(WASHINGTON D.C.) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative and U.S. agriculture groups offered congratulations to the new chief.
“He steps into the job at a critical time for American agriculture,” says American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten rural America with even more economic hardship.” Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement saying that “Given his experience and negotiating skills, Jamieson Greer will no doubt do an outstanding job of advancing the U.S. trade agenda. We look forward to working with Ambassador Greer as we seek to address unfair trading practices and open new markets abroad for America’s corn growers.”
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed the Senate’s confirmation of Greer to fill the position of U.S. Trade Representative as well. “With over 50 percent of U.S. wheat heading to overseas markets, trade is a major priority for wheat growers. NAWG looks forward to working with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to promote free trade and expand export markets for our nation’s producers,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule.
“We are pleased to see an appointment who has extensive experience advocating for U.S. farmers, and someone who is aware of trade barriers facing U.S. agriculture,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to open new markets and grow existing markets for U.S. wheat.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said in a statement that “USMEF congratulates Ambassador Greer on his confirmation and we look forward to working with him to expand global opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. Though often overlooked, significant market access improvements for U.S. red meat were achieved under the previous Trump administration in critical markets such as Japan, China and Europe, with Ambassador Greer playing a key role at USTR.”
Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation said in a statement that “On behalf of the U.S. dairy industry, congratulations to Jamieson Greer on his confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative. Exports play an indispensable role in supporting America’s dairy farmers and workers across the country. As I know first-hand from my prior work with him at USTR, Ambassador Greer will be a strong advocate for American farmers and American-made products. His talents as a trade lawyer are exceptional. We are eager to work with him and his team to secure opportunities for U.S. dairy producers to compete on a level global playing field and grow export markets.”
Growth Energy also applauded the confirmation. “After a record-setting year for exports, the U.S. biofuels industry is more focused than ever on accelerating growth through international sales,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Accomplishing that goal will require a strong voice to speak on behalf of America’s farmers and biofuel producers when negotiating new trade agreements, expanding export markets, and addressing unfair trade issues.”
Greer is a trade lawyer who served as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer during the previous Trump administration. Five Democrats and 51 Republicans voted for the confirmation.
