President Bush has named Richard Crowder as the chief agricultural negotiator. If confirmed by the Senate, Crowder would succeed Ambassador Allen Johnson, who resigned in September.
Crowder currently serves as the president and chief executive officer for the American Seed Trade Association. He was previously a senior vice president at DEKALB Genetics Corp. From 1989 to 1992 he served as Undersecretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs at USDA. "Dick Crowder has a long, impressive background dealing with agriculture issues," says U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. "He brings to the negotiating table unique insight to the needs of farmers and ranchers coupled with solid experience in the government. He comes at a crucial time in the global trade talks, commonly known as the Doha Development Agenda, where negotiations on agriculture reform are key to opening markets worldwide."
Audrae Erickson, president of the Corn Refiners Association, praised the Virginia candidate. "His outstanding technical expertise and highly relevant experience will prove invaluable in addressing the many trade issues that confront our trade sector," he says.
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