Ag Negotiator Highlights 2020 Game Plan on Trade

WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump Administration’s chief ag negotiator Ambassador Gregg Doud kicked off the 2020 Government Affairs Conference yesterday afternoon with remarks that energized the more than 100 rice industry representatives here from across the country ready to fan out for meetings with Members of Congress and agency offices.

Doud has made several trips to rice country in recent years, both to the mid-south and California, and has traveled extensively throughout the world, often accompanying his boss, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Doud’s remarks focused on the U.S.-China Phase One agreement, which includes commitments by China to purchase U.S. rice.  He also talked about the importance of a level playing field in trade, citing wins at the World Trade Organization against China and hinting at more cases on the way.  He also discussed future trade negotiations with the United Kingdom, Japan, the European Union, and Kenya.

“We were encouraged by Ambassador Doud’s talk as he really laid out the Administration’s game plan for the next 10 months, explaining things from a farmer’s perspective and helping us understand some of the challenges they face as negotiators,” said USA Rice Chair Charley Mathews, Jr.  “Many of us have had the opportunity to interact with Ambassador Doud before, and this type of continued, candid access makes our visits to Washington really worthwhile.  We appreciate him coming to our meeting and his staff’s willingness to meet with us, too.”