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Callahan tells senators trade fairness and market access are top ag priorities

President Trump’s nominee for chief ag negotiator within the Office of the Trade Representative says increasing market access for farmers and breaking down trade barriers are her top priorities.

During a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Julie Callahan said American agriculture is under great stress.

“Farmers and ranchers rely on export markets to break even,” she said, “and often find themselves on the receiving end of retaliation and unfair trade practices that threaten their very existence.”

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, asked Callahan how she would address the trade dispute with China. Callahan said the U.S.-China trading relationship needs to be “transactional” moving forward.

“We don’t want to over rely on China as an export market, but we also don’t want that market to be zero.”

She said fair and enforceable trade agreements will be critical for U.S. growers.

“Many trading partners don’t treat the United States as well as we treat them,” Callahan said. “And moreover, many treat our competitors better than they treat us.”

Callahan currently serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy.