Wyden Statement on Senate Confirmation of Darci Vetter

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today welcomed the Senate’s confirmation of Darci Vetter to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“Darci is the right person at the right time to stand up for American farmers, ranchers and workers in tough trade negotiations underway with Asia and Europe. Oregon wheat growers, dairy farmers, and organics producers need someone at the negotiating table who understands that any trade deal must result in ambitious, comprehensive market opening for American agriculture,” said Wyden. “I am confident that Darci - the daughter of an organic farmer from Nebraska with deep experience on agriculture trade issues - will fight hard for their interests and those of all American agriculture producers.”

During a hearing to consider Vetter’s nomination on May 8, Wyden said that the only way to pry open markets such as Japan for agriculture is by passing strong, enforceable trade deals, and noted Vetter’s outstanding record on trade policy. The committee approved Vetter’s nomination unanimously on May 21.

Darci Vetter is currently the USDA deputy under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services, a position she has held since 2010.

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