on prioritizing agricultural trade efforts.

U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Krysta Harden says the council welcomes the confirmation at a time when exports of U.S. dairy products are critical to the economic well-being of the millions of American workers employed by the dairy industry.

Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, says enforcement of current trade agreements and opening new market opportunities will be critical as more than 15 percent of U.S. milk production is exported each year.

National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert says Tai has demonstrated her familiarity with opening foreign markets and reducing barriers for U.S. food and agriculture.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says RFA is looking forward to working with Tai to pursue new trade opportunities for the biofuels industry and address existing trade challenges.