Ag Groups Ask Trump to Fill Chief Ag Negotiator Role

USAgNet - 07/10/2025

A letter with signatures from 42 agricultural associations, led by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), was sent to President Trump urging him to expeditiously nominate a chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

The group said the nomination is critical to prioritizing the needs of American agriculture amidst the ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations.

"The chief agricultural negotiator is an asset to farmers and ranchers across the United States as well as within the federal government," the letter said. "Their voice ensures that agriculture issues are prioritized as negotiations are ongoing and become more complicated."

The role is responsible for conducting and overseeing international negotiations related to trade of agricultural products. The role is political, and each incoming administration is responsible for nominating someone to serve in the position.

The signatories applauded the president for addressing international trade and promoting U.S. trade interests.

"We are also encouraged by your administration's willingness to address unfair trade practices that are distorting markets and creating supply chain vulnerabilities in the U.S. food system," the letter noted. "To ensure that meaningful progress is made, we seek the nomination and confirmation of a chief agricultural negotiator to prioritize agriculture issues at the negotiating table and to secure wins for rural America."

The letter comes as farmers and ranchers are facing challenging economic conditions with low prices, high input costs, increased global competition and languishing markets. Farmers and ranchers heavily rely on exports to be successful, and the momentum generated by the ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations is promising.

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