ST. LOUIS – On July 10, the US Senate confirmed Darci Vetter as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the US Trade Representative. Many agriculture insiders see this as a good choice.

"As growers of the nation's largest farm export, soybean farmers have a critical stake in the progress and development of agricultural trade with our foreign partners,” said Ray Gaesser, president of the American Soybean Association. “Ms. Vetter is a versatile and capable advocate for American agriculture and we send our most sincere congratulations on her confirmation by the Senate. As we move forward with new trade agreements with Europe and our partners in the Pacific Rim, and as we restore and strengthen relationships with existing trading partners, Ms. Vetter will provide a strong voice for American soybean farmers at the highest level."


"I am pleased that America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities will continue to benefit from Darci's experience and background in her new role as US. chief agricultural negotiator,” added Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “As deputy under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, she helped to facilitate record food and farm exports that supported nearly one million jobs here at home and expanded opportunity in rural communities. I have no doubt that Darci will continue to be a valuable advocate for rural America."