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McKalips nominated as chief agricultural negotiator

The U.S. might soon have a new chief agricultural negotiator for trade.  President Biden has nominated long-time USDA staffer Doug McKalip for the role at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says McKalip has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle difficult issues and that American agriculture and USTR will be well served by having him in this new role. 

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says McKalip is a highly qualified nominee and his institutional knowledge of USDA spans multiple administrations, from leading different offices to serving as a trusted advisor to Secretary Vilsack.

The American Soybean Association welcomed the nomination.  CEO and former USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky says U.S. agriculture faces numerous challenges on the global marketplace, and that McKalip understands these challenges deeply and ASA is thrilled about this nomination.

McKalip also has the support of the U.S. Grains Council which issued a statement saying McKalip will be able to use his strong background in farm and trade policy and his knowledge of biotechnology to advance trade priorities and open markets for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, and co-products.

North American Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says, “Doug McKalip has experience working with many facets of agriculture and is well suited to serve in this important post.” She says this is a critical time to work toward greater access to global markets for U.S. meat and poultry products.

Executive Director Brian Kuehl with Farmers for Free Trade says it’s encouraging that the Biden Administration has nominated Mr. McKalip for this critical position.  He says his group looks forward to working with McKalip on the many opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, particularly as the U.S. pursues the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and considers tariff rollbacks.  Kuehl says the U.S needs aggressive action to open markets for American ag, particularly as we struggle to compete globally due to trade policies that have encouraged protectionism and erected too many barriers to trade.

National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says McKelip is an excellent choice given his strong background in agriculture and he brings an informed perspective on how to best drive policy and support American agriculture.  Mulhern says he will be ready to lead from day one.

U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Krysta Harden says McKelip has seen firsthand how opening new markets and lowering tariffs on American dairy products have been essential to the success or our farmers, manufacturers and workers and she says as Chief Agricultural Negotiator, he will have the opportunity to help us continue to grow and thrive through exports.

McKalip’s nomination must be approved by the U.S. Senate.

This article has been updated since publishing to include additional comments of support for Mr. McKelip.