Censky, McKinney confirmed for key USDA posts

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Steve Censky, nominated by President Donald Trump as deputy secretary, and Ted McKinney, selected by the president to be under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. The under secretary role was created as part of a reorganization at USDA, and was announced in May.

“I commend the Senate for confirming these two experienced, prepared and capable nominees, who will provide the steady leadership we need at USDA,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. “Steve Censky will help us be responsive to producers reeling from the effects of multiple hurricanes and also offer prudent counsel as Congress continues work on the 2018 Farm Bill. Ted McKinney will take charge of the newly-created mission area focused on trade, and wake up every morning seeking to sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets.”

McKinney will work closely with U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

In May the National Potato Council (NPC) issued a statement in support of the new under secretary for trade position at USDA .

“With strong, focused leadership by this new undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs and continued coordination with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the potato industry and all of U.S. agriculture will be an economic  force to be reckoned with in world markets,” said NPC Executive Vice President and CEO John Keeling.