WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a 56-43 vote on Feb. 26, the U.S. Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as President Donald J. Trump’s new U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

“It is my honor to be confirmed by the Senate to serve as President Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative,” said Greer, who worked in the first Trump administration as chief of staff to then-USTR Robert Lighthizer.

As USTR, Greer will work with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to oversee Trump’s trade agenda.

“President Trump recognizes the role unfair trade practices have played in offshoring American jobs and harming our national security,” Greer said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I will work strategically to address unfair trade practices, open new markets, tackle our record trade deficit, and restore America’s ability to become a country of producers.”

Until recently, Greer was a partner in the international trade team at King & Spalding law firm in Washington, D.C., with his practice focusing on helping companies use international trade laws and policies to achieve geopolitically sustainable business models.

Ethan Lane, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association senior vice president of government affairs, told Farm World, “Ambassador Greer has extensive experience in trade policy, and we are grateful to have a trade ambassador who will continue to fight for America’s cattle producers, hold our trade partners accountable, and secure new and expanded market access abroad.

“Ambassador Greer’s first-hand experience working on key negotiations like the U.S-China Phase One Agreement and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement proves that he has the skills to deliver key wins, and level the playing field for U.S. cattle producers,” he said.

“U.S. beef is in strong demand around the world, with exports alone adding $415 per head of cattle, and that is due to the success of effective trade policy,” he added. “We look forward to working with President Trump and Ambassador Greer to secure new opportunities for American cattle producers, and to hold our trade partners accountable.”

In a Feb. 26 statement, the National Pork Producers Council said it “will work with (Greer) to open and expand market access for U.S. pork in countries around the globe.”

Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO, said, “USMEF congratulates Ambassador Greer on his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him to expand global opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. Though often overlooked, significant market access improvements for U.S. red meat were achieved under the previous Trump administration in critical markets such as Japan, China and Europe, with Ambassador Greer playing a key role at USTR.”

Josh Gackle, American Soybean Association chair (ASA) and a Kulm, N.D., soybean farmer, said, “Soybeans are the United States’ largest agricultural export, and the USTR’s work at addressing market access and non-tariff issues is critical for continued market growth. Both soy farmers and staff at ASA look forward to working with Greer and other members of the incoming administration as the industry continues to advance U.S. soy in the global marketplace.”

Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, said, “(Greer) steps into the job at a critical time for American agriculture. Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten to hit rural Americans with more economic hardships at a time when they are already dealing with high supply costs and shrinking paychecks.

“Mr. Greer’s experience with trade issues will help create a level playing field to help farmers and ranchers compete internationally, and continue to address food needs around the world,” he added.

Brian Kuehl, Farmers for Free Trade executive director, said, “We urge Ambassador Greer to prioritize trade agreements and enforcement measures that ensure fair treatment for U.S. agricultural products, while fostering strong, lasting partnerships with our global trading partners. We stand ready to support efforts that keep American agriculture competitive and thriving in the world marketplace.”