President Trump has nominated Gregory Doud of Kansas to be the chief agricultural negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Doud is president of the Commodity Markets Council, where he has worked since 2013. Prior to that, he was on the staff of the Senate Agriculture Committee and he helped draft the 2012 Senate farm bill.

Before joining the ag committee staff, Doud was chief economist for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and he has also worked for the U.S. Wheat Associates and the World Perpsectives firms.

Colin Woodall, senior vice president of government affairs of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, urged the Senate to confirm Doud's nomination as soon as possible.

“Gregg was NCBA’s chief economist for eight years, and he understands as well as anybody the importance of exports for our industry," Woodall said. "As important trade negotiations take place over NAFTA and hopefully a bilateral agreement with Japan, we look forward to working with Gregg and his team to ensure that the voice of American beef producers is heard loud and clear.”

The American Soybean Association praised the confirmation.

“Doud is a farm policy veteran with a wealth of experience and a solid understanding of the vital role trade plays in the U.S. agriculture economy,” said ASA Vice President John Heisdorffer.

The ASA also urged prompt confirmation.

“With the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, we hope both the Administration and Congress will do their parts to quickly advance and confirm Doud’s nomination,” Heisdorffer said. “Now is the time to fill positions with qualified individuals who understand the importance of trade to further enhance economic growth and job creation here at home.”

Doud was raised on a farm near Mankato, Kansas, that is still operated by his parents. He and his family live on a horse farm in Lothian, Maryland. 

Source: White House, NCBA, ASA