(NewsDakota.com/NAFB) – The Senate approved the nominations of Doug McKalip as the chief agricultural negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and Jose Esteban as USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says the nominees waited three months for a long-overdue floor vote. “Doug McKalip has proven he’s ready for the essential task of growing new markets abroad and protecting our producers from unfair trade practices,” she says.

During a confirmation hearing earlier this year, McKalip said, “It will be my duty to break down trade barriers to American food and ag exports.” He’ll also press trading partners to live up to existing agreements. As the undersecretary for food safety, Esteban will be the agency’s leader on issues ranging from preventing food-borne illnesses to the regulation of cell-cultured meat that’s now near commercialization.

Ranking Senate Ag Committee Member John Boozman says Esteban brings years of experience to a crucial USDA position.