WASHINGTON (September 22, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to confirm key nominees for Under Secretary for Food Safety and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Cattle producers need strong, stable leadership in top positions at USDA and we urge the Senate to move quickly on confirming these highly qualified nominees,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.
For the position of Under Secretary for Food Safety, the President nominated Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban who currently serves in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
“NCBA has worked closely with Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban in his role as Chief Scientist of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and as Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Committee on Food Hygiene,” said NCBA Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Chase DeCoite. “Dr. Esteban’s decades of experience in food safety, epidemiology, and public health make him an extremely qualified candidate for USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety and NCBA enthusiastically supports his nomination.”
For the position of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, the President nominated Ms. Alexis Taylor who currently serves as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
“NCBA has worked closely with Alexis Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and on Capitol Hill. She is a proven advocate for farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “NCBA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs so she can get to work advocating for expanded trade opportunities for America’s cattle producers.”
The Senate Agriculture Committee will need to vote in favor of these nominees before the full Senate casts the final confirmation vote. NCBA has previously submitted letters of support for both nominees.
