Wheat Industry Applauds Administration’s Nomination of Alexis Taylor

ARLINGTON, VA - Today, President Biden announced the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs.

The Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs mission area plays a key role in developing and implementing USDA’s trade policy, oversees and facilitates foreign market access, and promotion opportunities for U.S. agriculture. The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates applaud the nomination of Alexis Taylor.

“NAWG welcomes President Biden nominating Alexis Taylor to this key role and encourage the Senate Agriculture Committee to work diligently and expeditiously in considering this nomination," said NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule.

“I have worked with Alexis for over fifteen years and know the industry appreciates her experience and understanding of the agriculture community and trade issues.

"We are eager to see this key leadership role be filled quickly and encourage timely Senate consideration so she may begin important work at the USDA to advocate for U.S. wheat farmers and be an advocate for American agriculture around the world,” said Goule.

“Ms. Taylor has worked to open new markets for American agriculture in her previous position at FAS and as director of Oregon’s Department of Agriculture,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “Looking ahead to the next Farm Bill negotiations, we know she will be an experienced advocate who can help explain to policy makers how important export market development programs are to our country’s farmers and ranchers.”

Alexis Taylor currently serves as the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Director, where she oversees the state’s efforts on food safety and consumer protection, natural resource protection and the promotion of Oregon products.

Prior to this, Taylor oversaw the USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, where she worked to improve market access and improve the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products around the world. Before joining USDA, Alexis worked on Capitol Hill in both the Senate and House of Representatives.