Recognizing the importance of international trade to American agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs was met applause from U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).
Ernst, a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Hoeven, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development, and Fischer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, noted the positive impact that the new undersecretary could have on rural areas and the agricultural sector.
The 2014 Farm Bill highlighted the importance of trade, Ernst noted, and Congress previously directed the USDA to establish an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
“During his confirmation hearing, I asked Secretary Perdue to take a look at that and make sure that we put the right person for that job in place,” Ernst said. “Today, Secretary Perdue made good on his commitment, and through this move, he acknowledged how vital trade is to our farmers and ranchers, and that he is prepared to step up and fight for their interests.”
Ernst added that she was encouraged that Perdue also elevated the rural development agencies so that they will now report directly to him.
Hoeven, meanwhile, has spoken to Perdue about the new post several times and received a letter outlining the announced changes in advance.
“Our farmers and ranchers do a tremendous job producing high-quality food, fuel and fiber to feed the world, which is why agriculture has a positive balance of trade,” Hoeven said. “We appreciate Secretary Perdue’s focus on growing foreign markets for American products, which is vital to the success of our farmers and ranchers.”
Hoeven has led efforts to expand U.S. agricultural producers’ access to foreign markets. He urged the administration to negotiate an agreement that restores U.S. beef imports to China, and he backed a U.S. Trade Representative compliance case against China for failing to meet World Trade Organization obligations to import billions of dollars in U.S. commodities.
“As chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working directly with the USDA secretary to ensure that our rural development programs work for rural communities and build a high quality rural America,” Hoeven said.
Fischer also applauded the ability of the new undersecretary position to bring new opportunities to America’s agricultural producers.
“I welcome Secretary Perdue’s announcement today that he will follow the law and create this much-needed position at the USDA,” Fischer said. “This idea was a wise recommendation of my friend and former colleague, U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE). The undersecretary for trade will expand opportunities for Nebraska producers to reach new markets and deliver more of their high-quality products to consumers around the world.”