Greer Confirmed as USTR

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative.  Greer is a trade lawyer who served as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer during the previous Trump administration.

Five Democrats and 51 Republicans voted for the confirmation.

Many members of the Ag community voice their support following Greer's confirmation:

"He steps into the job at a critical time for American agriculture,” said Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten rural America with even more economic hardship.”

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulates Jamieson Greer on his confirmation as the United States Trade Representative. Ambassador Greer has extensive experience in trade policy, and we are grateful to have a trade ambassador who will continue to fight for America’s cattle producers, hold our trade partners accountable, and secure new and expanded market access abroad," said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.  "Ambassador Greer’s first-hand experience working on key negotiations like the U.S-China Phase One Agreement and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement proves that he has the skills to deliver key wins and level the playing field for U.S. cattle producers. U.S. beef is in strong demand around the world with exports alone adding $415 per head of cattle, and that is due to the success of effective trade policy. We look forward to working with President Trump and Ambassador Greer to secure new opportunities for American cattle producers and to hold our trade partners accountable.” 

“We are pleased to see an appointment who has extensive experience advocating for U.S. farmers, and someone who is aware of trade barriers facing U.S. agriculture,” said U.S. Wheat Associates President Vince Peterson.  “We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to open new markets and grow existing markets for U.S. wheat.”

“With over 50% of U.S. wheat heading to overseas markets, trade is a major priority for wheat growers. NAWG looks forward to working with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to promote free trade and expand export markets for our nation’s producers,” said National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule.

"The U.S. Meat Export Federation congratulates Ambassador Greer on his confirmation and we look forward to working with him to expand global opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb," noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.  "Though often overlooked, significant market access improvements for U.S. red meat were achieved under the previous Trump administration in critical markets such as Japan, China and Europe, with Ambassador Greer playing a key role at USTR."

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