Agricultural groups from multiple agricultural sectors are encouraging the inclusion of a provision in the Chairman’s Mark of the upcoming farm bill that would establish an Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA. In a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, the groups wrote – the trade organizational structure at USDA has remained unchanged since it was last reorganized in 1978. Much else has changed in Agriculture.

The groups point out that over this period, the value and nature of U.S. agriculture exports has changed dramatically. In 1978, U.S. agriculture exports totaled 29-billion dollars whereas in 2011 they reached 136-billion. In 1978, grains and oilseeds amounted to 60 percent of all U.S. agriculture exports while meat and poultry accounted for 3 percent and produce 6 percent. Now grains and oilseeds account for 36 percent of all agriculture exports while meat and poultry constitute 15 percent and produce 13 percent. And there are trade barriers.

The groups believe – such a position will bring unified high level representation to key trade negotiations with senior, foreign officials and within the Executive Branch. It will also allow future Administrations to recruit an Under Secretary who has extensive experience in international trade negotiation and policy issues. The position would also help streamline management, create greater efficiencies and enhance emphasis in the Office of the Under Secretary responsible for key domestic programs.