WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2014 – Almost 100 agriculture and
food-related groups sent a letter
to members of the Senate Finance
Committee today endorsing the nomination of Darci
Vetter as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States
Trade Representative (USTR).
Vetter is currently the USDA’s deputy undersecretary for
farm and foreign agricultural services. Prior to her service at USDA, Vetter served as
an adviser to the Senate Finance Committee and directed agricultural affairs at
USTR.
The 97 groups, including the American
Farm Bureau Federation, the National Council
of Farmer Cooperatives and the National
Association of State Departments of Agriculture, said Vetter “brings a
wealth of well-rounded background expertise” to the USTR position.
The groups also reminded lawmakers of the importance of
agriculture to the U.S. trade mission and the economy, noting U.S. farm exports
were valued at about $140 in 2013.
“[A]griculture remains one of the few sectors in the overall
economy that has shown a positive trade balance for decades,” the groups wrote.
“The most recent figures place this value at or above $30 billion, making the
role of the chief agricultural negotiator as one of the most important in the
entire Office of the USTR.”
Vetter, if confirmed by the Senate, will replace Islam
Siddiqui, who is stepping down after a year and a half at the position.
#30
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