AFIA Welcomes Nomination of Chief Ag Negotiator

September 14, 2021

Contact Victoria Broehm, Director of Communications

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomes the nomination of Elaine Trevino as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). President Joe Biden’s announcement Monday provides a much-needed voice for agricultural trade concerns within the USTR and White House.

Below is a statement from AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman regarding the nomination:

“Elaine Trevino’s experience with the almond industry— an industry heavily reliant on exports—from the United States’ largest exporting state, makes her an ideal candidate for representing and advocating on behalf of U.S. agricultural interests to expand export opportunities and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“We look forward to working with Ms. Trevino to leverage opportunities to create new trade agreements, tackle trade barriers and open new markets for the U.S. animal food industry.”

The U.S. animal food manufacturing industry relies heavily on trade. Exports support thousands of jobs across the feed industry and associated industries. In 2020, U.S. exports of feed, feed ingredients and pet food reached $12.9 billion, a 6.7% increase over 2019.