Agricultural Groups Seek Creation of Trade-Focused USDA Office

A wide group of agricultural and farm interests support a reorganization of "trade-related agencies, programs and activities" and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they said in a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) The groups said the creation of new position, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, would provide a "singular focus on trade and foster more effective coordination" of USDA trade policies.

Such a position would bring high-level USDA representation to trade negotiations and streamline management, they said. The agriculture and food industry is well positioned for growth through the projection population growth of 2.5 billion people by 2050, they said. Such growth will also come with "significant challenges to keep existing foreign markets open and gain access to new emerging markets for U.S. farm and food products," they said.

The groups that signed the letter were: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, American Feed Industry, Association National Pork Producers Council, American Frozen Food Institute, National Potato Council, American Meat Institute, National Renderers Association, American Soybean Association, National Turkey Federation, Animal Health Institute, North American Meat Processors Association, Corn Refiners Association, U.S. Apple Association, International Dairy Foods Association, U.S. Meat Export Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, U.S. Wheat Associates, National Chicken Council, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, National Corn Growers Association, USA Rice Federation, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Western Growers Association, National Meat Association.

Email documents@brokerpower.com for a copy of the letter.