Senate Confirms Callahan as Chief Ag Negotiator

The National Corn Growers Association praised the U.S. Senate today for confirming Dr. Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

The position is responsible for overseeing international trade matters pertaining to agricultural products and commodities.

"We are extremely pleased to see that Ambassador Callahan will serve in this role, which is critical to the success of farmers," said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. "We endorsed her nomination early on, because we know she has the extensive experience and know-how to help growers take advantage of opportunities and navigate challenges. We look forward to working with the ambassador to position corn and corn products for successful inclusion in trade deals negotiated by the administration."

NCGA led a letter earlier this year requesting that this position be promptly filled due to its importance for U.S. agriculture.

The position Callahan holds has proven vital to America's corn growers in recent years. Earlier this year, Mexico withdrew a measure banning genetically modified corn imports from the U.S. after USTR successfully filed a dispute settlement against the country over the matter. The chief agricultural negotiator was instrumental throughout the dispute, which allowed the United States to prevail.

Mexico is the biggest market for American corn growers, and over 90% of American corn is genetically modified.