President of Almond Alliance of California Biden’s pick for Chief Ag Negotiator

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President of Almond Alliance of California Biden’s pick for Chief Ag Negotiator

President Biden has nominated the head of the Almond Alliance of California to be the Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

USTR Katherine Tai says Elaine Trevino understands the importance of America’s farmers and farming communities to the vitality of the economy, and her experience will help the administration craft durable trade policy that creates broad-based prosperity.

On a call with ag reporters Tuesday morning, Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says Trevino will have a lot of work to do if confirmed.

“In particular, I’m concerned about Mexico’s ban on biotech products and Canada’s manipulation of the dairy tariff rate quotas.”

He suggests the trade partners are not delivering according to the spirit and language of USMCA.

Grassley is also eager to hear the President’s strategy on China.

“I understand the need for a review period at the start of an administration, and I’ve given time for that. But we’re now nearly nine months in and Congress has yet to see anything about what its policy might be.”

Farm groups are weighing in on the nomination of Trevino.  American Farm Bureau says it’s encouraged because of her strong roots in agriculture and experience in America’s largest exporting state.

The North American Meat Institute applauds Trevino’s nomination, saying she has been outspoken on the need to address the crisis at U.S. ports.

If confirmed, Trevino would be the first woman of color and first Latina to serve as chief ag negotiator.

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