This week Robert Lighthizer was sworn in as U.S. Trade Representative after being confirmed last week by the Senate on an 82 to 14 vote. Thad Lively, Senior Vice President of trade access for the U.S. Meat Export Federation says Lighthizer brings valuable experience to the job and will be able to handle global trade challenges.

Last week Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue also announced a reorganization of USDA and the creation of an Undersecretary for Trade. Lively says MEF supports that move.

He says the new USDA position for trade will help foster new agreements and solidify existing ones.

Lively says his group is anxious to work with both Lighthizer and the new USDA Undersecretary for Trade.