WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Katherine Tai as the next U.S. Trade Representative. Ambassador Tai, in her former role as the chief Democratic trade lawyer for the House Ways and Means Committee, regularly met with agriculture stakeholders, so she brings a deep understanding of the important role trade plays in our farm economy. Most recently, her work to support passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was vital to maintaining and building U.S. agricultural markets.

“CropLife America congratulates Ambassador Tai and appreciates her stated interest in working with the agriculture community. Prior to her confirmation, I had the opportunity to meet with her, along with fellow agriculture association CEOs, to discuss trade concerns and opportunities facing U.S. agriculture,” said Chris Novak, CLA’s president and CEO. “It is promising to know that the Biden Administration has made the expansion of global market opportunities a priority in their 2021 Trade Agenda. Ambassador Tai will face a number of challenges—including strengthening the role of the World Trade Organization, ensuring proper enforcement of the USMCA, and minimizing disruptions stemming from technical barriers to trade. We look forward to working with her as she confronts these issues.”