McKalip Is Confident He Can Expand Overseas Market Access

Doug McKalip, was confirmed as President Biden’s Chief Ag Trade Negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office just before Christmas.  He now faces a huge challenge to expand overseas market access.  It’s not a new issue for McKalip, who has roughly 30 years’ experience at USDA, including as an advisor to Secretary Vilsack.

“Recently at USDA, I helped spearhead negotiations that led to greater market access in Mexico for U.S.-grown potatoes. I’ve also been directly involved in negotiations with my Canadian counterparts on dairy policy. This experience has provided me a direct appreciation for the difficult steps and the tenacity that we must exhibit to ensure that the promises of past trade agreements are fully realized.”

But McKalip recently added that many Americans have grown “weary” of trade and questioned if those promises will “benefit their bottom line.”  He adds that’s why USTR Katherine Tai is stressing enforcement of existing trade deals like USMCA.

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