Agricultural Groups Praise Jamieson Greer’s Confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative

On Wednesday, Jamieson Greer was confirmed by the Senate to be the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for President Donald Trump’s second administration.

It will be Greer’s second stint in a Trump administration, having served as chief of staff to Trump’s previous Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer. Between then and now, Greer was an international trade attorney at King & Spalding LLP.

According to a bio on Greer from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Greer “worked very closely with Ambassador Lighthizer and senior White House officials on developing and implementing trade policy and advised the USTR on all aspects of the agency’s mission.” 

The bio went on to say that Greer was integrally involved in the U.S.-China Phase One trade agreement and the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that were negotiated during Trump’s first administration. According to the bio, Greer “participated in every major Administration trade action initiated during his three years at USTR.”

Several agricultural groups have congratulated Greer on his confirmation and weighed in on his fit for the role.

American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the “national advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.” Farm Bureau members in over 2,800 counties meet to discuss and vote on ag-related policies, and those policies set the agenda for state Farm Bureaus and AFBF.

In a statement on Wednesday, AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented on Greer’s confirmation: 

“AFBF congratulates Jamieson Greer on his confirmation to serve as the next United States Trade Representative. He steps into the job at a critical time for American agriculture. Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten to hit rural Americans with more economic hardships at a time when they are already dealing with high supply costs and shrinking paychecks.”

Duvall added, “Mr. Greer’s experience with trade issues will help create a level playing field to help farmers and ranchers compete internationally and continue to address food needs around the world.”

Growth Energy

As the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, Growth Energy is “the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry.”

On Wednesday, Growth Energy congratulated Greer on his confirmation as USTR.

“After a record-setting year for ethanol exports, the U.S. biofuels industry is more focused than ever on accelerating growth through international sales,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. 

“Accomplishing this goal, however, will require a strong voice to speak on behalf of America’s farmers and biofuel producers when negotiating new trade agreements, expanding export markets, and addressing unfair trade issues facing U.S. ethanol,” said Skor. “Mr. Greer is qualified to represent the American ethanol industry and its farm partners on the global stage, and we look forward to working with him and with our champions in Congress to make trade fairer and more beneficial for the rural economy.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) “represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth.” Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production.

On Wednesday, IRFA congratulated Greer on his confirmation, and IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“As Iowa leads the nation in renewable fuels production, IRFA members know just how crucial it is to open the door to new international markets while maintaining access to those we have. As President Trump seeks to implement his vision to create a balance of trade, agriculture and renewable fuels should be a key tool. IRFA members look forward to working closely with Greer, the USDA trade team, and the U.S. Grains Council to ensure trade agreements are optimizing opportunities for farmers and renewable fuel producers across the nation.”

National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) works with a team of 20 state wheat-grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at state and national levels. U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry and promotes the reliability, quality, and value of U.S. wheat to wheat buyers, millers, bakers, food processors, and government officials in more than 100 countries around the world.

In a joint statement Wednesday, NAWG and USW welcomed the news of Greer’s confirmation. 

The statement said that “both organizations are pleased with Greer’s past work in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. As chief of staff for former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Greer was involved in many important trade negotiations, including those that led to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.”

“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 NAWG CEO Chandler Goule.

“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 USW President Vince Peterson. “We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to open new markets and grow existing markets for U.S. wheat.”

National Milk Producers Federation

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) “develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.”

On Wednesday, NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud congratulated Greer on his confirmation.

“Exports play an indispensable role in supporting America’s dairy farmers and workers across the country. As I know first-hand from my prior work with him at USTR, Ambassador Greer will be a strong advocate for American farmers and American-made products. His talents as a trade lawyer are exceptional. We are eager to work with him and his team to secure opportunities for U.S. dairy producers to compete on a level global playing field and grow export markets,” said Doud.