AFIA Welcomes Nomination of Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

May 13, 2022

Contact Lacie Dotterweich, Communications and Social Media Manager

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomes the nomination of Alexis Taylor as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs. President Joe Biden’s announcement today is vital as the U.S. animal food industry’s ability to grow relies on filling the increasing need for animal protein and dairy foods in export markets. 

Below is a statement from AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman regarding the nomination: 

“Alexis Taylor‘s extensive experience working on behalf of U.S. agricultural trade interests as deputy undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service during the Obama administration, while leading the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and in Congress is welcome in this challenging environment. This experience makes her an ideal candidate for representing and advocating on behalf of U.S. agricultural interests to expand export opportunities and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“We look forward to working with Ms. Taylor to leverage opportunities to maintain science and evidence-based international standards, mitigate trade barriers and open new markets for the U.S. animal food industry.” 

The U.S. animal food manufacturing industry relies heavily on trade. In 2021, U.S. animal feed and pet food manufacturers exported over $7.5 billion in products, including $5.5 billion in feed and feed ingredients and $2 billion in pet food products, a 22% increase in value over 2020. The industry’s exports support thousands of jobs across the feed industry and associated industries, and ensure that global farmers have access to the latest animal feed ingredients to help them produce food more efficiently and sustainably.