ARLINGTON, VA. — On May 13, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomed the nomination of Alexis Taylor to undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Taylor‘s extensive experience working on behalf of US 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,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of AFIA. “This experience makes her an ideal candidate for representing and advocating on behalf of US agricultural interests to expand export opportunities and maintain US competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

Alexis Taylor (Source: AFIA).

According to AFIA, the nomination of Taylor will aid in growth of animal food exports for the United States. Currently, the animal food manufacturing industry within the United States relies heavily on trade, with exports from 2021 achieving the highest levels ever recorded. In 2021, animal feed and pet food manufacturers exported more than $7.5 billion in products, including $2 billion in pet food products, a 22% increase compared to 2020.

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

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.