In an announcement on June 9th, Doug McKalip was nominated as U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator.

He has extensive experience in the USDA and has served as an advisor to Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, on trade issues since the inception of the current Administration.  His nomination was supported by U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai.

The position requires the incumbent to negotiate with trade partners and to devise and implement strategies that increase U.S. farm exports. The appointment to the position, which has been inadvisably delayed, is critical, given disputes with both Canada over dairy imports and ongoing issues with China.