The White House National Economic Council director announced several senior staff appointments on Feb. 27. Among the appointees is Ray Starling, who was named a special assistant to the president for agriculture, trade and food assistance. 

The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates Ray Starling, recently named a special assistant to President Donald Trump for agriculture, trade and food assistance.

In his new role, Starling will hold a seat on the National Economic Council, where he will advise President Trump on agriculture and trade issues. Previously, Starling served as chief of staff to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., as well as an adviser to Tillis on farm issues.

"To have an advocate for agriculture like Ray Starling in this position is very positive for soybean farmers," said ASA Director Jimmy Thomas, a producer from Timberlake, N.C. "In his time with Sen. Tillis, and prior to it with the North Carolina legislature and the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Ray has proven himself to be someone who understands the challenges farmers face and what role government can play in helping us to succeed. In his role, he will also be able to draw the direct connection between global agricultural trade and a successful farm economy."

North Carolina Soybean Producers Association President John Fleming, a farmer from Tarboro, N.C., added, “Ray Starling has spent the majority of his career in agricultural policy. He has a deep understanding of the needs of rural America, having grown up on his family’s farm in eastern North Carolina. Ray has demonstrated his commitment to soy growers and we congratulate President Trump on such a strategic hire.”

“At a time when American agriculture faces urgent economic challenges, President Trump’s appointment of North Carolina native Ray Starling to the National Economic Council as special assistant to the president for agriculture, trade and food assistance is a great choice," said Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau Federation. “We look forward to working with Mr. Starling as he advises the president on economic policy matters. With about one quarter of all U.S. agricultural production destined for foreign markets, certainly, we know that trade and market development are critical issues. But economic policy comes in many forms, including how regulations affect the ability of our farmers and ranchers to remain competitive and profitable. Mr. Starling understands those challenges and we look forward to supporting him in this very important role.”

“By picking a true champion of American agriculture to serve in this key advisory role, President Trump is sending a clear signal of his commitment to reverse unnecessary regulations inhibiting pork producers and all U.S. farmers from doing what they do best: supplying the world with the most nutritious, affordable and abundant food available," said John Weber, president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa.

Other appointments include:

Sources: ASA, White House, AFBF, NPPC