ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — The US Senate has confirmed Doug McKalip as US Trade Representative (USTR) chief agricultural negotiator.

McKalip has been a key ag policy official for close to 30 years and is currently a senior advisor to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He has served in numerous leadership positions in USDA and represented American farmers, ranchers and agriculture around the world while advocating for US agricultural products and technology.

“He is exceptionally qualified to lead in this role, which NGFA members have been eager to see filled so that U.S. agriculture can be better represented and promoted in trade negotiations around the world,” said National Grain and Feed Association President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Seyfert.

NGFA also congratulated Alexis Taylor for her confirmation as undersecretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the USDA.

Taylor is currently the Oregon Director of Agriculture and oversees the state’s efforts in food safety and consumer protection, natural resource protection and the promotion of Oregon products in the United States and around the world. She served a tour in Iraq as a member of the Army Reserves and has worked for several members of Congress.

Both nominees were easily advanced on a bipartisan basis by Senate committees earlier this year.

In a Nov. 29 letter to Senate leadership, NGFA and nearly 60 other agricultural groups urged the Senate to confirm both nominees by the end of this year.