Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has named Doug McKalip as the department's chief agricultural negotiator.
According to a recent USDA news release, Vilsack said McKalip has done a good job representing U.S. farmers on the global front.
“Having served as a key agriculture policy official for nearly three decades, he has worked on every aspect of farming from soil conservation, and the supply chain to dealing with sensitive trade and national security matters," Vilsack said. "Through his service, he has represented American farmers around the world and advocated for U.S. agricultural products and technology.
“Doug has been a key member of my team throughout my tenure as secretary and has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle difficult issues and to develop bi-partisan solutions to challenges when opposing views exist," Vilsack added. "These skills will serve him well as chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative."
According to Ag Net West, several groups have also supported McKalip's new role, including the U.S. Grains Council, Farmers for Free Trade, U.S. Apple Association, U.S. Wheat Associates, National Association of Wheat Growers and the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
“Expanding U.S. agricultural export opportunities requires all hands on deck,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, according to Ag Net West. “Doug is an excellent choice given his strong background in agriculture, earned while serving in numerous positions within the White House and USDA. He brings an informed perspective on how to best drive policy and support American agriculture and he will be ready to lead from day one.”
According to Ag Net West, the position hasn’t been filled since President Joe Biden took office 17 months ago.
