National Pork Producer Council officials are hailing the move by the White House in appointing Ray Starling as Special Assistant to the President On Agriculture, Trade and Food Aid. NPPC’s Dave Warner says it’s positive for agriculture that Starling grew up on a North Carolina hog farm and will work well to address the needs of rural America in his new position.

He says Starling has a great background that will aid him in advising the President on trade.

Warner says it also helps that Starling served as Chief of staff for North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and will be a good go between between the President and Congress.

Warner says NPPC looks forward to working with Starling and the Trump administration to address the needs of rural America.