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Senate Ag Committee considers key USDA nominees

Ag groups are urging the Senate to swiftly confirm key USDA nominees.

On Thursday the Senate Ag Committee heard testimony from Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban, the Biden administration’s nominee for Under Secretary for Food Safety. He says every American has the right to safe food.  “We have one the world’s safest and strongest food safety systems,” he says.  “I intend to maintain and enhance that status.”  Esteban currently serves in the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Alexis Taylor, the nominee for Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, says trade plays a crucial role in the success of American farmers.  “Expanding and maintaining market opportunities, rebuilding strong and reliable trading relationships, and holding our trading partners accountable is essential,” she says.  Taylor currently serves as the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. 

The Committee also heard testimony to consider Vincent Logan’s nomination to the Farm Credit Administration Board of Directors.  Members of the three-person FCA Board are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. If confirmed, Logan will fill a vacant position and is expected to be designated as the Chairman of the Board. 

The Senate Ag Committee will need to vote favorably on these nominees before the full Senate can cast the final confirmation votes.