Gregory Doud of Kansas has been approved by a Senate voice vote to be the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Praise for Doud

“The need for continued and expanded market access into growing areas of the world is critical for the long-term success of the U.S. animal food manufacturing industry,” said American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Joel G. Newman. “Doud has a strong background in agriculture, and we look forward to working with him on representing the industry’s interests in the ongoing discussions on the North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.” 

“Ambassador Doud’s confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator comes at a critical time for the American farming community,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “As modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement continues, he will be instrumental in defending what is working well for agriculture and fixing what is broken, such as Canada’s damaging dairy pricing scheme and other barriers.”

Hold released

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, released his hold on Doud in early February, Politico reported. Flake placed a hold on the nomination in response to a controversial proposal regarding seasonal produce introduced in the North American Free Trade Agreement talks.

Related:NPPC calls for confirmation vote on 4 nominees

In a statement announcing he had released the hold, Flake said he had received commitments from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to meet with Arizona stakeholders who rely on NAFTA and would be negatively impacted by the proposed provision.

“Given the importance of U.S. agriculture and what’s at stake for them in the NAFTA negotiations, I am pleased that this nomination can move forward,” Flake said. “While certainly there are areas in the NAFTA agreement ripe for modernization, adding ill-advised seasonal or regional components to existing trade remedies would lead to needless trade restrictions, devastating economic consequences, and likely retaliation.” 

Others confirmed March 1:

Related:Trump nominates Gregory Doud to be chief ag negotiator

“We are very pleased with the Senate’s confirmation of Gregory Doud, Dennis Shea and C.J. Mahoney to key positions at the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office,” Mulhern said. “These individuals have demonstrable experience in the areas of agriculture and trade policy, and we’re confident they will strongly advocate for U.S. dairy and agriculture overall.”

“I applaud the Senate for taking action to confirm these immensely qualified trade deputies and negotiators,” said U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer. “C.J. Mahoney has extensive experience in investment and will play a critical role in helping to negotiate free, fair and reciprocal trade deals, including existing agreements like NAFTA. Dennis Shea will be a steadfast representative of U.S. priorities at the World Trade Organization, building agreement with like-minded members and holding our trading partners accountable. Gregg Doud’s vast experience in the agriculture sector will serve him well as he works to expand export opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

Source: American Feed Industry Association, Office of Sen. Jeff Flake, U.S. Senate, National Milk Producers Federation, Office of U.S. Trade Representative