Trump Taps McKinney For Federal Ag Post
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPresident Donald Trump says he will nominate Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says McKinney’s background will make him an "unapologetic advocate for U.S. products in the world marketplace."
McKinney became ISDA director in 2014 under Governor Mike Pence. He also spent decades in leadership roles in companies including Dow AgroSciences and Eli Lilly and Co. subsidiary Elanco.
Earlier this month, McKinney and other Indiana ag leaders released a 10-year strategic plan that he says provides a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the state’s industry. During an interview with Inside INdiana Business Television, he said, to grow the state’s $31 billion ag sector, it must embrace innovation"from before the farm gate to the consumer plate."
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue:
For our new under secretary position emphasizing international trade, I have always said that I want someone who wakes up every morning asking how we can sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets. Ted McKinney is that person. His longstanding background in agriculture, economic development, and global issues will make him an unapologetic advocate for U.S. products in the world marketplace.
Statement from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb:
Ted will be a strong voice in this new role with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He took agriculture to the next level in Indiana with his wealth of experience and enthusiasm in all sectors of the agriculture community, and I know he will do the same for our nation in this position as undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.